Thick, creamy and full of clams and potatoes, clam chowder is the ultimate cold-weather soup in coastal New England. National Clam Chowder Day, on February 25, celebrates this hearty classic. There is more than one kind, though. The creamy New England style and the tomato-based Manhattan style have sparked friendly rivalry for generations, and other regions have their own versions too.
History of National Clam Chowder Day
Chowder came to North America with French, English and other European fishermen and settlers. The word may come from the French 'chaudière', a large cooking pot. Early chowders were simple stews of fish or shellfish, salt pork, ship's biscuits and whatever else was available.
In New England, clams were plentiful, and clam chowder made with milk or cream, potatoes and onions became a regional staple in the 1800s. Herman Melville's 1851 novel Moby-Dick includes a famous scene in which the narrator eats clam and cod chowder in Nantucket.
Manhattan clam chowder, made with tomatoes instead of cream, appeared in the late 1800s and early 1900s, possibly influenced by Portuguese or Italian immigrants. New Englanders were so opposed to tomatoes in chowder that a Maine legislator reportedly proposed a bill in 1939 to ban them. Rhode Island has its own clear-broth style. Who created National Clam Chowder Day is not documented.
Why National Clam Chowder Day Matters
Clam chowder is part of coastal American history, connected to fishing communities and their traditions.
It is also a filling, warming meal for cold weather, and making it from scratch is a satisfying kitchen project.
How to Celebrate National Clam Chowder Day
- Make New England chowder: simmer clams, potatoes, onions and bacon, then add cream.
- Try Manhattan style: use a tomato-based broth with vegetables.
- Serve it in a bread bowl: a San Francisco tradition.
- Use canned clams: a convenient way to make chowder anywhere.
- Visit a seafood shack: order a bowl at a local restaurant.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a chowder lunch from a local seafood spot makes a cozy late-winter treat; offer a vegetable soup for anyone who avoids shellfish. In classrooms, chowder is a tasty entry point to coastal history, fishing communities and regional food rivalries; students can debate New England versus Manhattan style and vote. At home, families can make a pot of chowder together using canned clams, letting children dice potatoes with supervision, and serve it in bread bowls for a fun dinner. Leftover chowder thickens in the fridge; add a splash of milk when reheating.
Fun Facts About National Clam Chowder Day
- The word chowder may come from the French 'chaudière', a cooking pot.
- Moby-Dick (1851) features a famous chowder scene.
- A 1939 Maine bill reportedly proposed banning tomatoes in chowder.
National Clam Chowder Day FAQs
When is National Clam Chowder Day?
National Clam Chowder Day is February 25.
What is the difference between New England and Manhattan clam chowder?
New England chowder is creamy; Manhattan chowder has a tomato-based broth.
Can I make clam chowder with canned clams?
Yes. Canned clams and bottled clam juice work well.
How long does clam chowder keep?
About three days in the refrigerator.