Must-Try Dishes in Tennessee and Where to Find Them

Tennessee’s culinary scene is a blend of Southern comfort food, barbecue, and regional specialties. From Nashville hot chicken to Memphis-style ribs, the state is home to some iconic dishes that every visitor should try. Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes in Tennessee and where you can find the best versions.

1. Nashville Hot Chicken

• What It Is: A spicy, fried chicken dish that originated in Nashville. It’s served on white bread with pickles and ranges from mildly hot to insanely spicy.
• Where to Try It: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Nashville) and Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack (Nashville).

2. Memphis-Style Barbecue Ribs

• What It Is: Memphis-style ribs are typically dry-rubbed and slow-cooked over hickory wood. They’re served without sauce, but a tangy, tomato-based sauce is often available on the side.
• Where to Try It: Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous (Memphis) and Central BBQ (Memphis).

3. Country Ham

• What It Is: Salt-cured, smoked ham that’s a Southern staple. It’s often served with biscuits and red-eye gravy for breakfast.
• Where to Try It: Loveless Café (Nashville) and Benton’s Country Hams (Madisonville).

4. Catfish

• What It Is: Fried catfish is a popular dish in Tennessee, often served with hush puppies and coleslaw.
• Where to Try It: Uncle Bud’s Catfish Shack (Hendersonville) and Hagy’s Catfish Hotel (Shiloh).

5. Meat-and-Three

• What It Is: A classic Southern meal where you choose one meat (like fried chicken, meatloaf, or roast beef) and three side dishes (like mashed potatoes, green beans, and macaroni and cheese).
• Where to Try It: Arnold’s Country Kitchen (Nashville) and Monell’s (Nashville).

6. Biscuits and Gravy

• What It Is: Fluffy, buttery biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. It’s a popular breakfast dish across the South.
• Where to Try It: Biscuit Love (Nashville) and Maple Street Biscuit Company (Chattanooga).

7. Pecan Pie

• What It Is: A sweet, nutty pie made with pecans, corn syrup, and brown sugar. It’s a popular dessert during the holidays but can be enjoyed year-round.
• Where to Try It: The Cupboard (Memphis) and Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House (Lynchburg).

8. Sweet Potato Pancakes

• What It Is: Pancakes made with sweet potato, which gives them a sweet, rich flavor. They’re often topped with butter and syrup.
• Where to Try It: The Pancake Pantry (Gatlinburg) and The Loveless Café (Nashville).

9. Fried Green Tomatoes

• What It Is: Slices of green tomatoes are breaded and fried until crispy. They’re often served as an appetizer or a side dish.
• Where to Try It: The Farmer’s Daughter (Chuckey) and The Catbird Seat (Nashville).

10. Goo Goo Clusters

• What It Is: A chocolate confection made with caramel, marshmallow nougat, and roasted peanuts. It’s one of the oldest candy bars in America, originating in Nashville.
• Where to Try It: Goo Goo Shop & Dessert Bar (Nashville).

Tennessee’s food scene is a rich tapestry of flavors, from the smoky and spicy to the sweet and savory. Make sure to try these iconic dishes on your next trip to experience the true taste of Tennessee.