Ever wonder what Washington’s ultimate comfort food is? According to National Geographic, it’s a bowl of smoked salmon chowder.
The magazine recently published “A Culinary Guide to the U.S.—Based on Each State’s Favorite Dish,” highlighting the comfort foods that best represent every state. As they explained, “Scrapple, blueberry pie, chicken and dumplings—these nostalgic comfort foods are often synonymous with the places they call home.” They also noted that narrowing it down wasn’t easy, since comfort food is deeply personal and often tied to local traditions and memories.
For Washington, their choice was smoked salmon chowder. They described it as “warm, locally sourced, and rich with smoky flavor and herbs,” adding that the potatoes and bacon take it “over the top.” Their recommendations? Pike Place Chowder in Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market and the Northwest Salmon Smokehouse & Artisan Market in Chehalis.
Feeling hungry for some chowder? If you’re in Seattle, National Geographic is correct: Pike Place Chowder is a must-try. The family-owned restaurant says it’s the most awarded chowder restaurant in America, and it’s easy to see why. Their chowders are made fresh from scratch every day using locally sourced ingredients from Pike Place Market and around the Pacific Northwest. In addition to their popular Market location, they also have a downtown Seattle restaurant on the fourth floor of Pacific Place, making it easy to grab a bowl no matter where you’re exploring.
Of course, Seattle has no shortage of great places to enjoy a hearty bowl of chowder. Duke’s Seafood, with several locations around the region, is a longtime local favorite. Ivar’s, right on the waterfront, pairs classic chowder with beautiful Elliott Bay views. For something a little different, Local Tide in Fremont has earned a loyal following, while Ray’s Boathouse in Ballard offers delicious seafood—and chowder—with a memorable waterfront setting.
Whether you stick with National Geographic’s top pick or try another local favorite, there’s no shortage of delicious ways to warm up with a bowl of Washington comfort food.
