10 Best Foods To Try In South Carolina | Famous Foods Of South Carolina

South Carolina is a food lover’s paradise, with a rich culinary history that dates back to the colonial era. From classic Southern comfort foods to unique regional specialties, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Palmetto State.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at 10 of the best foods to try in South Carolina, from mouthwatering barbecue to sweet and savory shrimp and grits.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the state, these famous foods are sure to leave you feeling satisfied and craving more. So get ready to take a culinary tour of South Carolina and discover some of the best dishes the state has to offer!

Best Foods to Eat in South Carolina | What is South Carolina known for food

1.Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic southern dish that originated in South Carolina. It’s made with sautéed shrimp, creamy grits, and often includes bacon and cheese.

Shrimp and Grits is a popular dish that originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It consists of shrimp sautéed in a sauce made with bacon, onions, garlic, and sometimes tomatoes, served over creamy grits. The dish has become a staple in Southern cuisine and is enjoyed throughout the United States.

The history of Shrimp and Grits can be traced back to the Gullah Geechee people, who are descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia. The dish was originally made with shrimp caught in the local waters and grits made from the region’s abundant corn crops. Over time, the dish became a favorite among local fishermen and eventually gained popularity beyond the region.

Today, Shrimp and Grits is considered a classic Southern dish and is often featured on restaurant menus throughout the country. However, many argue that the best Shrimp and Grits can still be found in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, where the dish originated.

2.Lowcountry Boil

Lowcountry boil, also known as Frogmore stew, is a popular seafood dish that is often served at outdoor gatherings. It’s made with shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes, all boiled together in a large pot.

Lowcountry Boil, also known as a shrimp boil, is a popular dish in South Carolina that originated in the coastal regions of the state. It is a one-pot meal that typically consists of shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes, boiled together in a flavorful broth of spices and seasonings.

The dish has its roots in the Gullah Geechee culture of the Lowcountry region and was originally made with locally caught shrimp, sausage made from the region’s abundant pork, and vegetables grown in the area. Over time, the dish became a favorite among locals and is now a staple at backyard gatherings, seafood festivals, and restaurants throughout the state.

To prepare Lowcountry Boil, a large pot is filled with water and seasoned with Old Bay seasoning, lemon, and garlic. The potatoes are added first and allowed to cook until they are tender, followed by the corn on the cob, which is typically broken into smaller pieces. The sausage is then added, followed by the shrimp, which cook quickly and should be removed as soon as they turn pink.

Lowcountry Boil is typically served family-style, with the ingredients poured out onto a large table covered in newspaper. Diners can then dig in and enjoy the feast with their hands, peeling the shrimp and savoring the spicy broth that flavors the vegetables and sausage. It is a beloved tradition in South Carolina and a must-try for anyone visiting the region.

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3.She-crab Soup

She-crab soup is a creamy soup made with crabmeat, crab roe, and sherry. It’s a coastal South Carolina specialty and is often served as a starter.

She-crab soup is a traditional soup in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It is a creamy bisque-like soup made with blue crab meat, crab roe, heavy cream, and dry sherry. The soup is typically garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a pinch of paprika.

The soup has its origins in Charleston, where it was first served in the early 20th century. Legend has it that the soup was created by William Deas, a butler in the home of a Charleston mayor, who made the soup for a dinner party that was attended by President William Howard Taft. The soup was so well received that it became a staple in Charleston’s culinary scene and is now a beloved dish throughout the state.

The name “she-crab” comes from the use of female crabs, which are prized for their roe, which is used to flavor and thicken the soup. The crab meat is sautéed with onions and butter before being added to a mixture of milk and cream, along with the crab roe, sherry, and other seasonings. The soup is then simmered until it thickens and is served hot, often with a side of oyster crackers.

She-crab soup is a classic dish in South Carolina and is often featured on the menus of fine dining restaurants in the region. It is a must-try for anyone visiting the area and looking to experience the flavors of the Lowcountry.

4.Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a classic southern dish that is popular in South Carolina. The unripe tomatoes are sliced, breaded, and fried until crispy and golden brown.

Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that is popular in South Carolina. It is made by slicing unripe green tomatoes into thick slices, dipping them in a mixture of buttermilk and seasoned flour, and then frying them until they are crispy and golden brown.

The dish has its origins in the Southern United States, where unripe green tomatoes are abundant in the summertime. The dish gained widespread popularity after the publication of the novel “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” by Fannie Flagg, which was later adapted into a film.

In South Carolina, fried green tomatoes are often served as an appetizer or side dish and can be found on the menus of many Southern restaurants. They are often served with a side of remoulade sauce, which is a tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and other seasonings.

To make fried green tomatoes, the unripe green tomatoes are sliced into thick slices and then soaked in buttermilk to help tenderize them. They are then coated in a mixture of seasoned flour and cornmeal before being fried in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.

Fried green tomatoes are a delicious and quintessentially Southern dish that is a must-try for anyone visiting South Carolina or the Southern United States.

5.BBQ

South Carolina is known for its BBQ, which is often made with pork and served with a mustard-based sauce. There are different styles of BBQ across the state, each with its own unique flavor.

Barbecue, or BBQ for short, is a beloved culinary tradition in South Carolina. The state is known for its distinct regional styles of barbecue, which vary depending on the type of meat, sauce, and cooking method used.

In the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, pork is typically cooked over hickory wood and served with a tangy, mustard-based sauce. This style of barbecue is sometimes referred to as “Carolina Gold” and is thought to have originated in the German settlements in the area.

In the Midlands region of South Carolina, barbecue is typically made with a combination of pork and beef and is cooked over hickory wood. The sauce used in this region is a tomato-based sauce that is sweet and tangy.

In the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, whole hogs are typically used to make barbecue, and the meat is cooked over a wood fire for many hours. The sauce used in this region is a vinegar-based sauce that is both tangy and spicy.

No matter which regional style of barbecue you prefer, there are plenty of options to choose from in South Carolina. The state is home to numerous barbecue joints and restaurants that serve up some of the best BBQ in the country. Many of these restaurants are family-owned and have been in business for generations, passing down their recipes and techniques from one generation to the next.

South Carolina is also home to several barbecue festivals, including the South Carolina BBQ Championship, which takes place each November in Myrtle Beach. These festivals are a great way to sample different styles of barbecue and celebrate this beloved Southern tradition.

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6.Hoppin’ John

Hoppin’ John is a traditional southern dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon or ham. It’s often served on New Year’s Day for good luck.

Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish that originated in South Carolina. It is typically made with black-eyed peas, rice, and pork, and is often served on New Year’s Day for good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

The dish has its roots in West African cuisine, and was brought to the Southern United States by enslaved Africans. Over time, the dish became a staple in Southern cuisine, particularly in South Carolina and other parts of the Lowcountry region.

To make Hoppin’ John, black-eyed peas are typically soaked overnight and then simmered with pork, such as bacon or ham hocks, along with onion, celery, and other seasonings. The cooked peas are then served over a bed of rice, often with a side of collard greens and cornbread.

The dish is believed to bring good luck and prosperity when eaten on New Year’s Day. According to Southern folklore, eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day represents coins, while the rice represents wealth and prosperity, and the pork represents forward motion and positive momentum in the coming year.

Hoppin’ John is a classic Southern dish that is often featured on the menus of Southern restaurants in South Carolina and beyond. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that is both comforting and delicious.

7.Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a spread made with cheddar cheese, mayo, and pimentos. It’s a popular snack food in South Carolina and is often served with crackers or on sandwiches.

Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread made with shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, which are sweet red peppers. The spread has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often served as a dip or a sandwich filling.

In South Carolina, pimento cheese is a beloved staple of Southern cuisine, and can be found on the menus of many Southern restaurants and diners. The spread is often served as an appetizer or snack, and is also a popular ingredient in sandwiches and burgers.

Pimento cheese is thought to have originated in the Southern United States in the early 1900s. The spread became especially popular during the Great Depression, when cheese was a relatively inexpensive and filling source of protein.

To make pimento cheese, shredded cheddar cheese is mixed with mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. The mixture is typically chilled before serving, which allows the flavors to meld together.

Pimento cheese can be served in a variety of ways. It is often spread on crackers or bread, and can also be used as a topping for burgers or hot dogs. The spread can also be mixed with other ingredients, such as jalapeno peppers or bacon, to create unique flavor combinations.

In recent years, pimento cheese has gained national attention and has become a trendy ingredient in the culinary world. However, it remains a beloved Southern tradition in South Carolina and throughout the South.

8.Red Rice

Red rice is a staple of Lowcountry cuisine and is made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s a flavorful side dish that pairs well with seafood and BBQ.

Red Rice is a traditional dish that is popular in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. The dish is made with rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, which give it its distinctive red color and savory flavor.

The origins of Red Rice can be traced back to West Africa, where a similar dish called Jollof Rice is commonly prepared. Enslaved Africans brought their culinary traditions with them to the United States, and over time, these traditions merged with the cuisine of the Southern United States to create new and unique dishes like Red Rice.

To make Red Rice, long-grain rice is typically cooked with diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. The mixture is simmered until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Red Rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It pairs well with a variety of meats, such as chicken, pork, or shrimp, and can also be served on its own as a vegetarian option.

Red Rice is a popular dish at many Southern restaurants in South Carolina and beyond, and is often served at family gatherings and other special occasions. It is a flavorful and comforting dish that reflects the diverse culinary traditions of the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.

9.Benne Wafers

Benne wafers are a sweet and crunchy cookie made with sesame seeds. They are a South Carolina specialty and are often served as a dessert or snack.

Benne wafers are a traditional Southern cookie that originated in South Carolina. The wafers are made with sesame seeds, butter, sugar, and flour, and have a crisp, delicate texture and a nutty, buttery flavor.

The name “benne” comes from the Bantu word for sesame, and reflects the West African roots of the dish. Sesame seeds were brought to the United States by enslaved Africans, and were incorporated into Southern cuisine in dishes like benne wafers.

To make benne wafers, sesame seeds are toasted in the oven until golden brown, and then mixed with butter, sugar, and flour to create a dough. The dough is then rolled out thinly and cut into small rounds, which are baked until crisp and golden brown.

Benne wafers are a popular snack in South Carolina and throughout the South, and are often served at parties and other special occasions. The cookies are also a popular souvenir for visitors to Charleston, where they are widely available at local bakeries and gift shops.

In addition to their delicious flavor, benne wafers are also a symbol of the diverse culinary traditions that have shaped Southern cuisine over the centuries. The cookies reflect the contributions of enslaved Africans to Southern cuisine, and serve as a reminder of the resilience and creativity of those who have shaped the region’s culinary traditions.

10.Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is a southern staple, and South Carolina is no exception. It’s a refreshing drink made with black tea and plenty of sugar, served over ice.

Sweet tea is a beloved beverage that is synonymous with Southern cuisine, and is especially popular in South Carolina. The drink is made by steeping tea leaves in hot water, and then adding sugar to create a sweet, refreshing flavor.

In South Carolina, sweet tea is a staple of Southern cuisine and is often served at meals and special occasions. The drink is typically made with black tea, although some recipes also call for the addition of other flavors, such as lemon or mint.

The origins of sweet tea can be traced back to the 19th century, when tea became a popular beverage in the United States. Sugar was added to tea to help mask the bitter flavor of the tannins in the tea leaves, and over time, sweet tea became a beloved staple of Southern cuisine.

Sweet tea is typically served over ice, and is a popular beverage during the hot and humid summers in South Carolina. The drink is often served in large pitchers or glass jars, and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

In recent years, sweet tea has gained national attention and has become a popular beverage in other parts of the United States. However, it remains a beloved symbol of Southern hospitality and cuisine in South Carolina, and is an essential part of any true Southern meal or gathering.

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FAQs:

Q: What are some popular traditional dishes in South Carolina?

A: Some popular traditional dishes in South Carolina include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, hoppin’ john (a dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and pork), boiled peanuts, barbecue (particularly mustard-based sauce in the Midlands and vinegar and pepper-based sauce in the Lowcountry), and Lowcountry boil (also known as a shrimp boil or frogmore stew).

Q: What types of seafood are commonly eaten in South Carolina?

A: South Carolina is known for its seafood, and some of the most commonly eaten types include shrimp, crab, oysters, clams, and various types of fish such as flounder, grouper, and red snapper.

Q: Where can I find good barbecue in South Carolina?

A: South Carolina is known for its barbecue, and there are many great places to try it throughout the state. Some popular spots include Bessinger’s Barbecue in Charleston, Sweatman’s BBQ in Holly Hill, and Scott’s Bar-B-Que in Hemingway.

Q: What is a good dessert to try in South Carolina?

A: One traditional dessert to try in South Carolina is pecan pie, which is often made with locally-grown pecans. Other popular sweets include peach cobbler, banana pudding, and sweet potato pie.

Q: What are some locally-made drinks to try in South Carolina?

A: South Carolina is home to many craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Some popular drinks to try include craft beers from breweries such as Westbrook Brewing Company in Mount Pleasant and River Rat Brewery in Columbia, wines from vineyards such as Deep Water Vineyard on Wadmalaw Island, and spirits from distilleries such as High Wire Distilling Company in Charleston. Additionally, sweet tea is a staple beverage in South Carolina and is often served at restaurants and cafes throughout the state.