Transparency Note: Manny the Penguin prefers his clams raw and wiggling. We prefer ours in a bowl. This post helps you celebrate! It contains affiliate links, meaning if you buy through them, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love.
There are two types of people in this world: Those who believe Clam Chowder should be creamy and white, and those who are wrong.
(Just kidding... mostly).
This Wednesday, February 25, is National Clam Chowder Day.
It is the day we honor the thick, hearty soup that has warmed sailors, fishermen, and tourists for centuries. Whether you are a New England purist (cream base) or a Manhattan rebel (tomato base), today is about grabbing a spoon and pretending you are sitting on a dock in Maine, even if you are just in your kitchen in the suburbs.
Here is how to bring the seaside to your stovetop without needing a fishing boat.
Why We Celebrate: The Sailor's Survival
Chowder wasn't originally a gourmet dish; it was survival food.
The word likely comes from the French chaudière, the large cauldron fishermen used to boil their catch. In the 1700s, it was a simple mix of hardtack (dry biscuits), salt pork, and whatever seafood was left over.
It wasn't until the 1930s that tomatoes were introduced (Manhattan style), causing such an uproar that in 1939, a bill was actually introduced in the Maine legislature to make putting tomatoes in chowder illegal!
The Big Why: We celebrate because in the dead of winter, nothing sticks to your ribs quite like a bowl of "chow-dah."
3 Ways to Make Today Memorable
1. The "Pantry" Shortcut (The Ingredients)
The barrier to making chowder is usually shucking fresh clams. It’s messy and difficult.
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The Move: Use the "Good" Canned Clams.
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The Amazon Find: Bar Harbor Chopped Clams (6.5 oz cans).
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Why we love them: Most canned clams are rubbery and tasteless. Bar Harbor is different. They are hand-sorted from the cold waters of Maine. They are tender, flavorful, and packed in actual clam juice (not water). Keep these in your pantry, and you can make 5-star chowder in 20 minutes.
2. The "Restaurant" Presentation (The Bowl)
Chowder is a heavy soup. If you put it in a shallow bowl, it gets cold fast.
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The Move: The Lion's Head.
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The Amazon Find: Porcelain Lion's Head Soup Bowls (Set of 4).
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Why we love them: You’ve seen these in classic French bistros. They are deep and narrow, which keeps the soup piping hot until the last spoonful. Plus, the little lion heads on the side act as handles so you don't burn your fingers carrying them to the table.
3. The "Crunch" Factor (The Side)
A chowder without crackers is just a beverage. But those tiny, stale packets you get at diners? You can do better.
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The Move: The Authentic Cracker.
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The Amazon Find: [Westminster Bakers Co. Oyster Crackers].
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Why we love them: These are the gold standard. They are bigger, puffier, and crunchier than the grocery store brands. They don't turn into mush the second they hit the broth. They float like little delicious life rafts.
The Perfect Gift for the Home Cook
If you are going to simmer a cream-based soup, do not use a thin aluminum pot. You will scorch the milk.
Our Editors' Pick:
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven (6 Quart)
Why we love it: We recommend this pot constantly because it is the kitchen MVP. The heavy cast iron distributes heat evenly, preventing the cream from burning on the bottom. Plus, the white enamel interior lets you see exactly when your onions are translucent. It’s a fraction of the price of the French brands but works just as well.
Perfect for: Anyone who loves "Soup Season."
Get the Lodge Dutch Oven on Amazon
Join the Conversation
We are opening the comments section to a battle.
New England (White) or Manhattan (Red)?
(Or are you a Rhode Island "Clear Broth" fan?)
Manny votes for White, because it matches the snow.
Tell us your team in the comments on Instagram or TikTok and tag us @OnManyOccasions!
Don't Miss the Next Celebration
February is ending with a crunch! Do you know when National Toast Day is? (It’s coming up on Feb 26!).
Download our Free 2026 Celebration Calendar and never miss a delicious excuse to party.
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