What is the difference between oyster stew and oyster chowder?

The distinction isn't really clear. Generally speaking, a stew is thicker than a soup, while a chowder is a soup thickened with cream. A chowder generally has only a few ingredients, like carrots, potatoes, stock, a main ingredient like oysters, and cream. But oyster stew is typically made with the same ingredients. read more

A chowder generally has only a few ingredients, like carrots, potatoes, stock, a main ingredient like oysters, and cream. But oyster stew is typically made with the same ingredients. It may be slightly thicker, or it may not. read more