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The South is known for its rich culture, influential music scene, warm hospitality and, of course, delicious cuisine. From po’boys to possum pies, the Southern states have outdone themselves with plenty of delicious dishes with equally unique names.
If you’ve ever wondered what “chow-chow” was or where Hummingbird cake got its name, keep reading. Many of these signature dishes originated in Southern homes or restaurants and these are the places to enjoy these comfort foods. While these dishes are often imitated elsewhere, the best place to eat them is where they were born.
Here is 13 Old-Fashioned Food Terms You’ll Hear in Southern and Traditional Southern Restaurants. And for more, check out the 7 best fast food chains you can only find in the South.
Chitlins, sometimes called chitterlings, are a special staple in American soul food cuisine. Usually made from pig intestines, chitlins are cooked for hours, breaded, then fried, and they are usually served with apple cider vinegar and hot sauce.
In addition to being a popular dish in the South, especially at barbecue and soul food restaurants, chitlins are also a delicacy served around the world and can be found in many Spanish, Asian, French, Jamaicans and Latin Americans.
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This cozy southern dish lets no part of the bird go to waste. Giblet Sauce incorporates the chicken gizzard, heart and neck into a rich sauce that you can serve with chicken or turkey.
For a great serving of offal sauce, head to Dallas, Texas and visit The Meat Shop. The butcher and restaurant use all of the cuts from a turkey in a rich, luxurious broth that can be devoured over their premium meat products or in a bowl all by itself.
The word “hushpuppy” can conjure up visions of adorable pets or a popular old-fashioned shoe brand if you’re not from the South. However, in Southern states, “hushpuppy” is the name of a fried food made from eggs and flour and mixed with cornmeal, a popular staple that originated with Native Americans. Hushpuppies are often served as a side dish and are sometimes made with garlic, whole grain corn, and bell peppers.
Hoecakes, sometimes called Johnnycakes, are a type of cornmeal flatbread made from ground corn, salt, and water. The dish, which is often served with sweet toppings such as honey, maple syrup and fruit, dates back hundreds of years and has its roots in southern Native American cuisine.
Don’t worry, none of our feathered friends make an appearance in this delicious dessert. Hummingbird cake, which is a favorite dessert in the South, features a cake made with banana, pineapple, cinnamon, vanilla, and pecans, served with a sweet cream cheese frosting. The cake, which originated in Jamaica, is named after the island’s national bird.
No, opossum pie is not what it seems. Instead, possum pie is a sweet dessert typically made with chocolate cream, vanilla pudding, pecans, cream cheese, and sour cream. Exceptionally popular in Arkansas, this mouth-watering treat, covered in whipped cream, takes its name from the deftly deceptive nature of the opossum.
Corn fritters, a delicious snack made from corn kernels, flour, eggs, and milk, are an easy-to-prepare dish served in many Southern homes and restaurants. Typically topped with fruit, jam, and honey, this delicacy has its roots in Native American and Indonesian cuisine.
Chow-chow, a popular Southern condiment, is a delicious relish made from a mixture of vegetables including tomatoes, onions, cauliflower, peas, and sometimes cabbage. This tasty dish is thought to have made its way south when Acadians from Nova Scotia migrated to Louisiana. Served on its own or over fish, hot dogs or hamburgers, this delicacy will add an extra touch to any meal.
No worries, Killed Lettuce isn’t as violent as its name suggests. In fact, it is a popular dish served in the southern region of Appalachia. Made from green vegetables and onions and tossed with hot bacon fat, killed lettuce gets its name from the wilted look it takes on when hot juices are poured over it.
Shoofly pie is a popular delicacy found in the South. Made from ingredients such as molasses, sugar, flour and egg, the pie features a crispy top layer of brown sugar crumbs. Some say the baked good got its name from bakers shooing away flies as it is made, while others believe the name may be derived from the old song from the 1800s, “Shoo Fly , Don’t Bother Me”.
Slugburgers may look like they’re made from single ingredients, but we can assure you there aren’t any slime-covered molluscs between these buns. Instead, slugburgers are meat and soy patties fried in oil and often served with fries or onion rings. The burger, which has its roots in northeast Mississippi, is believed to be named after the slang term for the small metallic disc once used in vending machines.
Hoppin’ John, made with black-eyed peas, rice, onions and strips of bacon, is a Southern favorite that is most often served on New Year’s Day for good luck. Hoppin’ John’s roots are in West African cuisine, inspired more specifically by the Senegalese recipe for a similar dish called thiebou niebe.
Perhaps one of the most famous Southern sandwiches, the Po’boy is a traditional Louisiana sandwich made with roast beef, fried seafood, crawfish or oysters and served on bread French from New Orleans. If you’re heading to Mardi Gras this year, be sure to try one of these midday favorites around town.
Whether you grew up in the South or just have an affinity for Southern cuisine, here are some oddly-named, but delicious, options you won’t want to miss.
A previous version of this article was originally published on June 23, 2022.
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