The Battle of Rhode Island’s Clam Cakes

Rhode Island’s most beloved summer delicacy is something you may have never heard of: the clam cake, a clam-filled dough ball that’s deep-fried and sold by the dozen. Two neighboring restaurants, Aunt Carrie’s and Iggy’s, are both famous for their clam cakes - but whose are the best? A crew of local clam cake connoisseurs help us investigate.
Check out the recipe here: www.vice.com/en_us/article/93...
Subscribe to Munchies here: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-MUNCHIES
All Munchies videos release a full week early on our site: video.vice.com/en_us/channel/...
Hungry? Sign up here for the MUNCHIES Recipes newsletter.
www.vice.com/en_us/page/sign-...
Check out munchies.tv for more!
Follow Munchies here:
Facebook: / munchies
Twitter: / munchies
Tumblr: / munchies
Instagram: / munchies
Pinterest: / munchies
Foursquare: foursquare.com/munchies
More videos from the VICE network: www. vicevideo

[@stevenzhao3414]

"I'm the owner of..." "I'm the President and CEO of..." Now I'm not from RI but I think I know which one taste better...

[@rieskimo]

Business structure isn't always indicative of quality, they're both packed

[@eci2620]

A CEO? WTF? How can you be the CEO of a seafood shack in RI🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️When he said it’s the IPO?🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@EAdano77]

@MoonaticDestiny Ego's Doughboys

[@tylerj8613]

He also talked shit about how hard she worked, like he was better. I’d take home cooking over a North Eastern jerks food anyday

[@markwilson1447]

Im from RI born and raised ..god that was embarassing saying that.... iggy's all day

[@OdinMMA]

Aunt Carrie's looks way better with all the funky, crispy AF shapes.

[@therealjasonpark]

Yeah she dunks on President and CEO of Iggy's

[@ianl3194]

As a Rhode Islander, the weirder ones are better, more clam is in it

[@whitesonar]

its the child labour that gives them the edge

[@PikeAintAFish]

Tbh Iggy's is better for chowder and clamcakes imo. Aunt carries has been a little lackluster since the 90s.

[@jaredpaulin342]

To be honest with you I used to go to Aunt Carrie's for almost two decades with my family as well but the one thing I've noticed over the years especially in the last decade is that the quality has gone so far down and the price is going so far up if you really look around you can find small places all around Narragansett that have much better quality for much better prices

[@danielcryan3001]

As a native Rhode Islander, I can confidently say that Aunt Carrie's has better clam cakes, but Iggy's has better chowder

[@omartolentino611]

Why not buy a clam cake fro aunties and buy the chowder from. Iggy

[@jbot91]

The battle continues

[@damegan123]

@@jbot91 and so it does

[@picklessour4615]

based on the footages iggy's chowder looks nice and thick where as Carries is more watery. thick chowder is the only way to go.

[@LJPpro]

@@omartolentino611 Good idea..But the lines are usually too long at both for that to be a good plan

[@nicole3337]

iggys seems to have a business, overcharge for decent product perspective, while aunt carries seems like a heartwarming lot of history, family-owned perspective

[@sundawg911]

Iggys seem to have capitalized it. Nothing wrong with that since it makes sense logically to grow a business. It does seem the quality has gone down based on the expansion and growth. I'd like to try as I've never had a clam cake so it would be a fun food adventure if I am in that area to try different establishments for the "best" clam cake.

[@nicole3337]

sundawg911 of course it’s never wrong to have a business perspective and capitalize, it’s just the quality and price ratio is what gets me

[@murdah4474]

Iggys is just as old as Aunt Carries

[@nicole3337]

Best AAPG Mur-_-dah if you paid attention to the video aunt carries is almost 100 and iggys opened in 1989

[@murdah4474]

@@nicole3337 im talking about the one in Warwick, the one in Narragansett has been there for 100 yrs

[@Steel86Curtain]

4:08 Damn that's alot of sugar wasn't expecting a second cup lmao

[@jernigan007]

omg right? diabetes much

[@SirPhillyLeong]

They might shake it in the bag and then tip out the excess sugar.

[@animemichealjackson9404]

May aswell let the bag be just sugar

[@anonymous-do5bs]

It's America. That's a tiny amount of sugar in their world

[@kadens2147]

@@SirPhillyLeong we dont

[@TheGooglySmoog]

In 2004 there was an actual fight between Iggy’s and Carrie’s fans. Total bloodbath. 8 billion people died.

[@badgrand]

I was there too... John should’ve gotten in the car. Mary kept circling the building, I really began suspecting she was carrying... something... Those steps just didn’t look natural to me..

[@graymaza]

Ok Aunt Carrie’s owner lady has the most pleasant voice that’s articulate with the perfect touch of charming accent!

[@xkd495]

4:08 at some point you're just selling a bag of sugar....

[@PikeAintAFish]

Buddy, they are absolutely heart stoppingly delicious. Get them by the dozen to share. Perfect end to a beach day.

[@phoenix15_]

I need more sugar

[@marekprokes1292]

Just what I was thinking!

[@badgrand]

It’s oke to be jealous sometimes. You do you okay?!

[@gustavsuev273]

I was literally screaming "STOOOPPP ADDING MORE SUGAR!!!!!"

[@soxfan19812]

Aunt Carrie's Lobster BLT on their homemade bread is an experience...

[@soxunc]

As a New Englander, I don't want to hear clam cake opinions from a Yankees fan

[@ZHC_Adventures]

Not seeing many Red Sox hats with a 12-22 win lose record

[@MBDodge]

Exactly!!!!! And he didn’t even know how to properly say Rhoe Dyelin.

[@ZHC_Adventures]

Question to you guys. If you had a guy who grew up in RI, went to Bishop Hendricken, and pitched for the Yankees, would you cheer for him?

[@Shaaawwwwn]

Z C absolutely not, But also if you aren’t from mass you can’t even call yourself a true Sox fan

[@soxunc]

Z C Hell. No.

[@slimzy1990]

The Iggys guy is a money man. Aunt carries looks like the real deal, she don’t care about the money.

[@giannifarhat3068]

Yes! Absolute right David is more focused on the money he doesn’t really care about how much his business surrounding him do and just wants to make more money than all of Them

[@marriapeduto7852]

Yess! That’s why Iggy’s expanded into the castle it’s in today rather than the tiny clam shack it used to be. Aunt Carrie’s clam cakes are much better!

[@SigandGibbs]

Huh? Hes literally worked there since he was a kid and grew the thing from a shack.

[@gagamaus]

@@SigandGibbs people insist on creating rivalry where there isn’t any

[@Nootabit]

🤢🤢🤢🤢😂

[@Tyler-lo7bs]

Not gonna let a guy tell me about my states clam cakes with a yankee's hat on.

[@joshuahawkins5731]

Iggys knows how to over charge customers.

[@TheMazyProduction]

This is all New England costal food, sometimes $40 for a lobster roll. Most of the locals can’t afford it.

[@slackeyed7260]

Iggy's charges $10.99 for a dozen clamcakes, Aunt Carries charges $9.49

[@giannifarhat3068]

Fax

[@Mark-gz9pm]

@@TheMazyProduction considering im from gansett and have never seen a lobster roll for $40 id say you're not that bright. Besides the fact locals grab lobsters from the docks and make there own. If ur not from RI shhhhhhhhh

[@TheMazyProduction]

Mark 32 I’m from Western Massachusetts. Lol.

[@TheWutangclan1995]

You can’t go wrong with both. I live close to the warwick one and if I ever wanted some a 5 minute trip is all I need. Aunt Carries is the best. Iggys clam cakes are more of a fritter because it’s just batter and a few pieces of clams. I recommend either eating them with chowder or have a soda/ sugary drink to wash it down because the oil will make you feel thirsty. I appreciate Munchies for coming here and documenting a home town favorite.

[@purodeathcore]

y’all folks in the northeast got the fire when it comes to seafood

[@adhchopper]

Yes sir

[@alligatormonday6365]

It's that cold ass water. Makes everything taste better. Seafood from Washington, B.C. and Alaska is ridiculous too.

[@supervro3071]

As someone born and raised seeing this was a pleasant surprise

[@DeathByGelato]

Rhode Islander here: I’d rather go dig my own quahogs and make my own! 😋

[@rudeboymon3177]

Aunt Carrie's looks better to me. Like comparing Popeyes to McDonald's chicken sandwiches

[@kathleenhardwick7650]

OMG. My Dad would bring my Mom and me to Aunt Carrie’s for a huge feast of a Shore Dinner and our favorites were the Clam cakes! We would take 2 bags of them home and have them for Sunday Supper. No better in the world. I’m 79 and we went there since I was 6 every year until I was older. Aunt Carrie’s has a big pace in my memories. Glad you’re stil there.

[@elizabethdessert3401]

Born and raised in RI on clam cakes, chowder and dough boys!! Live now on Long Island and get home sick for these regional, tasty treasures!! 😛😛😛

[@bradleydifoggio7722]

As a RI transplant living here for 9 years, clam cakes are still just fish donuts to me.

[@ifrr8337]

😩😆

[@ConnorLipke]

We could have done without the clam cake connoisseurs. They're annoying. The rest of the video was enjoyable.

[@sdavidjohnson44]

I grew up in Oakland Beach in the early fifties. The midway was a fun place back then with a Merry-go-round and arcade games, bumper cars, a movie house, roller skating rink and at least 4 bars Ocean Café, Gus's, Stenders and Jimmy's. The original building Iggy's is in now sold mostly Doughboys. The restaurant across the street from Iggy's was the original home of Joe Carrillo the owner of the movie house and roller rink. I delivered papers to most of these establishments (Providence Evening Bulletin) and to most of the homes in the Sea View Drive area. Hurricane Carole in 1954 wiped out most of the homes along the waterfront. Most were never rebuilt as the 38 hurricane did the same thing earlier. If you walk down the path along the water behind Iggy's you will see some of the foundations. I live in Connecticut so I don't get back to Oakland Beach very often. When we do go it is to dine on clamcakes and chowder at Iggy's.

[@imari2305]

I've never had a clam cake before. I love the way Aunt Carrie's clam cakes look like because they remind me of my codfish fritters that I make but bigger.

[@WhoopsWrongButton]

“There’s nothing like a clam cake. It’s our thing.” I would say conch fritters are very similar to clam cakes.

[@daniellegrady8436]

Nah clam cakes are waaay better. Conch gets overcooked too easily to be fried. It gets rubbery. Clams stay edible lol

[@zesnullenbaby3099]

Also dutch olliebollen

[@Wubzy66]

Conch is sooo rubbery when fried

[@jkriz6346]

Not gonna lie was not expecting something from my home state to be in my recommended

[@orangesiclesky5217]

The secret ingredient is an absurd amount of love for Tom Brady

[@TheWutangclan1995]

The only way you order them is yelling 6 rings nation!

[@waterstarters9868]

Fantastic video, would love to see more videos on local/regional foods in America

[@circuitsandcigars1278]

Blount market in Warren, RI has the best clamcakes I've had in RI and I've tried them all. Perfect seasoning, brown , lots of clams. Guess I need to start doing videos now

[@jaredpaulin342]

Monahan's Clam Shack honestly is one of the best ones down there

[@sarithloeung1984]

Ayyy! I love my state!! I was everywhere this video was on the weekend 😀 Aunt Carries over Iggys but since no one mentioned it, you can’t leave out George’s in Galilee! My fave spot for claim cakes.

[@asiajones5798]

Sooooo basically a hushpuppy (southerners know what I’m talking about) filled with clams?

[@blueeyes1491]

No there is no corn flour in the mix, they are more doughy

[@nairbpenguinlizard]

@@blueeyes1491 so a lesser hushpuppy?

[@blueeyes1491]

Asia Jones I know southerners love there hush puppies but clam cakes are totally different. To bad that they are not made with a lot of clams anymore.

[@KSSBG]

Batter is wayyyy different

[@raystone354]

@@nairbpenguinlizard 3x better than it

[@Dan-cg1te]

Now THIS is a battle to go down in history books.

[@jasayehan]

"Indigenous"? *Narragansett Indians: "Are we a joke to you?"*

[@tbz1551]

... please buy a dictionary.

[@jasayehan]

@@tbz1551 ...please buy a history book that is not endorsed by your curriculum.

[@tonytone5300]

didn't the narragansett originate in asia? I'm asian by the way.

[@snicky3594]

First nations. U racist 😒

[@ifirmlydislikeeverything412]

@@snicky3594 The Narragansett tribe call themselves "Indians". You trying to tell me they're racist too?

[@julieremillard2528]

Perfect meal= Aunt Carries clam cakes. Iggy’s white chowder. I find Iggys clam cakes a solid ball of cooked clam dough!

[@shawnriv9]

Between the two, Aunt Carrie’s is better. But IMO the best clam cakes are from Blount Clam Shack in Warren, RI.

[@l2eacly-4ur-mom]

If Blount is really that good i should start charging mother fuckers, my mom works for them and stays bringing home soups and shit 😭

[@jkriz6346]

l2eacly- 4Ur-Mom Blount is so good their chowder is the best

[@l2eacly-4ur-mom]

@Scu Wopp HMU I'll be ya blount seafood plug, bring you soups and shit lol

[@l2eacly-4ur-mom]

@Scu Wopp ship the cash to me and ill start driving LMAO

[@counterfit5]

Went to Blount for the first time last month. Their lobster roll was delicious, but the construction leaves much to be desired. The roll was straight up squished under the meat.

[@TechByMattB]

Clam Cake was my nickname in highschool.

[@THERARECYCLE]

5:57...bro masked up but sweating away like he's scared of Aunt Carrie's.

[@desireespencer80]

Originally from RI. Born and raised! So happy they are getting out there 😁

[@TheJustineCredible]

Spent 3yrs in Rhode Island and ate a LOT of clam cakes. Honestly, they're ALL delicious! Dipped in chowder, sprinkled with malt vinegar, popped into your mouth....they're probably the one thing I miss the most about Rhode Island! I first tried them at Flo's in Newport, then a small local place in Bristol, have had several from pretty much any place that had'm. I just love'm!

[@erikadowdy686]

Yum Ive never tried clams, but it looks awesome

[@joeyisjustso]

As a rhodie i never knew clam cakes was just a new england thing. Get them every where.

[@TheMCD1989]

Weren't a thing growing up on the NH seacoast

[@DaveMike561]

They're really not even all over new England, I had em one time randomly in Ipswich but that's the only time I'd ever seen em outside of RI

[@tdsims1963]

Seattle doesn't have them. We have Ivar's.

[@Jack_Straw]

Texan here, never even heard of a clam cake before 🤷‍♂️

[@srengigas]

As the CEO of "Wicked Good Eats" INC. I can say hands down Aunt Carrie's has the better clam cake. What Iggy's is just learning about clam cakes I already forgot. 56 years of Gus's clam cake cooking. Crisp, fluffy , plenty of clams and that special seasoning. It was and still is a major military secret.

[@Precyze]

Conch fritters babyyy, had these in the Bahamas and they are DELICIOUS

[@xpatzorsx]

1) I had no idea clam cakes were a thing. 2) "Clam cake" sounds like a mildly derogatory term for a local of some coastal New England town.

[@kathleenhardwick7650]

I went to Aunt Carrie’s with my parents when I was a child for a Shore Dinner and we always took home tons of Clam Fritters for that night’s dinner with Msple Syrup. I’m now 80 and still salivate over Aunt Carrie’s meals.

[@phoenix15_]

Both owners look so chilled and relaxed . Stress free.

[@ansonsmith9828]

Born and raised in the region, family settled the region. I'll tell you this, Aunt Carrie's is so perfectly associated with clam cakes I'm never once been to Iggy's. My runner up would be Portside restaurant across from the Block Island Ferry in Point Judith, just for the convenience of it.

[@MrJoelerjoeler]

Great video!

[@UntaintedIndigoChild]

Aunt carries looks way better than Iggy. And I like how she uses high school kids by giving back to the community.

[@billlippy1110]

As a rhode islander, I think stuffies are a better local obsession...

[@TheRealHengTime]

Yes finally something of my home state!

[@Lxxx74]

That sounds really good paired with some beer too

[@davidhovey6045]

I also put a QUART of fresh chopped clams in my cakes. Like Aunt Carries, I like them in weird shapes. More crunchy that way! I’m drooling 🤤 writing this

[@therelaxationstation5258]

I grew up on Rocky Point Clam cakes and I still crave them to this day.

[@arthurwiggins4876]

I’m seeing mostly dough 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@pesto12601]

that is typical of these things in the US... clam cakes, conch cakes, shrimp fritters... $2 a piece and mostly dough. Go to Korea, Singapore, etc and get mostly seafood for $.20 piece!!

[@TheGooglySmoog]

These things look fucking gross.

[@TheMCD1989]

@@TheGooglySmoog agreed, I grew up on the seacoast in New Hampshire and never had heard of these. Kind of see why they didn't travel north..

[@andrew-zx5wc]

best way i can explain the taste is like a less dry and crispier hush puppy way better then it looks

[@HeidiHan]

Agreed! "Not a clam cake unless there's two to three..." That's just fried dough with a few clams. Not appetizing AT ALL

[@MrCJNice]

Aunt Carries is 100years in the business and the ah0le Iggy's owner says he is the original. Dude, wake uo. You will always be a copycat. and 70years late.😂

[@Carrot__Panda]

The first time I ever visited RI I went to Anthony's and got the chowder with clam cakes. Haven't had any other clam cakes from anyone but those seemed like a good portion for the prices.

[@lb8141]

Lived in Rhode Island for a couple of years and went to both places. Aunt Carrie's is my favorite. I miss going to Dels for their icies.

[@camilledumange4609]

Delicious!! Greetings from Catalunya

[@lmygia28]

I grew up in Providence and my grandmother would take me and my brothers for a ride in the summer at least once a week for some clam cakes and chowder as we sit and look at the Oakland beach 🏝

[@ebbygal1111]

I'll visit Aunt Carrie's when I can. I can tell her heart is in it and they look so much better. I can tell his wallet is in it and that's about it. SMH

[@memesjenkins2104]

Did Not know these existed. coming to get my dozen or two.

[@RIFFRAFF104]

Aunt Carrie's... The best. I'm here in North Carolina thinking about a dozen clam cakes, and a bowl of clear broth chowder.. And steamers.. Yum yum.

[@Cka93]

We call them oliebollen but without the clam in the Netherlands. In wintertime these are made fresh in little caravans throughout the country.. so yummy

[@ricosauve5]

Rocky point, the park, had some of the best I've had..miss that place

[@Sillyzombie666]

munchies needs to go to olneyville new york system in provedence, best stoner / drunk eats place i miss going so much

[@MattCoutu]

Those are some damn good hot dogs

[@Sillyzombie666]

@@MattCoutu If you've ever been there you know you can't call them that they're hot wieners

[@fighttheevilrobots3417]

Live a few blocks from the Olneyville NY system, constant line outside, even during covid. Truly a local obsession!

[@Sillyzombie666]

@@fighttheevilrobots3417 i used to go to shelter arcade bar and fete music hall all the time so i practically lived there

[@DLuccia327]

I'll take a order of whole bellies and strips a order of cakes and a bowl of white chowder. Watching that made me hungry gotta make the few hour drive.

[@brigandtea]

Dune Brothers in Providence has great clam cakes too, shoulda gone there!

[@ToP5ReP]

I'm surprised I never had Aunt Carrie's clam cakes. Only Iggy's. And their chowder is 🔥🔥. Ima have to make that trip to AC's.

[@Daniellahehehe]

Don't mind me making a note to visit Auntie's when I next visit.

[@davidbowser5534]

Used to frequent this intersection in the mid-60s as a 10 year old kid. Aunt Carries had the best chowder and good clam cakes. The building occupied by Iggy’s in this video was another great place for fried clams and clam cakes called Dick’s Cozy Corner. In the late 60s I seem to remember a little family run Italian place with some very memorable pizza also located here.

[@firstlast6565]

Aunt Carries clam cakes and Iggy's (white) chowder is my go to, best of both worlds

[@ZHC_Adventures]

Thanks for highlighting these local RI businesses! RI is like the melting pot of New England and everyone comes to enjoy the beaches and awesome seafood!

[@matthewgleeson2594]

How was Flo’s Clam Shack not considered? I used to go there in College and their Fisherman’s Platter would keep you full for days! Literally, DAYS!

[@angiebega2444]

I gotta have this NOW!!!!!!!!!!!this looks delicious

[@davidhovey6045]

Made the best creamy New England clam chowder today. Got Iggy’s clam cake mix. Soon we’ll be in CLAM HEAVEN! Lol.🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@ard160]

So these guys just decided "we are going to become clam cake experts"

[@lukey1989]

That's what i thought as well, almost straight away 😂 Especially when they tried and failed to explain a clam cake to the camera and us😂 After that, i thought well bugger me, all i have to do is assert my dominance, and say I'm an expert at something, and then i will be broadcast to thousands off people and written into magazines etc😂 and people will believe i am one. Makes a mockery off real chefs like myself, who trained hard to understand food, and produce and how to prep, buy & support local etc, For these halfwits to stumble into the business off being critics essentially 🤦‍♂️😂

[@exodusdiva2295]

I would love to try these 😋 never had one before, but I would add this to my must try food odessey

[@mc-ge2bt]

As a former RI'er, I will attest that clamcakes are RI's signature dish. Along with coffee milk and frozen lemonade. I had never heard of calamari being a local thing until the DNC convention. Sure they sell calamari everywhere they sell shellfish but clamcakes or even cohogs are RI signatures.

[@TheGalwayjoyce]

Dude is taking his life into his hands with that Yankees hat.

[@robc1961]

Serios in Pascoag had great clam cakes when lil was there. Also rockie point shore dinner hall used to be awesome for clamcakes and chowder.

[@dylanmazzocca3852]

I miss Seven Seas Chowder House, they were my favorite clam cake place, especially when Iggy's line was a gazillion miles long during the summer. It sucks they closed down.

[@turtle4614]

You had me at clams!

[@badgrand]

Reminiscent of a Dutch sweet delicacy eaten on New Year’s Eve. called Oliebollen. The Clam Cake would be the hardy version of it. With clams.

[@tryomama]

Well in Malaysia we call it jemput-jemput. Instead of clams we have onions and shrimps

[@franklee538]

Never been to Rhône Island but it’s an American version of Takoyaki. Clams instead of Octopus and deep fried instead of pan-ish fried. Cool. I would like to try

[@quincyquincy4764]

It's just a fried ball of dough. In the Netherlands we like to put raisin in it and powered sugar on top. It's a popular New Year's Eve's snack going back hundreds of years

[@Commodityforex]

Lovely 👍 👍

[@MzelleRI64]

Great review but I dunno about that Yankee cap! LOL Aunt Carrie's is the best by far!

[@circusbear5354]

I love that this is a thing but point Judith is a road and a lighthouse in Narragansett.

[@invaderjoshua6280]

For me the best ones where always from the beach food shops.

[@davidperry1364]

“Maybe some seasoning” lmao

[@geralddeluca4322]

Dune Brothers in Providence currently has the very best clam cakes AND CHOWDER!

[@Ashhwitcash]

Soooooo a hush puppy with clams? Got it lol

[@hunterdelaghetto]

Shoutout alll my Rhodies - 401 Quahog Gang Lil Apponaugh Tay

[@counterfit5]

Hunter De La Ghetto III Quahog Gang 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TacoStacks]

Those look insanellyyyyyy good

[@Darkfollower666]

I live in RI. Iggy's is gross.

[@bluestsea]

Lol

[@MoniBahaa]

The guy sold that for me as soon as he spoke.

[@MsToccora]

🤣

[@MattCoutu]

I disagree.

[@giannifarhat3068]

I agreee totally

[@phatmeow7764]

hot dang them sugared fried dough are diabetes waiting to happen lol

[@nairbpenguinlizard]

They just look like bootleg budget beignets

[@counterfit5]

Brian Riven yeah, most places don’t make them look like that. They’re usually plate sized and very irregular.

[@baltousprime7897]

You forgot to talk about his famous hamburgers with the paper and onion burger