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Washington D.C., United States

Top food to try in Washington D.C.

6 dishes to eat in Washington D.C., what is in them, and where they belong.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Half-smoke

Half-smoke
Photo: DeusXFlorida (11,059,330 views) - thanks guys! · CC BY 2.0 · source

A coarse half-pork half-beef sausage with chilli and onion — the city's own.

2. Ethiopian food

Ethiopian food
Photo: avlxyz · CC BY SA 2.0 · source

The largest Ethiopian community outside Ethiopia, concentrated around Shaw.

3. Blue crab and Chesapeake seafood

Blue crab and Chesapeake seafood
Photo: bigbirdz · CC BY 2.0 · source

Steamed crabs with Old Bay, cracked at the table.

4. Mumbo sauce

Mumbo sauce
Photo: tanyaboza · CC BY 2.0 · source

A sweet-tangy red sauce on wings and fries, specific to the city.

5. Jumbo slice

Jumbo slice
Photo: euthman · CC BY 2.0 · source

Oversized late-night pizza in Adams Morgan.

6. Union Market

Union Market
Photo: 16:9clue · CC BY 2.0 · source

A food hall with a strong spread of local vendors.

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