5 Southern Foods You Must Try

The Deep South is full of attractions that tempt people from all over America and the world over. One area where this specific geographical region of the United States shines, though, is through its cuisine— with the South being known for its unique and flavorful dishes from some of the best eateries around.

All over the Deep South, there are delicious dishes to try, many steeped in history and tradition alongside a guaranteed strong burst of flavor. We aren’t talking about fine dining experiences here either. Many of these foods are at their best inside gas stations, roadside stands and mom and pop establishments.

If you’re keen to venture to the Deep South to experience some of the most stunning food offerings on the planet, then check out the staples below.

Fried Chicken

First things first, you simply have to try fried chicken in the Deep South. This isn’t your average fried chicken recipe either, with the region offering some truly special flavorings and often a buttermilk brine that make the chicken here some of the finest on the planet. Free from a lot of grease and packing one hell of a punch in terms of the taste on offer, fried chicken in this part of the country really is special. You can often find some of the best in gas stations right off the highway or at restaurants like Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta or Mama Dip’s Kitchen in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Biscuits and Gravy

Another delight that is essential to eat in the Deep South is most definitely biscuits and gravy. We aren’t referring to the British biscuits they dip into tea or the gravy they add to a Sunday roast, but a more refined gravy with rich and buttery biscuits that are a staple in the Deep South. The fluffiness of the biscuits is truly unique, while the savory gravy itself pairs perfectly with them. Tennessee is known for perfecting this dish, and The Loveless Cafe in Nashville has some of the best.

Gumbo

Not everyone is partial to soups and stews but wait until you dig into a bowl of gumbo. Louisiana’s signature stew is filled with richness and flavor. Usually containing seafood or meat, gumbo is then accompanied by a roux that is luxurious and creamy in terms of its texture. Topped with some file powder and maybe a scoop of potato salad (depending on who you ask), there’s simply nothing else like it.

Key Lime Pie

Alongside satisfying your sweet tooth through top games at McLuck and learning about the history of the Jelly Belly brand in documentaries like Candyman, you need to try some key lime pie as the perfect finish to any Southern meal. This delightfully tangy pie is created using graham crackers as the crust, while the light and creamy topping with a zesty sprinkling makes it even more special. Find some of the best the further South you get into Florida.

Barbecue

No matter where you are in the region, barbecue is likely to be on offer. From brisket and steak to sausage and pulled pork, you’ll be able to tuck into some of the finest meat feasts ever. Depending on where you are in the Deep South, you’ll also be exposed to differences in the sauces used, while some places also opt for slightly different cooking techniques. Overall, though, barbecue in this part of the country is hard to beat. Like fried chicken, you don’t have to travel far to get it and gas stations often offer some of the best, complete with sides that rival the meat.

Other food worth trying in the Deep South includes fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, jambalaya, peach cobbler, beignets, banana pudding, hush puppies, black-eyed peas, collard greens and etouffee.

See our Recipes section to make your own version of these Southern delicacies and lots more.