Trying to pinpoint what it is about cuisine that makes Seattle unique results in a history lesson. The Dutch baby, created in the now-closed Manca's Cafe in the early 20th century, is a product of the northern European impact on the city's early history. Seattle has a large Japanese population and has been here since the 19th century, making it a popular destination for sushi lovers. A Japanese immigrant brought American-style teriyaki to Seattle in the 1970s, and Korean immigrants helped spread it around the city.
Two classic Seattle meals, banh mi and pho, are the product of Vietnamese immigrants, many of whom arrived as refugees in the latter half of the 20th century. Coffee entrepreneurs, notably David Schomer of Vivace, introduced Espresso to Seattle. Continue your exploration!
7 Famous Foods Of Seattle
1. Teriyaki at Toshi's Teriyaki Grill
Although the history of American-style teriyaki, just named after its Japanese counterpart, is unclear, Toshi Kasahara, who founded Toshi's Teriyaki in 1976, is credited as one of its main proponents. Then he served teriyaki, which created the genre with its slightly charred meat, side salad and rice, and sweet, sticky sauce. You can find Teriyaki almost anywhere. But if you want to discover the original, head up to Mill Creek, where Kasahara has opened a new location.
Location: 1111 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Teriyaki And Sticky Rice
Price for 2: $70 approx.
2. The salad at Canlis
An iconic salad can be better with cold romaine, croutons, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped bacon, a coddled egg, cherry tomatoes, and slivered green onions tossed with oregano, mint, and Romano cheese. Even if the new head chef, Aisha Ibrahim, doesn't emphasise the salad, it's still a part of the Canlis experience despite the restaurant's modernisation. Along with the salads, there are other beautiful dishes you can try and devour, including non-vegetarian and vegan options.
Location: 2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Caesar Salad, Peach Salad
Price for 2: $30 approx.
Image Credits: Canlis
3. Espresso at Espresso Vivace Capitol Hill
Espresso Vivace is the reason you can find espresso in almost any place in Seattle, even in shipping centres and dental offices. Although he did not introduce espresso to Seattle, founder David Schomer is generally acknowledged for having elevated the beverage through his attention to detail regarding water temperature, grind size, and tamping method. He published a book on espresso beverages and educated a new generation of baristas in the 1990s, which helped him to popularise his concepts across the nation.
Location: 532 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Latte, Expresso
Price for 2: $30 approx.
4. Dutch Baby at Tilikum Place Cafe
Few people even know what a Dutch baby is, and hardly anyone is aware that the invention of the Dutch baby took place in Seattle. Make an appointment for brunch at Belltown's Tilikum Place Cafe, a charming vintage spot that serves Dutch babies and French press coffee. Eggy, thick and slightly savoury, these resemble a hybrid of a Yorkshire pudding and a pancake, served to you on a hot cast-iron skillet with all the fanfare and fanciness of breakfast fajitas. The traditional version is served with syrup and lemon, and Tilikum Place offers seasonal sweet and savoury versions.
Location: 407 Cedar St, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Dutch Baby, Rib eye
Price for 2: $100 approx.
Image Credits: Tilikum Place Cafe
5. Seattle Dog at Dog In the Park
The combination of a hot dog, cream cheese, and onion isn't haute cuisine; thus, the Seattle dog isn't a delicacy. However, something about the combination of creamy, sweet, and meaty flavours makes for the ideal food truck lunch. The dish's origins are up for debate, although Seattle dogs are widely available across the city, particularly in the downtown area. A particularly outstanding one at Dog in the Park serves it outside of Westlake Centre and incorporates some cabbage.
Location: 1520 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Seattle Dog, Club Sandwich
Price for 2: $30 approx.
6. Sushi at Sushi Kashiba
In Seattle sushi, Shiro Kashiba is revered as the god emperor. He was the driving force behind Maneki's 1969 opening of the city's first authentic sushi bar, and his disciples went on to open some of the most renowned omakase establishments in the area, including Takai by Kashiba and Sushi Suzuki. You can watch the octogenarian Kashiba at Pike Place's Sushi Kashiba. Since reservations are not accepted at the chef's counter. You can plan for an evening to visit.
Location: 86 Pine St Suite #1, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Tuna Sushi, Vegan Sushi
Price for 2: $60 approx.
7. Banh Mi at Saigon Deli
There are countless types of these Vietnamese sandwiches, and each person has a favourite spot to purchase them. However, Saigon Deli (the location in Chinatown-International District, not the University District joint of the same name) is the choice for the must-try, essential banh mi; even with inflation, the combination of the crunchy crust of the bread, the heat from the chiles, the sweetness of the pig meat, and the kick from the cilantro results in best sandwich.
Location: 1200 S Jackson St # 7, Seattle, WA 98144, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Banh Mi, Rice Noodle
Price for 2: $40 approx.
And now more than ever, a number of the city's top eateries combine the region's rich natural resources with the varied cultural backgrounds of its neighbourhoods to create incredibly tasty dishes, whether it's a Central District kitchen serving soul food or an Eastside Sichuan noodle shop that serves as Seattle's own Silicon Valley. Continue your exploration!