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If you’re looking to learn English in Boston, you made the right choice. You probably already know that EC Boston is located in one of the world’s most popular places. And you definitely know that this city is steeped in American history, tradition and culture. But here’s something you may not know: Boston also has a lively food scene. We’ll help you navigate it, neighbourhood by neighbourhood—and share tips for students on a budget.
7 best Boston foods (EC Boston students weigh in)
In a diverse city like Boston—with over 250,000 students—you’ll find every dish imaginable. But this seaport city is best known for its OG ‘comfort food’ classics. Here’ a run-down of foods that get top marks from EC Boston students:
- Clam chowder—After a day by the water, there’s nothing like a bowl of hearty “chowda.”
- Raw oysters—lots of places sell $1 oysters, so it’s easy to get a taste of the sea on a budget.
- Lobster rolls—A Boston staple, often drizzled with butter and accompanied by crispy fries.
- Baked beans and brown bread—Mmm, baked beans slow-cooked with molasses and pork.
- Boston cream pie—Invented in Boston in 1856, this chocolaty pie is the official state dessert.
- Fenway Franks—A fan favourite at every Red Sox baseball game. You don’t want to miss it.
- Cannolis—These yummy fried pastries are filled with cream, pistachios or chocolate chips.
Practice your English on a neighbourhood food crawl
From pastries on the Freedom Trail to Pizza at the Quincy Market Food Halls, a good meal makes every journey better—and connecting with locals is a great way to improve your English.
“Students get to make a deeper connection with (Boston), and feel like they’re part of the city”.
–Sarah, Centre Director, EC Boston
Pastry in the North End
Start in the charming North End—Boston’s oldest neighbourhood, inhabited since the 1600s! This Italian community is filled with hidden gems—and you’ll find even more all along the Freedom Trail (an easy 2.5 mile walk through historic American Revolutionary sites). Be sure to pick up a world-famous cannoli for the trip at Mike’s Pastry for under $10.
EC Boston student tip: Check for regular online coupons for Mikes Pastry to get $15% off.
Seafood at Quincy Market
Just steps from the EC Boston English school is Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall. This is where you’ll find some of the oldest restaurants in the city—like Union Oyster House, which has been serving Boston classics since 1826. You’ll also find amazing food halls showcasing Boston’s best new cuisine.EC Boston student tip: On Wednesdays, hit the International Food Festival and try foods at stalls labelled ‘The Taste of Quincy Market’ for free.
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Franks at Fenway Park
Photo by Clark Van Der Beken
If you’re taking classes at EC Boston in the summer, you’ll definitely want to take in a Red Sox game in historic Fenway Park. Step up to the plate and try a famous Fenway frank when you’re there—with mustard, onions, pickle relish—all the “fixings” for just $6.
EC Boston student tip: Sign up for Student9s on the Red Sox website for a student discount on Sox tickets.
Burgers on Beacon Hill
Remember that TV show, Cheers? It’s a real place, located on the Freedom Trail just across the street from Boston Common. It looks just like the TV show set—and it’s just as friendly.
EC Boston student tip: The burgers here aren’t cheap, but they’re also not small. Share a Giant ‘Norm Burger’ (about $20) with a few friends from school.
Clam Chowder at Fort Point
Tucked between the Seaport and South Boston is Fort Point Channel, one of Boston’s largest artist communities. Here, on a rustic deck overlooking the water, you’ll find the Barking Crab—where you can get some of the best clam chowder in Boston for under $10.
EC Boston student tip: After that cup of chowder, take a walk along the waterfront, the Boston Harbourwalk. Pretty spectacular—and it’s free.
Pho in Chinatown
Photo by Ethan Hansen
Boston’s Chinatown is an epic foodie spot. Try Shojo for fusion dishes. Visit Hei La Moon for weekend dim sum. But Chinatown has some awesome Vietnamese pho and banh mi spots, too—and these inexpensive, veggie-based dishes have become student favourites.
EC Boston student tip: Try Pho Pasteur’s heaping noodle bowls. Super fresh and under $10.
Cinnamon rolls in the South End
At Flour Bakery & Café in Boston’s trendy South End, James Beard award winner Joanne Chang makes amazing pastries. Who knew delicacies this good could be so inexpensive—but they are.
EC Boston student tip: The buttery cinnamon roll alone is worth the trip—and costs less than $10.
Burritos in Back Bay
Known for its Victorian brownstones, the Boston Public Library, and chic boutiques, Back Bay is also home to Annas Taqueria—arguably the best (and most affordable) Mexican food in the city. Burritos are under $10 and packed with your favourite fillings.
EC Boston student tip: Check for promo codes from Hotdeals.com; you could get $1 off an Anna’s burrito.
Food trucks—just about everywhere
Boston Chowda trucks. Wicked Good Cupcakes trucks. Chicken & Rice Guy Trucks. For students on a budget, food trucks roaming the city are a great option. You’ll be able to sample a huge variety of foods without breaking the bank.
EC Boston student tip: Keep an eye out for Roxy’s Grilled Cheese truck , and grab a yummy $5 grilled cheese sandwich.
Hungry yet? Bring your appetite—and some of your new EC Boston friends—and explore this city’s dynamic food scene together. You’ll all agree: it’s one more great reason to learn English in the USA—at EC Boston.