Vermont, recognized for its natural beauty, maple syrup, cheese, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, also has a lesser-known treasure: an Amish buffet known for providing some of the country’s best-fried chicken. Allow me to introduce you to this hidden gem where you can feast on traditional Amish cuisine, including their well-known fried chicken.
Exploring the Amish Buffet
An Amish buffet, a unique eating experience, features a diverse selection of cuisine created by the Amish people. The Amish, who live a modest, traditional lifestyle predominantly in rural areas such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, excel at farming, carpentry, quilting, and, most importantly, cooking. Their culinary skill shines via the utilization of fresh, local products and traditional cooking methods that do not rely on modern machines or power.
Read more: This Amish Buffet Has Been Named One of the Best Fried Chicken in All of Alaska
An Amish buffet has a wide variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and bread, as well as pies, cakes, and cookies. There is also a wide selection of beef, poultry, fish, and vegetarian options. Diners serve themselves while enjoying the warm atmosphere and efficient, friendly service.
Discovering the Vermont Amish Buffet.
The Dutch Oven, located at 123 Main Street in Middlebury, a picturesque village 35 miles south of Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, is a shining example of Amish culinary history. The restaurant, founded in 2021 by John and Mary Miller, Amish natives from Pennsylvania, wants to share their heritage and food with Vermonters while also sustaining their family of seven children.
The Dutch Oven, open for lunch and supper Tuesday through Saturday and brunch on Sunday, can accommodate up to 100 guests and provides catering and takeaway options. The restaurant, which is decorated with rustic appeal (wooden furniture, checkered tablecloths, and Amish quilts), also has a gift store that sells Amish-made items such as jams, candles, and crafts.
Savoring Fried Chicken
The crown gem of The Dutch Oven is unquestionably their fried chicken, which keeps customers coming back for more. The Millers’ local farm raises fresh, organic chicken, which is then marinated in buttermilk and spices before being coated in flour and cornmeal and fried to golden perfection in lard.
Also read: This Amish Buffet Has Been Named One of Best Fried Chicken in All of South Dakota
The fried chicken is tender and juicy on the inside, with a crispy, aromatic outside. It comes with mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, biscuits, and honey. Deliciousness is accompanied by generosity—you may choose between a half or full chicken for a fair price. Alternatively, enjoy the buffet, which includes a variety of Amish treats such as pot roast, meatloaf, ham, turkey, and sides such as corn, green beans, and macaroni and cheese, as well as a salad, soup, bread, and dessert bar.
Final Words
Finally, Vermont’s culinary landscape includes a hidden gem: The Dutch Oven, an Amish buffet in Middlebury. It was founded by John and Mary Miller and serves true Amish food, with the famed fried chicken being the highlight. The Dutch Oven, made with organic, locally raised chicken and served with a selection of sides, offers a warm, rustic setting for a memorable dining experience.