Maine vs Connecticut Lobster Roll

Maine vs Connecticut Lobster Roll

Lobster rolls are classic summer treats, enjoyed by seafood enthusiasts across the U.S. And for good reason – the rich and flavorful taste of lobster meat is unmatched. Lobster rolls have long been a staple of the New England cuisine for generations, with roadside shacks and seafood restaurants across the entire East Coast serving up this delicious dish. As a result, they have become deeply ingrained in the New England culture and are often associated with summertime, coastal living, the nautical lifestyle.

A large part of the intrigue behind lobster rolls is the simplicity! At its core, the lobster roll is a two-ingredient sandwich primarily made with lobster claw meat and a roll. Beyond the requisite lobster meat and breading, there are slight differences that distinguish the various types of similar yet slightly different make up of lobster rolls! While Maine's traditional cold lobster roll holds an iconic status, Connecticut's warm variation offers a unique twist on this East Coast staple.

In this blog, we dive into the long debated, simple question - what lobster roll is better? The classic Maine lobster roll vs the warm Connecticut roll.

Lobster Meat for Lobster Rolls

But before we jump into the comparison, let's first discuss the primary ingredient in any type of lobster roll, the meat!

Clearly, the most important ingredient in the any type of lobster roll is lobster meat. Now, as a national ecommerce brand that sells and ships lobster meat to all 50 states, we’re certainly biased. But we’d argue that we’re justified in our belief that Maine lobster is the pinnacle choice for lobster meat.

Maine is famously known for its quality lobsters, which are caught in its cold, clean waters. The lobsters are prized for their sweet, tender meat, which is considered superior to lobsters from other regions. Which is why at The Maine Lobster Club, all of our lobster meat is wild caught and sustainably harvested by small fishing operations in the North Atlantic and flash-frozen soon after to retain high protein levels and consistent flavor, year-round. And because our lobster meat is flash-frozen at peak freshness, you can keep this delicacy frozen at your convenience until you're ready to prepare a lobster meal for your friends & family!

At The Maine Lobster Club, our goal is simple - share the lobster experience by making it more affordable, convenient, and readily available to all 50 states.

Use wild caught & sustainably harvested Maine lobster meat to create your own homemade lobster rolls!

The Classic Maine Lobster Roll

Let's start with the classic. Maine's lobster roll is a simple yet heavenly creation, consisting of lobster meat, light mayonnaise, and perfected with a buttery, split-top bun. The focus of the Maine lobster roll is on the claw and knuckle lobster meat. And for good reason, lobster claw meat is sweet & tender. This timeless roll is served chilled and accented by creamy mayonnaise, to taste. Traditionally, the lobster meat used to make the Maine lobster roll is claw and knuckle lobster meat, but there's no rules saying you can't also use lobster tail meat if that's your preference!

Beyond chilled lobster meat, mayo, and a split-top bun, other optional seasoning ingredients that lobster lovers may vouch for include:

• Salt & pepper
• Lemon juice or celery salt for added zest
• Celery & chives

If you're sold on the Maine lobster roll as your personal favorite and want to create your own homemade rolls, watch this easy to follow video to learn how to make lobster rolls at home! 

Again, the beauty of the Maine lobster is the simplicity. Whether enjoyed at a seaside shack, a gourmet restaurant, or from the comfort of your home, the classic Maine lobster roll is a timeless treat that captures a long-standing piece of New England's culture. 

The beauty of the Maine lobster roll lies in its simplicity. Chilled lobster meat, mayo, and split top bun!

The Connecticut Lobster Roll (Warm Lobster Roll)

Let's turn our attention to Connecticut's warm rendition of the lobster roll. In this version, freshly cooked lobster meat is then topped with melted butter before being piled into a toasted, top-split bun. The result is a rich, flavorful treat that highlights the natural sweetness of the lobster while adding the warming flavor of butter. Like the Maine lobster roll, this warm Connecticut style roll is traditionally prepared using lobster claw meat.

Unlike its cold counterpart, however, the warm lobster roll offers a unique sensory experience. The buttery richness of the warm lobster meat creates a comforting contrast to the crispiness of the toasted bun. With each bite, you're greeted with a burst of flavor and the thought, "why don't I eat lobster rolls more often!?

Like the Maine lobster roll counterpart, the Connecticut roll ingredient list is simple: 

• Lobster meat (typically 3-4 oz per roll of claw and knuckle lobster meat. Meaning, using our 2 lbs. of lobster meat, you can create 8, 4oz lobster rolls or 16 mini rolls if you're serving as an appetizer for a party)
• Split top buns
• Butter

Watch this easy to follow video to learn how to make lobster rolls at home!

Treat yourself to the rich, buttery goodness of a warm Connecticut roll!

The Lobster Roll Showdown: Maine vs Connecticut

So, which lobster roll do you prefer? The answer ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you're a purist who appreciates the simple, yet strong and flavorful taste of Maine lobster, Maine's classic roll may be your go-to choice. Alternatively, if you crave the rich combination of lobster and butter, Connecticut's warm roll is sure to delight.

Whether you find yourself favoring the Maine or Connecticut roll, one thing is for certain: a lobster roll is always a treat worth savoring for all seafood lovers. So, in our humble opinion, it’s less about warm or cold, and instead the debate should be more about the type of lobster meat.  And in the world of lobster, Maine lobster meat is the apex. If you’re craving lobster rolls and want to do so from the convenience of your kitchen, shop lobster meat from The Maine Lobster Club!

We provide ready to eat lobster meat without the hassle of shelling and cleaning live lobster. No messy kitchen or long prep time. Your lobster meat arrives at your doorstep pre-cooked & flash-frozen! (We don’t sell rolls, but we encourage customers to support their favorite local bakeries for the bread).