Delaware Delights: Exploring the Culinary Gems of the First State

Delaware, often referred to as the First State, may be small in size, but it boasts a rich and diverse culinary scene that reflects its coastal heritage, agricultural roots, and historical significance. Nestled along the Mid-Atlantic coast, Delaware’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, offering fresh seafood and unique regional specialties. From classic crab dishes and savory scrapple to seasonal produce from local farms, Delaware’s food culture is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re enjoying a seaside feast, indulging in farm-to-table fare, or exploring the state’s culinary festivals, Delaware offers a flavorful experience that captures the essence of the region.

1. Coastal Cuisine

Blue Crabs:

Delaware’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay makes blue crabs a staple in the state’s cuisine. Steamed blue crabs, seasoned with Old Bay and served with melted butter, are a summertime favorite. Crab feasts, where friends and family gather to enjoy a bushel of crabs, are a cherished tradition. In addition to steamed crabs, crab cakes are a popular dish, often made with minimal fillers to let the sweet, delicate flavor of the crabmeat shine.

Oysters:

Delaware’s coast is also known for its oysters, particularly those harvested from the Delaware Bay. These briny, flavorful oysters are enjoyed raw on the half-shell, grilled, or fried. Oyster roasts and festivals are common in the state, celebrating the harvest season and Delaware’s maritime heritage.

Fried Clams:

Fried clams are another coastal favorite in Delaware. Typically served as a sandwich or as part of a seafood platter, these crispy, golden clams are a delicious nod to the state’s seaside culture. Many beachside restaurants and seafood shacks offer fried clams, making them a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

2. Regional Specialties

Scrapple:

Scrapple is a uniquely Delawarean dish that traces its roots to the state’s early German settlers. Made from pork scraps and cornmeal, scrapple is seasoned with spices and formed into a loaf, then sliced and fried until crispy. It’s a breakfast staple in Delaware, often served with eggs, toast, and a drizzle of maple syrup or ketchup.

Chicken and Slippery Dumplings:

This traditional Delaware dish features tender pieces of chicken stewed with slippery dumplings, which are thin, flat dough strips rather than the typical fluffy dumplings. The dish is hearty and comforting, often served at family gatherings and community events. It’s a favorite in the southern part of the state, reflecting Delaware’s agricultural heritage.

Delaware Peach Pie:

Peaches have long been a key crop in Delaware, and the state’s peach pie is a delicious testament to this agricultural tradition. Delaware peach pie features ripe, juicy peaches baked in a buttery crust, often with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg. This dessert is especially popular during the summer months when peaches are at their peak.

3. Farm-to-Table Freshness

Sweet Corn:

Delaware Foods

Delaware is known for its sweet corn, particularly the varieties grown in the southern part of the state. This fresh, tender corn is a staple at summer barbecues and farmers’ markets. Whether grilled, boiled, or added to salads and salsas, Delaware sweet corn is a must-try for anyone visiting the state during the summer.

Watermelon:

Watermelon is another key crop in Delaware, particularly in Sussex County. The state’s warm summer climate and fertile soil produce some of the juiciest and sweetest watermelons in the region. Watermelon festivals and contests are popular summer events, celebrating this refreshing fruit.

Farm-to-Table Dining:

Delaware has embraced the farm-to-table movement, with many restaurants emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Chefs in cities like Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach create seasonal menus that highlight the state’s agricultural bounty, from heirloom tomatoes and fresh greens to artisanal cheeses and meats.

4. Craft Beverages

Delaware Craft Beer:

Delaware has become a hub for craft beer, thanks in large part to Dogfish Head Brewery, which was one of the pioneers of the craft beer movement. Based in Milton, Dogfish Head is known for its innovative and bold brews, such as the 60 Minute IPA and the off-centered Midas Touch. The state is also home to other notable breweries like Iron Hill Brewery and Fordham & Dominion, making it a destination for beer enthusiasts.

Delaware Wines:

Delaware’s small but growing wine industry offers a range of wines made from local grapes and fruits. Vineyards like Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Wine tastings and vineyard tours provide a relaxing way to explore the state’s burgeoning wine scene.

A Culinary Itinerary Through Delaware: Savoring the First State’s Best Foods

Embark on a flavorful journey through Delaware, where you’ll explore the state’s rich culinary traditions, from coastal seafood to farm-fresh produce and craft beverages. This itinerary will guide you through some of the best spots to indulge in authentic Delaware cuisine, with links to help you plan your trip.

Day 1: Wilmington – Urban Flavors and History

Breakfast: Scrapple and Eggs at Helen’s Sausage House
Start your day at Helen’s Sausage House in Smyrna, a local institution known for its scrapple and breakfast sandwiches. Enjoy a classic Delaware breakfast of scrapple and eggs, served with toast and coffee.
Helen’s Sausage House

Delaware Breweries

Mid-Morning: Explore the Hagley Museum and Library
After breakfast, head to the Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington. This museum offers a fascinating look at Delaware’s industrial history, with exhibits on the DuPont family, early American industry, and beautiful gardens along the Brandywine River.
Hagley Museum and Library

Lunch: Crab Cakes at Harry’s Seafood Grill
For lunch, enjoy fresh seafood at Harry’s Seafood Grill, located on Wilmington’s Riverfront. Their crab cakes, made with fresh lump crab meat and minimal fillers, are a standout dish. Pair your meal with views of the Christina River.
Harry’s Seafood Grill

Afternoon: Visit Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Spend the afternoon exploring the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, one of the country’s premier museums of American decorative arts. The estate’s beautiful gardens and extensive art collection offer a glimpse into the grandeur of early American life.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Dinner: Farm-to-Table Dining at The House of William & Merry
End your day with dinner at The House of William & Merry in Hockessin, a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their seasonal menu features dishes like roasted duck and pan-seared scallops, all made with ingredients from nearby farms.
The House of William & Merry

Day 2: Lewes and Rehoboth Beach – Coastal Delights

Breakfast: Coffee and Pastries at Notting Hill Coffee Roastery
Begin your morning in Lewes with a stop at Notting Hill Coffee Roastery, a cozy cafe known for its freshly roasted coffee and delicious pastries. Enjoy a latte and a croissant as you prepare for a day by the sea.
Notting Hill Coffee Roastery

Mid-Morning: Explore Cape Henlopen State Park
Spend the morning exploring Cape Henlopen State Park, where you can hike, bike, or simply relax on the beach. The park also offers stunning views of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, along with historical sites like Fort Miles.
Cape Henlopen State Park

Lunch: Lobster Rolls at Matt’s Fish Camp
For lunch, head to Matt’s Fish Camp in Lewes, where you can enjoy a classic Connecticut-style lobster roll, served warm and drizzled with butter. This laid-back seafood spot is perfect for a casual, delicious meal.
Matt’s Fish Camp

Delaware Wineries

Afternoon: Visit Dogfish Head Brewery
In the afternoon, take a short drive to Milton to visit Dogfish Head Brewery, one of Delaware’s most famous craft breweries. Take a tour of the brewery, sample a variety of their innovative beers, and explore the brewery’s expansive grounds.
Dogfish Head Brewery

Dinner: Coastal Cuisine at Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar
For dinner, dine at Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar in Rehoboth Beach. This restaurant offers a menu that highlights fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients, with dishes like grilled oysters, seafood towers, and crab cakes. Enjoy your meal with views of the ocean.
Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar

Day 3: Dover – Historical and Culinary Treasures

Breakfast: Country Breakfast at Hall’s Family Restaurant
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Hall’s Family Restaurant in Wyoming, just outside of Dover. Known for its classic country breakfasts, Hall’s serves up dishes like pancakes, eggs, and, of course, scrapple.
Hall’s Family Restaurant

Mid-Morning: Visit the First State Heritage Park
After breakfast, explore the First State Heritage Park in Dover, a collection of historical sites that tell the story of Delaware’s role in American history. Visit the Old State House, Legislative Hall, and the Johnson Victrola Museum.
First State Heritage Park

Lunch: Fried Chicken and Slippery Dumplings at Where Pigs Fly
For lunch, visit Where Pigs Fly in Dover, a local favorite for comfort food. Their fried chicken and slippery dumplings, a Delaware specialty, are a must-try. The restaurant also offers a variety of homemade sides and desserts.
Where Pigs Fly

Afternoon: Tour Harvest Ridge Winery
Spend the afternoon touring Harvest Ridge Winery in Marydel, just outside of Dover. This family-owned winery offers tastings of their locally produced wines, including both traditional grape varieties and fruit wines. Enjoy a glass of wine on the patio overlooking the vineyard.
Harvest Ridge Winery

Dinner: Fine Dining at Grey Fox Grille & Public House
End your day with dinner at Grey Fox Grille & Public House, located in a historic Victorian home in Dover. The restaurant offers a menu of upscale American cuisine, featuring dishes like filet mignon, crab-stuffed shrimp, and seasonal specials.
Grey Fox Grille & Public House

Delaware Weddings

This three-day culinary tour through Delaware offers a taste of the state’s rich and diverse food scene, from coastal seafood and farm-fresh produce to historic regional specialties. Whether you’re savoring a lobster roll by the sea, enjoying scrapple at a local diner, or sampling craft beer at one of Delaware’s top breweries, this itinerary ensures you experience the best of the First State’s culinary treasures. Enjoy your journey through Delaware, where every meal is an opportunity to savor the flavors of this charming and historic state.

Delaware’s culinary offerings are a reflection of its rich history, coastal beauty, and commitment to local ingredients. From the fresh seafood that defines its coastline to the regional specialties like scrapple and peach pie, Delaware’s food culture is a celebration of the state’s heritage and its diverse agricultural landscape. Whether you’re cracking open blue crabs at a summer feast, savoring a slice of Delaware peach pie, or sipping craft beer at a local brewery, the foods of Delaware offer a delicious journey through the First State’s unique and flavorful traditions.