Fried clams
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Fried clams are a regular restaurant menu item near the seaside throughout the New England area of the United States. They tend to be served at seaside clam shacks, restaurants accompanying roadside ice cream stands, and casual dining establishments.
Fried clams are prepared either as "clam strips," made only from the siphon of the clam; or "with the bellies," that is, made from the whole clam.
Clam strips were popularized in the United States by the Howard Johnson's restaurant chain. Those who are squeamish about seafood generally prefer clam strips, which have a mild flavor dominated by the breading, and an appearance that does not suggest their origin. A fried clam strip does not seem very different from a French-fried potato or onion ring.
Most New Englanders have a very strong preference for fried clams "with the bellies." The flavor and soft texture of the clam are evident and complemented by the crunch and seasoning of the breading.