A Tennessee visit isn’t complete until you sample some of its classic dishes. Enjoy the state’s big-hearted hospitality as you indulge in treats ranging from the barbecue and soul food in Memphis to the folksy cooking of the Appalachians. The iconic foods are simple, spicy, sweet and lightning hot.
Surrounded by two large catfish farming-producing states, Tennessee boasts this delicious swimmer at diners, fish shacks and barbecue joints. Unlike mundane, generic frozen fish sticks, the Volunteer state’s fresh cornbread battered catfish is fried to a golden crisp and is crunchy on the outside but tender within. It’s a must-try!
Here are seven of the most famous dishes in Tennessee you should definitely try:Baked Beans. Baked beans are a staple of many Tennessean households, and they’re often served at potlucks and picnics. … Fried Pickles. … Fried Pies. … Memphis Pulled Pork. … Nashville Hot Chicken. … Stack Cake. … Tennessee Whiskey. … Conclusion.
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Baked Beans. Baked beans are a staple of many Tennessean households, and they’re often served at potlucks and picnics. …
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Fried Pickles. …
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Fried Pies. …
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Memphis Pulled Pork. …
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Nashville Hot Chicken. …
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Stack Cake. …
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Tennessee Whiskey. …
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Conclusion.
Where To Try It:
Soul Fish Cafe: This delightful stop celebrates catfish in every way possible: catfish caesar salad, catfish po’boys, cat bites, catfish tacos and catfish platters. For a proper Southern meal, pick from an assortment of home-cooked sides like black-eyed peas, white beans, fried okra or collard greens. (Memphis, TN)
Uncle Bud’s Catfish: Chicken, gator tails, frog legs and country-fried steak are just a few of the southern delicacies you can try at this joint. Uncle Bud’s is a no-frills spot that serves up southern delicacies like frog legs, country-fried steak and, of course, catfish platters that will leave you full as a tick. (Nashville, TN)
Nashville Hot Chicken
Get ready for sweaty skin and watery eyes when you bite into this hotter-than-hot flavorful fried chicken. What started as a woman scorned exacting her revenge on her philandering husband has become a nationwide sensation. Those in the Music City are absurdly proud of this dish: they even celebrate it annually with a festival of local bands, beers and amateur chef competition. What’s so special? This addictive crispy bird is fried in cayenne pepper. Diners usually choose between hot wildfire options for the bold and mild choices for the timid. Try it with Southern greens, mashed potatoes and sweet corn.
10 Places to Eat in Memphis, Tennessee
FAQ
What food is Tennessee most known for?
What is Tennessee state food?
What food is Tennessee known for?
Learn what foods Tennessee is known for, including Memphis barbeque, Nashville hot chicken, Moon Pies, country ham, and more.
What restaurants are famous in Tennessee?
Tennessee is home to several iconic restaurants that have become famous for their food. One of the most famous is Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville, which is credited with inventing the dish hot chicken.
What is the most popular meat in Tennessee?
Other than chicken, it’s probably the most popular meat in Tennessee. From classic seasoning to maple flavored, country ham is a delicacy, and thanks to places like Rice’s Country Hams, Tennesseans are able to enjoy some of the highest quality meats in the Southern United States. Some consider it a side dish, while others consider it a dessert.
Is country ham popular in Tennessee?
While it’s usually enjoyed abundantly on holidays, country ham does take residence in many Southern kitchens year-round. Other than chicken, it’s probably the most popular meat in Tennessee.