10 Famous Foods to try in Tennessee | What to eat in Tennessee

When it comes to Southern cuisine, Tennessee is known for its unique and flavorful dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From spicy barbeque to sweet and savory desserts, Tennessee has a wide variety of foods that are beloved by locals and visitors alike.

In this blog post, we will explore what Tennessee is known for food, what Tennessee is famous for food, and what are the best famous Tennessee local foods that you simply must try. So this guide will help you discover some of the best and most iconic foods that Tennessee has to offer.

What is Tennessee known for food | What is Tennessee famous for food

1.Hot chicken

A Nashville specialty, hot chicken is fried chicken coated in a spicy cayenne pepper paste. Hattie B’s and Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack are two popular places to try it.

Hot chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. It is typically made with fried chicken that is coated in a spicy paste made from cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other seasonings. The chicken is often served on a slice of white bread with pickles, and sometimes with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.

The origins of hot chicken can be traced back to the 1930s, when it was created by a Nashville restaurant owner named Thornton Prince. According to legend, Prince’s girlfriend was upset with him one night and wanted to get revenge by making his food too spicy to eat. Instead of getting upset, Prince loved the flavor and decided to add it to his restaurant’s menu. The dish gained popularity over time and is now a beloved part of Tennessee cuisine.

There are many restaurants in Nashville and throughout Tennessee that specialize in hot chicken, including Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, Hattie B’s, and Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish. Each restaurant has its own unique take on the dish, with different levels of spiciness and varying side dishes. Hot chicken has become so popular that it is now widely available in other parts of the country as well.

2.Memphis-style barbecue

Memphis is known for its barbecue, which is typically made with pork ribs, dry-rubbed with a blend of spices, slow-smoked, and served with a tangy tomato-based sauce.

Memphis-style barbecue is a regional style of barbecue that originated in Memphis, Tennessee. It is known for its use of pork ribs, pulled pork, and chopped pork shoulder, which are typically slow-cooked over a low flame for several hours until they are tender and juicy.

The signature flavor of Memphis-style barbecue comes from the dry rub used to season the meat before cooking. The rub typically includes a mixture of spices such as paprika, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, as well as brown sugar for sweetness.

Memphis-style barbecue is also known for its use of barbecue sauce, which is usually served on the side rather than being slathered on the meat. The sauce is typically a thin, tangy vinegar-based sauce that complements the smoky flavor of the meat without overpowering it.

There are many barbecue restaurants in Memphis that specialize in this style of barbecue, including Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, Central BBQ, and The Bar-B-Q Shop. Memphis-style barbecue has also gained popularity outside of Tennessee and is now widely available in other parts of the country as well.

3.Meat and three

A Southern classic, meat and three is a meal consisting of a meat dish (such as fried chicken or meatloaf) and three sides (such as mashed potatoes, collard greens, and black-eyed peas).

Meat and three is a type of Southern cuisine that is popular in Tennessee and other parts of the South. The concept is simple: customers choose one meat and three side dishes from a list of options, with the meal typically including a bread roll or cornbread.

The meat options typically include classic Southern favorites such as fried chicken, catfish, country ham, meatloaf, or pork chops. The side dishes can vary but often include classic Southern sides such as mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, green beans, black-eyed peas, or baked beans.

Meat and three restaurants can be found throughout Tennessee, with some of the most famous ones located in Nashville, such as Arnold’s Country Kitchen, Monell’s, and Puckett’s Grocery. These restaurants often have a casual, cafeteria-style atmosphere, where customers choose their food and pay at the register before sitting down to eat.

Meat and three is a popular and beloved cuisine in Tennessee, and it is often seen as a symbol of Southern hospitality and comfort food.

4.Catfish

Fried catfish is a Southern staple, and Tennessee has many excellent catfish restaurants. Try the catfish at Uncle Bud’s or Cock of the Walk.

Catfish is a popular dish in Tennessee and throughout the Southern United States. It is typically made with farm-raised catfish fillets that are coated in seasoned cornmeal or flour and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.

There are many restaurants in Tennessee that specialize in catfish, with some of the most famous ones located in the small town of Paris, Tennessee, which has been dubbed the “Catfish Capital of the World.” These restaurants often serve catfish as a platter with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and other classic Southern sides.

In addition to being a delicious food, catfish is also an important part of the economy in Tennessee. The state is home to many catfish farms, which produce millions of pounds of catfish each year.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards healthier and more sustainable ways of producing catfish, with some farms using methods such as aquaponics and closed-loop systems to reduce waste and conserve resources. Overall, catfish remains a beloved and important part of Tennessee cuisine.

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5.Country ham

Tennessee is known for its salty, smoky country ham, which is often served as a breakfast meat or used in sandwiches.

Country ham is a traditional Southern food that is popular in Tennessee and throughout the region. It is made from the hind leg of a hog that has been cured with salt, sugar, and other seasonings and then aged for several months to a year or more.

Country ham is typically served thinly sliced and can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in other dishes. It has a salty, smoky flavor that is similar to bacon but with a firmer texture.

There are many farms in Tennessee that specialize in producing country ham, with some of the most famous ones located in the town of Murfreesboro, such as Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams and Col. Newsom’s Aged Kentucky Country Hams.

In addition to being a delicious food, country ham is also an important part of Southern culture and history. It has been a staple of Southern cuisine for generations and is often served at special occasions such as weddings, holidays, and family gatherings.

6.Goo Goo Clusters

Goo Goo Clusters are a type of candy that were invented in Nashville, Tennessee in 1912. They are made from a combination of marshmallow, caramel, and roasted peanuts, which are then coated in milk chocolate.

The name “Goo Goo” is said to have come from the words “goodness on the go,” reflecting the convenience of the candy as a portable snack. The candy quickly became popular in Tennessee and beyond, and it is now sold in stores and online throughout the United States.

In addition to the original Goo Goo Cluster, there are now several other flavors and varieties available, including peanut butter, pecan, and dark chocolate. Goo Goo Clusters are also sometimes used in recipes as an ingredient in desserts or other dishes.

Goo Goo Clusters are an iconic part of Tennessee’s food culture and history, and they continue to be a beloved snack for people of all ages.

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7.Chess pie

Chess pie is a simple, custard-like dessert made with eggs, sugar, and butter. It’s a popular dessert in Tennessee and throughout the South.

Chess pie is a classic Southern dessert that is popular in Tennessee and throughout the South. It is made from a simple mixture of eggs, sugar, butter, and cornmeal or cornstarch, which is then baked in a pie crust until set.

The origins of the name “chess pie” are uncertain, but some theories suggest that it may have originated from the term “chest pie,” referring to a pie that was stored in a chest or cupboard.

Chess pie can be flavored in a variety of ways, with some popular variations including lemon chess pie, chocolate chess pie, and buttermilk chess pie. It is often served at holidays and special occasions, and it is a popular dessert in many restaurants and bakeries throughout Tennessee.

Overall, chess pie is a beloved and iconic dessert in Tennessee and throughout the South, and it is often seen as a symbol of Southern hospitality and comfort food.

8.Banana pudding

This creamy, comforting dessert is a Southern classic, and Tennessee has some excellent versions. The Loveless Cafe in Nashville is known for its banana pudding.

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that is popular in Tennessee and throughout the South. It is made from layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and vanilla pudding, which are then topped with whipped cream or meringue.

Banana pudding is often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and other special occasions, and it is a staple dessert in many restaurants and cafes throughout Tennessee. It is often made with simple, affordable ingredients and is a popular comfort food.

There are many variations of banana pudding, with some recipes including additional ingredients such as cream cheese, condensed milk, or caramel sauce. Some people also prefer to use homemade vanilla pudding instead of the store-bought variety.

Overall, banana pudding is a beloved and iconic dessert in Tennessee and throughout the South, and it is often seen as a symbol of Southern hospitality and comfort food.

9.Fried green tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a popular Southern dish that are especially popular in Tennessee. They are made from unripe green tomatoes that are sliced, breaded in cornmeal or flour, and then fried until crispy and golden brown.

Fried green tomatoes can be served as a side dish or as a main course, and they are often accompanied by remoulade sauce, ranch dressing, or other dipping sauces. They are a popular dish in many restaurants and cafes throughout Tennessee, especially during the summer months when green tomatoes are in season.

Fried green tomatoes have a tangy and slightly sour flavor that pairs well with the crispy texture of the breading. They are also a popular ingredient in other dishes, such as sandwiches or salads.

Overall, fried green tomatoes are a beloved and iconic dish in Tennessee and throughout the South, and they are a delicious example of Southern comfort food.

10.Sweet tea

A Southern staple, sweet tea is a refreshing beverage made with tea and plenty of sugar. Order a glass with your meal at any Tennessee restaurant.

Sweet tea is a popular beverage in Tennessee and throughout the South. It is made by brewing black tea and then adding sugar while the tea is still hot, allowing the sugar to dissolve and infuse the tea with sweetness. The tea is then chilled and served over ice.

Sweet tea is a staple of Southern hospitality and is often served at family gatherings, barbecues, and other social events. It is a refreshing and sweet drink that is perfect for hot summer days, and it is often enjoyed with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.

In addition to being a popular beverage on its own, sweet tea is also sometimes used as an ingredient in c**ktails or other drinks. It is a versatile and delicious drink that is deeply ingrained in Southern food and drink culture.

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