Seattle is a city with a diverse and exciting culinary scene. With its fresh seafood, vibrant Asian cuisine, and great coffee, Seattle is a food-lover's paradise. Beyond the city, the entire Pacific Northwest region is home to a thriving food and beverage industry with world-class wines, cheeses, fruit, vegetables, and more all just a short drive from Seattle.

The city's proximity to the Pacific Ocean has had a major impact on its food culture. The Puget Sound, a body of water fed by the Pacific Ocean, is home to a variety of fish and shellfish, which has led to a strong tradition of seafood consumption in Seattle. Seafood is ubiquitous in the city with salmon, crab, oysters, chowder, and more on the menus of many restaurants. Fishing boats dock in and around Seattle to unload their catch each day, and local restaurants and vendors get access to this incredible seafood before the remaining is transported elsewhere across the country.
In addition to its seafood, Seattle also has a strong Asian influence in its cuisine. The city has a large Asian population, and there are many great Asian restaurants in the city. You can find Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Thai food, among others.
Finally, Seattle is of course known for its coffee. The city is home to many famous coffee shops, such as Starbucks and Seattle's Best Coffee. Seattle's coffee scene is known for its high quality and numerous coffee companies with headquarters here.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular Seattle foods, including why each food is so popular here. Whether you're a visitor who wants to soak up the best of Northwest cuisine, a home cook trying to incorporate Seattle flavors into your cooking, or someone who just moved to Seattle, we hope that this article will help you to discover some new and delicious Seattle foods.

Oysters
Oysters are a popular food in Seattle, and for good reason. The Puget Sound is home to some of the best oysters in the world, and there are many great restaurants in Seattle that serve them. Oysters are a versatile food that can be eaten raw, cooked, or grilled. They are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, are low in calories, and are typically served on the half shell with a squeeze of lemon or a mignonette sauce. Raw oysters are a great way to enjoy the briny flavor of the oyster. Some restaurants with oysters in Seattle include The Walrus and the Carpenter, Westward, Taylor Shellfish, and Salumi.
Teriyaki
Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique that involves grilling or broiling meat or fish in a sweet and savory sauce. It is a popular food in Seattle, and there are many restaurants in the city that serve teriyaki dishes. Teriyaki is a great example of how Seattle's unique culinary scene has been influenced by its location. The Japanese influence in Seattle is strong, and teriyaki is a popular dish that is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

Pho
Similar to Teriyaki, pho's popularity in Seattle is another example of the importance of Asian influence on local cuisine. Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is typically made with beef broth, rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and a variety of herbs and spices. Pho can be made with other proteins and ingredients, however. Seattle and the surrounding region is home to hundreds of restaurants serving pho on the menu.
Cioppino
Cioppino is a popular seafood stew that is native to San Francisco, but it has become a popular dish in Seattle as well given the high quality seafood you'll find in the city. The dish is made with a variety of seafood, including fish, shellfish, and clams, and it is typically served in a tomato-based broth. Cioppino is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day, and is typically served with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Seattle Dog
The Seattle dog is a hot dog that is topped with cream cheese, and sometimes additional toppings such as grilled onions or bacon. This unique food is a popular late night snack often found in Capitol Hill, a neighborhood in Seattle known for its vibrant bar scene. While some may think a hot dog slathered in cream cheese could only be appealing after a night of drinking, the reality is that the Seattle dog is tastier than you may imagine and is something you should try.
Geoduck
Geoduck (pronounced "gooey-duck") is a large clam found along the West Coast of the United States from Alaska to Baja California. It is a popular food in Seattle, and it is often served in cioppino, chowder, stir-fries, or even sashimi style. Geoducks are one of the largest bivalves in the world, and they can grow up to 3 feet long. They have a long, siphon-like neck that they use to burrow in the sand. Geoducks are filter feeders, and they eat algae and other small organisms. They are are a delicacy in Seattle, and are sometimes considered to be a sign of wealth. They can be a bit expensive, but they are a very flavorful clam and worth trying at least once.
Pike Place Chowder
Chowder is a popular Seattle food in general, and Pike Place Chowder is a Seattle institution that has been serving up delicious chowder since 1971. The restaurant is located in the heart of Pike Place Market, and it is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Pike Place Chowder is a great place to experience the flavors of Seattle. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is lively, and the service is friendly. If you're looking for a great chowder in Seattle, Pike Place Chowder is the place to go.
Salmon
We'd be remiss to write this story without mentioning salmon. The Puget Sound is home to some of the absolute best salmon in the world. Salmon is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It can be grilled, baked, smoked, pan-fried, or poached. Salmon is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and it is low in calories.

Coffee
Similar to salmon, coffee is a a staple of Seattle culture. Seattle is often referred to as the "Coffee Capital of the World," and it is easy to see why. The city is home to Starbucks, which was founded in Seattle in 1971. Starbucks is now the largest coffee chain in the world, and it has helped to put Seattle on the map as a coffee destination.
IPAs IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are a type of beer that is known for its strong hop flavor. They are a popular drink in Seattle, and there are many great breweries in the city that produce IPAs. IPAs were originally brewed in England for British troops stationed in India. The hops in IPAs help to preserve the beer during the long journey to India. IPAs became popular in Seattle in the 1980s, and the city has since become a major center for IPA brewing.