A Baltimore favorite has earned national attention as the New York Times named the shrimp and corn patties at The Duchess one of the “23 Best Dishes Across the U.S.” for 2025. The recognition highlights not only the standout dish but also the unique spirit of the Hampden neighborhood pub that created it. It’s the only Maryland dish to make the list.
Located at 1000–1002 West 36th Street, The Duchess opened in 2024 and quickly gained a following for its blend of cozy English-style tavern vibes and globally inspired cuisine. The restaurant describes itself as “a neighborhood pub with a global spirit,” shaped by the warm, comforting feel of a local hangout and the bold, island-rooted flavors of Chef Kiko Fejarang’s Western Pacific heritage.
According to The Duchess, the goal is simple: create a place that feels familiar yet full of surprises. “It’s a spot that feels right at home. Warm, familiar, and just unexpected enough to keep you coming back,” the restaurant states. Whether guests come in for a pint, a casual meal, or a late-night bite after a show, the team aims to make the corner pub a welcoming, stay-awhile kind of space.
The standout dish, shrimp and corn patties, captures that ethos perfectly. In its write-up, the New York Times praised Chef Fejarang’s creation as a remarkable fusion of technique, texture, and heritage:
“The Duchess is one of the more unusual restaurants I’ve visited. It’s very much like a neighborhood pub (wood-paneled walls, beers on tap, ball games on the tube) but the food reflects the Pacific Rim heritage of Kiko Fejarang, the chef and an owner. Her shrimp and corn patties were savory delights — breaded, crisp and spiced with a sort of aioli made with dinache, a Chamorro chile paste. Feathery light, they tasted like the platonic essence of their ingredients, a beautiful balance of textures and flavors.”
