Lobster roll

Lobster roll
Lobster roll served at Steamers Seafood Market in Newton, Massachusetts
TypeSandwich
Place of originUnited States
Region or stateConnecticut
Main ingredients
A lobster salad-style roll, Amagansett, New York on Long Island

A lobster roll is a North American dish comprising lobster meat served on a grilled hot dog–style bun, commonly credited to have been invented in Milford, Connecticut. The filling may also contain butter, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, with variants made in some parts of New England replacing the butter with mayonnaise. Other versions may contain diced celery or scallion. Potato chips or French fries along with a pickle spear are typical side dishes.

History

The credit for the invention of the lobster roll is disputed. The "Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink"[1] claims the lobster roll originated as a hot dish at a restaurant named Perry's in Milford, Connecticut, as early as 1929,[1][2] while Branden Lewis, chef and sustainability professor at Johnson & Wales University, claims English and Portuguese fishermen and sailors invented the roll. The National Geographic article with Lewis's claim also credits Perry's with only the Connecticut style version of the roll.[3]

As far back as 1970, chopped lobster meat heated in drawn butter was served on a hot dog bun at roadside stands such as Red's Eats in Maine.[4] Lobster rolls in the U.S. are associated with the state of Maine, but are also commonly available at seafood restaurants in the other New England states and on Eastern Long Island, where lobster fishing is common.

Lobster rolls in Maine have lobster meat that is usually served cold, rather than warm or hot, and mayonnaise is typically spread inside the bun or tossed with the meat.[5]

McDonald's restaurants in Canadian provinces, such as Nova Scotia and Ontario,[6] as well as in New England,[7] sometimes offer lobster rolls as a seasonal item in the summer.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Shell game: Milford claims bragging rights as home to lobster roll - Connecticut Post". Ctpost.com. 2010-06-14. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
  2. ^ Len (2012-08-03). "• Milford, CT: Home of the Lobster Roll". ConnecticutSaltWaterFishing.com. Archived from the original on 2020-12-03. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
  3. ^ "The story of how the lobster roll became New England's most iconic food". National Geographic. 2025-07-28. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  4. ^ Stern, Jane; Stern, Michael (2002). Roadfood. Broadway Books. pp. 32–33. ISBN 0-7679-0809-0.
  5. ^ McDowell, Erin. "I went to Maine and ranked 5 famous lobster rolls. My favorite was served up on the water's edge". Business Insider. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
  6. ^ "21 Strong Reactions to McDonald's McLobster Sandwich, Now Available in Ontario". Grub Street. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  7. ^ "McDonald's offering lobster roll in New England". USA Today. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  8. ^ Bernath, Brianna. "McDonald's is bringing back the McLobster Roll this summer".
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