It’s established that Washington DC is becoming a foodie town. We have almost every type of food imaginable here. No matter what you are craving, you can find it in DC. But there are certain types of foods and drink that we do really, really well. Here are 12 the best food and drinks in Washington DC that everyone needs to try.

1. Half Smoke

If you don’t live in DC, you probably have no clue what a half-smoke is but to Washingtonians, it means mouth-watering goodness. A half-smoke is like a hot dog and is usually half-pork and half beef smoked with herbs and covered with chili sauce. Delicious.

2. Cupcakes

Yes, we have Georgetown cupcake which put DC on the cupcake map. But we also have Baked & Wired, Firehook Bakery, Sticky Fingers Bakery, Red Velvet Cupcakery, among many others.

3. Oysters

Washingtonians will flock to a good raw bar for a delicious oyster happy hour deal. The close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay gives DC some of the richest and most delicious oysters on the east coast.

4. Kimchi Ramen Noodles

Trendy ramen noodle shops all over the district have made these spicy Korean noodles one of the most beloved meals in DC.

5. Craft Beer

Local breweries in the DC area have helped grow the DC craft beer scene. It’s not hard to find a great local craft beer in any bar or pub around.

6. Ethiopian Food

Washington DC has one of the biggest Ethiopian populations in the country. You can find high quality, traditional Ethiopian restaurants in almost every part of the city and you should absolutely try at least one.

7. Pizza

DC may not be known for their pizza like New York or Chicago, but it does not mean we don’t have great pizza here. From the iconic jumbo slice to trendy toppings, you cannot go wrong with a good piece of pizza in this town.

8. Banh Mi Sandwich

These delicious Vietnamese sandwiches have become more and more popular over the last few years in DC. The more sandwich shops and food trucks that try out the recipe, the better the options. These tasty sandwiches are a must-try on your next lunch break.

9. Khachapuri

Khachapuri is a cheese-filled puff pastry that usually has an egg in it. This Georgian dish has become one of DC’s favorite treats, thanks to the popular restaurant Compass Rose. You can find it at many different restaurants in the district and you must order it when you do.

10. The Rickey

The Rickey is considered Washington’s DC official drink. Made with either gin or bourbon, lime juice and club soda, the Rickey was invented at a bar called Shoomakers that was located on E. Street in the 1880s.

11. Wings with Mumbo Sauce

You can’t have wings without mumbo sauce in Washington DC. This sweet and tangy red orange sauce is a staple in DC.

12. Mint Julep

The legend has it that Kentucky Senator Henry Clay introduced the julep to the Round Robin Bar in the Willard Hotel in the 1800s. This refreshing drink is perfect to enjoy on a hot and humid DC summer day.

13. Peruvian Chicken

Another sign of the international flavor that lives in DC, Peruvian chicken is a delicious roasted chicken with crispy skin, juicy center and excellent flavors. Almost everyone has their own favorite in the city so be sure to ask around!

On your culinary tour of the district, make sure you stop in at the 15 restaurants you need to try in Washington DC before you die!