Fans are hoping to see big names like Ed Sheeran, Hozier, and Megan Thee Stallion at New England’s largest annual music festival, but the food, from smoked barbecue and pierogi to sushi and shawarma, might be the star of the show.
Read more: Boston Calling Day 1: Ed Sheeran reveals the song he wrote in the shower
With tens of thousands of people and having to navigate as many as 30 food vendors, guests may have a hard time finding a vendor that stands out.
Here are six food vendors that caught MassLive’s attention.
Boston Calling 2024: Must-try local foods.
MassLive tried Lily P’s Fried Chicken’s Lower Broadway Sandwich. This sandwich is a MassLive staff favorite and comes with coleslaw, pickles, and spicy chicken breast. The pickles give the sandwich a nice crunch, and the coleslaw adds a touch of sweetness, making it the perfect mix of sweet and savory.
The sandwich was $15.
Boston Calling 2024: Must-try local foods.
Shaking Crab is a Cajun seafood restaurant in Massachusetts. MassLive tried their signature chilled lobster roll, which is filled with chunks of lobster smothered in Cajun seasoning. While the sandwich wasn’t overly spicy, the Cajun seasoning added a “tangy” flavor.
The lobster roll is a bit pricey at $19 and doesn’t come with any sides.
Boston Calling 2024: Must-try local foods.
Mac Bar is a Boston-based macaroni and cheese joint that offers a wide selection of macaroni and cheese options, including their Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese dish. The pulled pork is slightly sweet but not overly sauced, making it easy for concert-goers to eat while standing.
This dish was ranked in the top two of MassLive’s favorite dishes.
This dish cost $13.
Boston Calling 2024: Must-try local foods.
El Jefe’s Taqueria serves a variety of Mexican dishes, as well as several vegan options.
Guests were seen enjoying the super loaded nachos. El Jefe’s Taqueria was generous with the toppings, providing portions large enough to share with friends. Guests could choose their own toppings, including cheese, lettuce, guacamole, onion and lime. Protein options included chicken, steak, ground beef, vegan chicken and carnitas.
The Super Nachos are $15.
Boston Calling 2024: Must-try local foods.
Blackbird Doughnuts and Sally’s Sandwiches serve cafe fare including doughnuts and pastries.
MassLive tried the Mini Donut Sundae, a deep-fried doughnut with cinnamon and sugar topped with vanilla twist ice cream. Though the doughnut was a little too sweet, it paired well with the ice cream. It’s also a great choice for anyone who needs a cold snack.
Sundaes are $12.
Chubby Chickpea serves Greek cuisine including shawarma.
Chubby Chickpea serves shawarma plates and Greek cuisine. The establishment also offers gluten-free and vegan options.
MassLive sampled a chicken shawarma plate with rice and chicken, which offered plenty of protein options but kept the meal overall on the lighter side, allowing concertgoers to quickly get back to dancing.
The plate cost $14.
