Top 10 Street Food You Must Try In Boston, Massachusetts

Franchesca Judine
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read
street food in boston

Situated right in the heart of Massachusetts, Boston boasts some of the world’s most prestigious universities and top-class sports teams. With this city being one of the oldest cities in the United States, it offers a rich history with an immensely diverse culture and a strong heritage. Considered one of the best cities in the country, everyone’s bound to have an enjoyable experience exploring Boston’s magnificent skyscrapers, luxurious museums and world-class orchestras. Beyond that, they also have some of the most delicious street food. Ranging from sweet to savoury, affordable to pricey, and local to international cuisine, you will definitely not stay hungry in Boston. Here are the top street food you must try in Boston!

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1. French fries

French fries
Source: Pixabay

This is a classic, all-American snack that you can’t miss out on. French fries are best served hot, and Boston knows exactly that. Abundant with flavour, Boston locals have given the beloved snack a delicious twist. Whether it’s drizzled with cheese, topped with bacon or come in a wide array of flavours, you’re in for a hell of a ride with these deep-fried potato snacks. So, take a stop at any of Boston’s many fast food joints and order yourself a tray of fries.

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2. Chicken tinga (shredded chicken in taco/tostada)

TostadasTinga
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AlejandroLinaresG... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Originally from Mexico, this yummy, spicy dish has slowly made its way to Boston. Chicken tinga is shredded chicken drenched in a tomato sauce with onions and chipotle chilis. Chicken tinga comes with a classic filling for tacos and tostadas, usually paired with other ingredients such as avocado, refried beans and sour cream. There is no shortage of this delicious dish in Boston. You’ll find a number of food spots offering chicken tinga that’ll leave you craving for more.

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3. Fried cauliflower

 Fried cauliflower
Source: Pixabay

It’s always a good idea to eat your vegetables, but it’s a better idea to deep-fry them. Fried cauliflower is a popular dish in a number of cuisines from all over the world. It is usually eaten as a side dish, but let’s be honest, you can just have these little balls of goodness on their own. While they’re not the healthiest dish ever, it’ll be the tastiest cauliflower you’ll ever have. From restaurants to food trucks, Boston is riddled with fried cauliflower. You don’t have to travel far for this crispy, delicious snack.

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4. Sopapillas (deep-fried pastry)

Sopapillas
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Popo le Chien used under CC0

Popular within Hispanic culture, sopapillas are the perfect snack. This Hispanic dish is a deep-fried pastry that can either be served sweet or salty. If you have a sweet tooth, you can have your sopapillas with sugar and honey or if you’re having a savoury kick, you can always have it with meat or beans. Boston has put their own spin on the classic Hispanic snack. From bulgogi (Korean marinated beef) to sweet chilli cream cheese, Boston has taken this irresistible snack to a whole another level. Without a doubt, you’ll be craving for more.

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Boston Tour Guide

Naim Benmayor

Naim Benmayor

As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this uniq... Read more

5. Hot dogs

Gourmet hot dogs, corn dog and home fries
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bing used under CC BY 2.0

Hot dogs are an American staple, one that you don’t want to miss. Over the years, hot dogs have been taken to whole new levels, with modern variations taking the forefront. In Boston, hot dogs are often steamed rather than grilled, providing a whole new culinary experience. Beyond that, the city has taken various twists on the classic snack. Whether it’s topped with pickles and onions or drenched in gravy, Boston hot dogs are a must-have for anyone visiting the city.

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6. Porchetta (pork roast)

Porchetta
Source: Pixabay

Originating from Italian cuisine, Porchetta is a fragrant, slow-roasted pork dish. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this Italian dish is usually served as a centrepiece for special occasions but is now also an easy snack on-the-go. In Boston, you’ll find porchetta on a lot of restaurant menus in the form of sandwiches, pizza, pasta and so much more. It’s a delicious snack that you won’t regret biting into.

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7. Grilled cheese sandwich

Grilled cheese sandwiches
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jon Sullivan used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

It does not get more comforting than this! A staple food for everyone, a grilled cheese sandwich makes for an easy and simple snack that’ll never let you down. Either paired with a hearty bowl of tomato soup or on its own, a grilled sandwich is always a good choice. Boston has a wonderful selection of grilled cheese that’s bound to keep you warm on those cold winter afternoons. So, make sure to grab this delicious snack on your next trip to the city.

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8. Cookies

Cookies
Source: Pixabay

For you sweet tooths out there, this is for you. Even with Massachusetts known for being an ice-cream state, their cookies are definitely worth a try. Cookies are a classic dessert that pairs with absolutely everything - ice cream, brownies, pies, you name it. Boston has a great selection of bakeries that offer a wide range of different flavoured cookies that will leave your mouth watering. They are usually soft and chewy because no one likes a hard cookie.

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9. Tacos

Tacos
Source: Pixabay

Traditionally Mexican, tacos are a great meal for any time of the day. Tacos consist of a small tortilla topped with various fillings of your choice but usually, toppings include cheese, beef, tomatoes, sour cream and onions. But of course, you can also add more or less. Boston boasts a number of delicious taco spots, as much as people say otherwise. With a varied price range, you are bound to find authentic and yummy tacos right at the heart of Boston. Whether it’s filled with fish, beef or vegetables, you can find tacos that will, without a doubt, satisfy your cravings. Oh, and make sure to get a side of rice or refried beans, you won’t regret it!

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10. Burgers

Burgers
Source: Pixabay

Much like french fries and hot dogs, burgers are another classic American treat that’s beyond a doubt delicious. Whether from a food truck, fast food spot or restaurant, Boston has some of the best burgers in the state. Ranging from undefeated classics to modern creations, local Boston burger spots will give you a meal you won’t forget and that won’t hurt your wallet at all. Catering to a bunch of taste buds, anyone and everyone can get their perfect burger in Boston, whether that’s smothered in ketchup or barbeque sauce and cooked well done or medium-rare. Make sure to also order a side of fries to complete your dining experience.

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Discover Boston streets like never before

The best way to experience this beautiful and insanely diverse city is through their food. Boston offers a range of cuisines and specialities that will truly add to your adventure through the city. So, prepare your taste buds for a culinary experience like no other right here in Boston, Massachusetts.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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A budding digital creative, a writer and an advocate for sustainability. A certified third-culture kid, Franchesca Judine was born in the island country of the Philippines and was raised in the...Read more

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