What to Eat in Tennessee? An In-depth Guide to Traditional Dishes and Culinary Influences

Introduction

Tennessee is known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. From Nashville Hot Chicken to Memphis Barbecue, there are a variety of traditional dishes that can be enjoyed throughout the state. Tennessee is also home to a wide range of other cuisines, including Southern comfort food, Mexican-inspired dishes, fresh seafood, and soul food specialties. This article will explore the various types of foods eaten in Tennessee, as well as the unique culinary influences that shape the region.

Five Traditional Dishes You Can’t Miss in Tennessee

Tennessee is known for its traditional dishes, many of which have become popular throughout the United States. Here are five dishes that you must try when visiting the state:

Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken is a spicy fried chicken dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of spices and hot sauce, then deep-fried until crispy. It is typically served with white bread or pickles, and is often accompanied by coleslaw or potato salad. The dish has become so popular that it is now widely available in restaurants across the country.

Memphis Barbecue

Memphis Barbecue is a style of barbecue that originated in Memphis, Tennessee. It is typically made with pork shoulder or ribs that are smoked over hickory, oak, or pecan wood. The meat is then slathered in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. This style of barbecue is popular throughout the south, and is often served with sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad.

Catfish

Catfish is a popular dish in Tennessee, particularly in the southern part of the state. Catfish is usually served fried or grilled and is often served with sides such as French fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw. The fish is often caught from local rivers and lakes, and is a staple of many restaurants in the area.

MoonPies

MoonPies are a snack cake that originated in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They are round graham cracker cookies with marshmallow and chocolate filling, and are commonly sold at convenience stores and gas stations throughout the state. They are a popular treat among locals and visitors alike.

Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is a staple of Southern cuisine, and is especially popular in Tennessee. The beverage is made by steeping black tea with sugar and lemon, and is often served cold. Sweet tea is served in restaurants, cafes, and homes throughout the state, and is a refreshing way to cool down on a hot summer day.

Exploring the Variety of Foods Eaten in Tennessee

In addition to the traditional dishes mentioned above, Tennessee is home to a variety of other cuisines. Here are some of the different types of food you can find in the state:

Southern Comfort Food

Southern comfort food is a type of cuisine that is popular throughout the southeastern United States. The cuisine is characterized by hearty dishes such as fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and biscuits and gravy. These dishes are often served with sides such as mashed potatoes, cornbread, and butterbeans.

Mexican-Inspired Dishes

In recent years, Mexican-inspired dishes have become increasingly popular in Tennessee. These dishes include tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and tamales, which can be found in restaurants throughout the state. The dishes are typically made with locally sourced ingredients, such as beef, pork, beans, and vegetables.

Fresh Seafood

Tennessee is home to a variety of fresh seafood, particularly in coastal areas such as the Gulf of Mexico. Common seafood dishes include shrimp, oysters, crabs, and fish, which are often served fried, grilled, or steamed. Many restaurants in the state specialize in seafood dishes, and offer a variety of preparations.

Soul Food Specialties

Tennessee is known for its soul food specialties, which are influenced by African-American culture. Popular dishes include fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. These dishes are often served with sides such as black-eyed peas, okra, and sweet potato pie.

A Regional Guide to Tennessee Cuisine

Tennessee is divided into three distinct regions: eastern, middle, and western. Each region has its own unique culinary traditions and dishes. Here is a guide to the food you can find in each region:

Eastern Tennessee

Eastern Tennessee is home to a variety of traditional Southern dishes, such as fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. The region is also known for its barbecues, which are often made with pork shoulder and ribs. In addition, the area is known for its moonshine, which is distilled and served in many restaurants and taverns.

Middle Tennessee

Middle Tennessee is known for its diverse cuisine, which includes both traditional Southern dishes and Mexican-inspired dishes. The area is home to a variety of barbecue styles, including Memphis-style, North Carolina-style, and Alabama-style. In addition, the region is known for its fresh seafood, which is often served in restaurants along the coast.

Western Tennessee

Western Tennessee is known for its traditional Southern dishes, such as fried chicken, collard greens, and biscuits and gravy. The region is also home to a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes, such as tacos and burritos. In addition, the area is known for its catfish, which is often served fried or grilled.

How Barbecue is Prepared Differently in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to a variety of barbecue styles, each of which has its own unique flavor profile. Here is a guide to the different types of barbecue found in the state:

Memphis Style

Memphis-style barbecue is characterized by its sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. The meat is typically cooked over hickory, oak, or pecan wood, and is often served with sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad.

North Carolina Style

North Carolina-style barbecue is characterized by its vinegary sauce. The meat is typically cooked over hickory wood, and is often served with sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, and hush puppies.

Alabama Style

Alabama-style barbecue is characterized by its white sauce, which is made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices. The meat is typically cooked over hickory wood, and is often served with sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.

The Comfort Food Specialties of Tennessee

Tennessee is known for its Southern comfort food, which includes a variety of dishes that are hearty and flavorful. Here are some of the most popular comfort food dishes in the state:

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a popular side dish in Tennessee. The tomatoes are coated in a mixture of flour, eggs, and seasonings, then fried until golden brown. The dish is often served with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or honey mustard.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are a popular side dish in Tennessee. The greens are usually cooked with bacon, onions, and garlic, and are often served with cornbread or biscuits. The dish is often served as a side to fried chicken or pork chops.

Cornbread

Cornbread is a popular side dish in Tennessee. The bread is made with cornmeal, flour, sugar, and butter, and is often served with meals such as chili, barbecues, and stews. Cornbread is also often served with sides such as collard greens and black-eyed peas.

Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy is a popular breakfast dish in Tennessee. The biscuits are made with flour, baking powder, and butter, and are served with a creamy sausage gravy. The dish is often served with sides such as eggs, bacon, and hash browns.

Exploring Tennessee’s Unique Culinary Influences

Tennessee’s cuisine is shaped by a variety of different cultures and influences. Here is a look at some of the unique culinary influences that have shaped the state:

European Settlers

European settlers brought a variety of dishes to Tennessee, including traditional British dishes such as shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, and bangers and mash. The settlers also introduced a variety of new ingredients, such as potatoes, carrots, and turnips.

African-American Culture

African-American culture has had a major influence on Tennessee’s cuisine. Many traditional Southern dishes, such as fried chicken, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese, were created by African-American cooks. African-American culture is also reflected in the use of spices and seasoning, such as cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic.

Native American Heritage

Tennessee is home to a variety of Native American tribes, and their culinary traditions have had an impact on the state’s cuisine. Native American dishes such as fry bread and corn soup are popular in the state, and many restaurants serve these traditional dishes. Native American ingredients, such as wild rice, cranberries, and blueberries, are also commonly used in Tennessee cooking.

A Guide to Southern Soul Food in Tennessee

Southern soul food is a type of cuisine that is popular throughout the southeastern United States. Here is a guide to some of the most popular soul food dishes in Tennessee:

Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a popular dish in Tennessee. The chicken is usually marinated in buttermilk and spices, then fried until crispy. The dish is often served with sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits.

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a popular side dish in Tennessee. The dish is typically made with elbow macaroni, cheese, and a creamy sauce. It is often served as a side to fried chicken, pork chops, and other dishes.

Grits

Grits are a popular breakfast dish in Tennessee. The dish is made with stone-ground cornmeal and is often served with butter, cheese, or gravy. Grits are often served with breakfast meats such as bacon, sausage, and ham.

Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a popular dessert in Tennessee. The pie is usually made with a flaky crust, a spiced sweet potato filling, and a topping of whipped cream or meringue. It is a popular holiday dish and is often served with a scoop of ice cream.

Conclusion

Tennessee is home to a variety of traditional dishes, from Nashville Hot Chicken to MoonPies. The state is also home to a wide range of other cuisines, including Southern comfort food, Mexican-inspired dishes, fresh seafood, and soul food specialties. Tennessee’s cuisine is shaped by its unique cultural influences, including European settlers, African-American culture, and Native American heritage. Whether you’re looking for traditional dishes or something new, Tennessee has something for everyone.