Howard Johnson's (HoJo's) famous fried clam strips were small, meaty clam pieces with a distinct, light, crinkly batter, often enhanced by chef Jacques Pépin's recipe, served golden brown with fries and tartar sauce, but the item is discontinued as the last restaurant closed in 2022, though a modern recipe uses a mix of cake flour, cornmeal, and seasonings for a similar taste.

Description of the Classic HoJo's Fried Clams

Clam Type: The iconic item used clam strips (the "foot" of the clam), not whole belly clams, which were sliced and breaded.

Batter: A light, airy batter, possibly involving cake flour and cornmeal, fried to a golden brown.

Texture: Small, meaty pieces with a characteristic "thick and crinkly veil of batter".

Serving: Typically served as a meal with French fries, coleslaw, and homemade tartar sauce.

The Discontinuation: The last Howard Johnson's restaurant closed in 2022, leading to the discontinuation of their signature fried clams as a regular menu item. While the physical restaurants are gone, the nostalgia for the dish remains strong.