Taste of Tennessee
Get a taste of Tennessee, from barbecue and hot chicken to biscuits and banana pudding, there's something extraordinary about Tennessee fare.
Hot from the oven
Ahhhh...the biscuit! This Southern staple (similar to an English scone) receives extra loving from the oven in Tennessee, whether in the form of butter or its batter or the innovative toppings placed upon its layers. Crispy chicken, rich grany or thick-cut bacon accessorise this breakfast champion - though a jam- or honey-covered bite is also smooth ebough to savour all day! Biscuits are available throughout the state but you can really get your fix at Biscuit Love or Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Cumberland Biscuit Company in McMinnville, Aretha Frankenstein's in Chattanooga or Wellington's Restaurant in Johnson City.
Go the whole hog
In a state that's so beholden to its smoked ribs, overloaded pork sandwiches and extra-simmered sauces, it's exceptionally challenging to pick just a few favourites. Embark upon your own barbecue road trip, with dry-rubbed ribs and all, by following the pitmasters and glowing coals from Memphis to Mountains. You'll find great barbecue at Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous and The Bar-B-Q Shop in Memphis, Top Hog BBQ in Gallatin and Heavy's BBQ in New Tazewell. But this is only a very short list, read this great BBQ article for many, many more. Follow hashtags #tnbbqtrail and #madeintn on any social media to see all of Tennessee's bbq hot spots!
Go fish....catfish!
The fresh catch of any day in Tennessee, catfish is battered in boisterous seasonings and flash-fried for a delectable Southern version of fish and chips! You can find plentiful platters at Boyette's Dining Room at Reelfoot Lake, Allison's Catfish Farm & Restaurant in Friendsville (only open March-October), the Catfish House in Springfield, Hagy's Catfish Hotel in Shiloh and Top O' The River in Michie. A couple of piping-hot fillets with hush puppies, fries and coleslaw....you can't beat it!
The proof is in the pudding
Few desserts offer as much Southern comfort as a batch of banana pudding, with layers of cream and crunch combined to enrich the palate and elevate the entire meal. Grab a spoon at Ooltewah's Countryside Cafe, Germantown Commissary in Memphis, Murfreesboro's Peter D's Restaurant or Sweet P's Barbeque & Soul House in Knoxville. To sample some of the best pudding in the state, visit Centreville's National Banana Pudding Festival in October.
Hamming it up
Pair your eggs, potatoes and biscuits and gravy with a slab of country ham. Opt for exquisitely dry-cured country ham prepared artisan-style for an unrivalled Southern spread. Dig in at please like Shirley's Home Cooking in Hampton, Nick & J's Cafe in Knoxville, Stan's Country Restaurant in Columbia or Porcellino's Craft Butcher in Memphis.
Three's company
The phrase 'better together' reflects Tennessee's soulful meat-and-three dining option as a collective presentation of protein and rich sides that far outweights its individual flavours. Mix and match your favourites for a sweet and savoury feast - and yes, mac 'n' cheese counts as a veggie! You can't go wrong at Nashville's Arnold's Country Kitchen, the Old Country Store at Casey Jones Village in Jackson, Alcenia's in Memphis, Chandler's in Knoxville or Moss's Southern Cooking in Clarksville.
Love stack
A short stack of extra fluffy flapkacks with settle and satisfy breakfast crowds of all ages. Most appropriately soaked up with maple syrup, these pancakes standouts (some of which are even griddled in bacon fat!) provide indulgent portions. Pancakes galore are on the menu at Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg and Nashville, Log Cabin Pancake House in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Elvira's Cafe in Sevierville, Staks Pancake Kitchen in Memphis and Pete's Coffee Shop in Knoxville.
Don't chicken out!
Glorious, finger-lickin' good fried chicken derives from Tennessee family recipes that now grace the kitchens or renowned restaurant establishments. Fried chicken is the foundation of Southern cuisine, and its style, while varied and sometimes considered competitive, consistently draw a worldwide audience. Get a taste at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken in Memphis, Bea's Restaurant in Chattanooga or Monell's in Nashville.
Light my fire
A flavour profile that is so considerably spicy yet addictive, cayenne pepper-encrusted hot chicken has become a Tennessee staple. Grab a loaf of white bread and a jar of pickle chips to cool off the heat, and wash down its spicy weight with a glass of sweet tea. Get fired up at Prince's Hot Chicken in Nashville, Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish in Chattanooga and Nashville and Hattie B's in Nashville and Memphis.
Hungry for more? Check out these food festivals throughout Tennessee too.
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