Baltimore.mp3 - Nina Simone. Let's commence. One of the greatest female artists of the twentieth century sought inspiration in Maryland, USA. And boy, did it deliver. The home of the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles, the mother of the Chesapeake Bay and the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner (the national anthem), Babe Ruth, and David Hasselhoff. For the ones with a darker appetite, it is also the death bed of Edgar Allan Poe. Maryland is not your American dream. But its history is potent, its museums tell stories, and the food turns atheists into believers. It goes by two nicknames; the Old Line State and the Free State. It also embodies the definition of "juxtaposition," making it irresistible to visitors. One thing is sure; it will not let your palate down. Here are the most authentic Maryland dishes you have to try. Let's get to it.

Crustacean Eden

The Maryland Blue Crab is known for being the State Crustacean; around half of the blue crab harvest (nationwide!) comes from the blue depths of Maryland.

Maryland Crab Soup

The South has nothing on Maryland crab soup. It lives and breathes its own original tradition. There's no sherry, no cream - only tomato essence, peas, carrots, corn, lima beans, potatoes, and the juicy, tender, meaty crab pedestal. This crab soup twist is everyone's favorite, come lunch, come Saturday night out.

Crab cake

That's what you call a perfect bite. Crab cakes are considered to be Maryland's gastronomy demigod. You get the tastiest, most luscious bites of sweet, tender crab meat without hammering around. It can be grilled, fried, sauteed, or baked, but all techniques reach the same impeccable uniqueness, especially when combined with tartar or remoulade. However, it's very common to see the locals use just one secret ingredient when visiting restaurants - a fresh squeeze of lemon.

Steamed blue crab

Now, this is an old-school delight hour. Get your napkins ready and your mallets and crackers rolling. When you're eating Maryland's finest, there is no need to get fancy; just good old brown paper or newspaper cloak for your table, and it's off to the races! Nothing beats the taste of the Chesapeake's steamed prime meat with just a splash of indigenous seasoning; Old Bay, you guessed right. A pure form of joy.

Old Bay spice

One of the authentic Maryland dishes you have to try isn't a dish. Like Coca-Cola, not much is known about the secrets behind this classic. What we do know is this: 1. Marylandians take pride in it. 2. Rightfully so. Old Bay is 82 years old, and it was originally mixed by a German Jewish merchant by the name of Gustav Brunn; the folk belief behind its well-kept ingredients includes ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, celery salt, mustard, paprika, bay leaf, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Is it true? We can't say. All we know is it tastes like clouds and that you can put it in your Bloody Mary.

Pit beef

Being below the Mason-Dixon Line, Maryland offers that Southern character, out of character. If you've decided to travel to Maryland, you should know that they do everything differently. And that's what makes them exquisite. Simple stuff. Lean roast beef, hot charcoal, minimum wait time. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside. Slivers of medium-rare heaven without heaps of seasoning, just some onions and horseradish sauce. (Chap's Tiger Sauce) Sometimes, going plain is the way of displaying utter eccentricity. And we love it.

When in Maryland

If you're thinking about moving to Maryland, we congratulate you. With a bit of envy and crab dip on the side. As much as this state has to offer, a long-distance move can be soul-destroying; but not all is lost. With a smart choice of long-distance movers, you, too, can be enjoying these delicacies soon enough. Knowing that a Maryland-based team can jump in should ease the transition to your new home and identity. Marylandian! Then off to grab some Jimmy and Sally.

Stuffed ham

There is no Christmas without stuffed ham in Maryland. A true delicacy, a culinary gem of the South, dating back to the 1600s. The ham is brined and filled with a potent mixture of kale, cabbage, onions, hot peppers, celery, and spices. It is then cheesecloth before going into boiling water for a long swim. After the intricate process, it is served cold as a main dish between bread slices or potato rolls. Yum.

Coddies

According to experts from the area, such as Here & Now Movers, who have tried more than a few of these dishes after strenuous moving endeavors, Baltimore's most visited tourist spot is the National Aquarium, which was built in 1981. But we're taking you back to the 1920s now. Pay attention. Two saltine crackers, some fine mustard, potato cakes with salted cod, and seasoning. Deep-fried. Originally called "the poor man's crab cake", coddies are an evergreen bite to go. Make sure not to pass them by.

Berger cookies

Immigrants do great things for America; that's how the Berger cookie came to life in 1835. A German immigrant, Henry Berger is the spatula-father of this evergreen treat. This vanilla cookie with a cake-like texture is dipped in fudge icing, giving it the heaviest, most mouth-watering chocolate coat a cookie has worn. Produced by DeBaufre Bakeries, finding it won't be that hard, as it's one of the most popular shelf items throughout the state.

Fisher's popcorn

Dating back to 1937, this popcorn boardwalk legacy is not planning on slowing down. Renowned for its caramel popcorn recipe, Fisher's is the go-to place when you're craving heavenly goods. Whether it be Old Bay, white cheddar, peanuts, or cinnamon caramel, we guarantee it will make room in your heart for a micro popcorn stand model.

Smith Island Cake

Every country in the world has its signature dessert, and when it comes to Maryland, it's the Maryland Cake. 8-10 layers of delicious yellow cake with chocolate fudge icing. It's tall and creamy - it's all you will want. Although the recipe can vary, every version of the Smith Island cake will be the best you've had. Trust us.