A Taste of the South: Exploring the Flavors of Southern U.S. Cuisine

The American South is more than a region—it's a culinary experience.

From the coastal cities of Georgia to the bayous of Louisiana, the Southern United States is a treasure trove of rich, comforting, and iconic dishes. Mark from Wolters World recently shared his firsthand experience while exploring the food scene in Savannah, Georgia.

Here’s his guide to the must-try meals, drinks, and sweet treats that define Southern hospitality—one bite at a time.

Sip Like a Southerner: Drinks to Beat the Heat

Before diving into hearty Southern meals, it’s important to start with what keeps people cool: the beverages. In the South, sweet tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a way of life. When you ask for tea down here, expect it to be loaded with sugar by default. As the locals say, "the only good place for unsweet tea is down the drain."

If sweet tea isn’t your thing, lemonade is a popular alternative. And when someone asks what kind of “Coke” you want, don’t be confused—“Coke” is often a catch-all term for any soda.

Looking for something stronger? The South favors beer, bourbon, and whiskey (yes, with an "e"). A Southern classic to try is the mint julep, but be warned—it’s heavy on the bourbon and an acquired taste. If you’re unsure, try something else before diving into a full glass.

Breakfast Done Right: Start the Day Southern-Style

Breakfast in the South is an experience in itself. Many restaurants specialize in breakfast only, offering classics like:

• Biscuits and gravy – Soft, fluffy biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy.

• Grits – A corn-based dish, often served with eggs and bacon, and a must-try staple.

• Pancakes, eggs, and bacon – Hearty and comforting favorites.

In New Orleans, don’t miss the iconic beignets, fried doughnuts topped with powdered sugar. And if you spot the glowing red "Hot Now" sign at Krispy Kreme, pull over immediately—those warm donuts are unforgettable.

Snacking Southern-Style: Boiled Peanuts and More

For a true Southern snack, nothing beats hot boiled peanuts. Soft and flavorful, they’re typically found in gas stations, bait shops, or local grocery stores. They’re made by boiling green peanuts in a salty, seasoned brine, and while they might feel strange at first, they quickly become addictive.

Main Courses to Remember: Southern Comfort on a Plate

Fried chicken is the king of Southern cuisine—crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. But there’s much more to Southern cooking than just fried chicken.

Some other must-try dishes include:

• Barbecue – Unlike grilling, Southern barbecue involves slow-smoking meats like pork, beef, or chicken. Think pulled pork sandwiches, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and burnt ends that melt in your mouth.

• Chicken and dumplings – A hearty stew featuring tender chicken and doughy dumplings.

• Gumbo and jambalaya – Popular in Louisiana, these rice-based stews are rich with sausage, seafood, and spice.

• Po’boys – Fried shrimp or oyster sandwiches served on crusty bread—simple but irresistible.

• Seafood dishes – Soft shell crab, grouper, flounder, and shrimp and grits are standout options.

• Low country boil – A Southern coastal classic with shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn, often served by dumping it straight onto a table for communal eating.

The Sides That Steal the Show

Southern sides are often just as beloved as the main course. Favorites include:

• Homemade mac and cheese – Rich, cheesy, and baked to perfection.

• Red beans and rice

• Collard greens – Cooked with bacon for deep flavor.

• Coleslaw – Either vinegar- or mayo-based, depending on the region.

• Biscuits and cornbread – Essential staples with any meal.

• Hush puppies – Deep-fried cornmeal balls, often served with fish.

Mark jokingly refers to the Southern “holy trinity” of cooking as mayonnaise ( Duke’s or Blue Plate only), bacon, and anything fried.

Sweet Southern Endings: Desserts to Indulge In

Save room for dessert—pie and cobbler reign supreme. Popular options include:

• Peach cobbler – A Southern classic.

• Key lime pie – Tangy and refreshing.

• Mississippi mud pie – Rich, chocolatey, and decadent.

• Banana pudding – Creamy and nostalgic.

• Moon pies – Marshmallow-filled treats covered in chocolate.

• Pecan pie – A must-have with a gooey filling and toasted pecans.

Pro tip: In the South, desserts like cobbler often double as sides—so don’t be surprised if your plate of fried chicken comes with a scoop of peach cobbler.

Start With Something Fried: Southern Starters

Before diving into your meal, start with something fried:

• Fried green tomatoes – Sliced, battered, and golden brown.

• Fried okra – Crunchy and flavorful.

• Chicken wings

• Buffalo shrimp

• Deviled eggs – Made with—you guessed it—mayonnaise.

• Fried pickles – A tangy and crunchy appetizer treat.

Celebrate Regional Flavors

One of the most exciting parts of Southern cuisine is its regional diversity. From vinegar-based barbecue in North Carolina to mustard-based sauces in South Carolina and sweet styles in Georgia, flavors shift state to state. Embrace the differences and ask locals for recommendations—you’ll discover something new in every town.

Have You Tried Southern Food?

Southern food is more than just what’s on the plate—it’s about family, friends, and community. So pull up a chair, save a seat for grandma, and dig in. From the first sip of sweet tea to the last bite of pecan pie, the South offers one unforgettable food journey.