Best Southern American Foods
Central Texas-style barbecue originated in the Czech and German meat markets in the late 19th century. This barbecue style is typically associated with cooking brisket (the fattier portion is called point, while the leaner portion is called flat) low and slow, usually over post oak fire.
The meat is seasoned with salt, pepper, and maybe a bit of cayenne or garlic powder. It is then cooked in offset smokers, while the heat and smoke from the fire go across the meat, adding an irresistible smoky flavor to the brisket (although shoulder clod, chuck short ribs, and larger short ribs are also popular).
MOST ICONIC Central Texas-Style Barbecue
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Étouffée refers to a group of dishes with Cajun origins which are typically served as a main course (unlike gumbo, which is considered a soup) and are made with one type of shellfish such as shrimp or crawfish that are smothered in a thick sauce.
The sauce is made with either a blond or brown roux, and the dish is almost always served over rice. The name étouffée is derived from the French word étouffer, meaning smothered, referring to the method of cooking.
MOST ICONIC Étouffée
View moreBBQ shrimp is a traditional dish from New Orleans. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with barbecue – instead it's either cooked on the stove or in the oven. The dish is made with large fresh shrimp (shells on), butter, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
The combination is baked or cooked on the stove, and it's then traditionally served as an appetizer. BBQ shrimp are typically served with crusty french bread on the side to mop up the juices.
MOST ICONIC New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp
The practice of smoking brisket has a long tradition in Texas, and this juicy, fatty treat also works great as a flavorful sandwich filling. Texas brisket sandwiches can be considered more of a concept than a recipe - various toppings and sorts of bread can be used, but the undisputed star remains the slow-smoked brisket, whether chopped or sliced.
It can be tucked between slices of bread or piled on a toasted bun, served on its own or drenched in sauce, and garnished with toppings such as cheese, pickles, and onions - whatever the combination, the fatty brisket meat with a smoky crust guarantees a mouthwatering perfection in each bite.
MOST ICONIC Texas Brisket Sandwich
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Shrimp bisque is a traditional Cajun dish originating from Louisiana. The soup is usually made with a combination of large shrimp, seafood broth, shrimp broth, butter, bell peppers, shallots, garlic, flour, cream, brandy, hot sauce, and seasonings.
The shrimps are simmered in the broth until the liquid is reduced, while a combination of butter, bell peppers, shallots, and garlic is sautéed and sprinkled with flour and mixed with brandy and cream until the combination becomes thick. The cooked shrimps are added to the pot and simmered until hot, and the dish is then served, often garnished with sliced green onions or parsley.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Bisque
MOST ICONIC Shrimp Bisque
She-crab soup, somewhat of a cross between a bisque and a chowder, is a soup made with heavy cream or milk, crabmeat, sherry, fish or crab stock, and roe—a key ingredient in the dish that improves the flavor and is responsible for the color.
The soup is thickened with a roux or puréed boiled rice, and it is usually seasoned with either mace, onions, or shallots. A regional specialty of Tidewater, Virginia, the South Carolina Lowcountry, and Georgia coast, it was first introduced to these parts by the Scottish settlers in the 1700s in the form of partan-bree, a famous seafood bisque, but it was not until the 1900s that the soup gained its present-day form.
MOST ICONIC She-crab soup
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Pulled pork is an American barbecue technique of cooking pork meat slowly over low heat, resulting in tender meat that can easily be pulled into small pieces. It is a specialty that originates from the western part of North Carolina, traditionally using shoulder cuts of pork which are dressed with a vinegar, pepper, and tomato sauce.
In the eastern part of the state, the whole pig is cooked and pulled, while the sauce usually doesn't contain tomatoes. Over time, it spread throughout the United States, and pulled pork can be found in many variations, ranging from different cuts of meat and cooking times to marinades and sauces.
MOST ICONIC Pulled Pork
View moreKey lime pie is a glass-green sweet and sour dessert originating from the Florida Keys. It consists of intensely aromatic Key lime juice, condensed milk, and eggs that are mixed together into a custard. The custard is poured into a buttery crust made from graham crackers and topped with sweet whipped cream.
The spicy and acidic flavors of the limes provide a great contrast to sugar and sweet cream. Key lime, also known as citrus aurantifolia, Mexican lime, and West Indian lime is a fruit indigenous to Malaysia, and it has been connected to Florida since the 1830s when a botanist named Henry Perrine started planting them on Florida's Indian Key.
MOST ICONIC Key Lime Pie
View moreA Cuban or a Cubano is a grilled, pressed sandwich made with Cuban bread that is filled with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. It was originally invented by Cuban immigrants in Florida, who wanted to make their own variation on a classic grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
Today, there are numerous variations on the Cubano, so some use different bread or add ingredients such as lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise.
MOST ICONIC Cuban Sandwich
View moreSausage gravy is a popular breakfast item throughout the Southern parts of the United States of America. It consists of sausage drippings, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. Cooked sausage is added to the combination, sometimes along with some more seasonings such as cayenne pepper.
It is a key part of a traditional dish known as biscuits and gravy, often accompanied by bacon, fried eggs, or sliced tomatoes.
Best Southern American Food Producers
Laconiko is an olive oil producer based in Manassas, Virginia, specializing in high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The company sources its olives from their family-owned groves in the Peloponnese region of Greece. They emphasize sustainable farming practices and handpick their olives to ensure premium quality.
The brand offers a variety of flavored olive oils and has received multiple awards for its products.
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2023
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2018
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
BEST Laconiko Olive Oils
Uncle Nearest is a premium American whiskey brand that honors the legacy of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States. Known as the mentor to Jack Daniel, Nearest Green's contributions to the whiskey-making process are celebrated through the brand's carefully crafted Tennessee whiskies.
Uncle Nearest is committed to excellence, using a meticulous distillation process and high-quality ingredients to produce rich, full-bodied flavors. The brand has garnered widespread recognition and multiple awards for its dedication to preserving history while creating an outstanding whiskey that stands out in the industry.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2021
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022, 2021
BEST Blanton's Spirits
Henry McKenna, an Irish immigrant, is a renowned figure in bourbon history who established his distillery in Kentucky in the mid-19th century. Known for producing high-quality whiskey, he applied traditional Irish distilling techniques to bourbon.
Today, the Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon is celebrated for its exceptional quality, winning awards for its depth of flavor and smooth finish. It is a product of Heaven Hill Distillery, which continues to honor McKenna's legacy with this premium bourbon offering.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
BEST Henry McKenna Spirits
Heaven Hill Distillery, founded in 1935, is one of the largest independent, family-owned distilleries in the United States. Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, it is renowned for producing some of the most iconic American whiskeys, including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny.
The distillery boasts a rich heritage in crafting premium bourbons and other spirits, blending tradition with innovation. Heaven Hill is also home to one of the largest inventories of aging whiskey in the world, reflecting its commitment to quality and authenticity.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
BEST Heaven Hill Distillery Spirits
Pure Luck is a cheese producer located in Dripping Springs, Texas. This family-run farm specializes in handmade goat cheeses, focusing on sustainable farming practices. They produce a variety of cheeses, including fresh chevre, feta, and several aged varieties.
Pure Luck also operates as a working farm, raising certified organic herbs and flowers.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2001, 2000
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
BEST Pure Luck Cheeses
Barrell Craft Spirits, founded in 2013 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, is a renowned independent blender specializing in unique, aged, cask-strength whiskeys and rums. The company sources high-quality spirits from various distilleries, meticulously blending them to create distinctive flavor profiles.
Their commitment to innovation and quality has earned them numerous awards from prestigious spirits publications and competitions. Barrell Craft Spirits offers a diverse range of products, including small-batch and single-barrel releases, as well as ongoing series like Seagrass, Dovetail, and Vantage.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2020
BEST Barrell Craft Spirits Spirits
Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, is celebrated as the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States, with a rich history of over 200 years. Founded by Colonel E. H. Taylor Jr. and later expanded under George T.
Stagg, the distillery has survived challenges such as floods, fires, and Prohibition, during which it produced whiskey for medicinal purposes. Today, it is known for its wide range of highly acclaimed bourbons and whiskeys, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, and the Pappy Van Winkle line.
Buffalo Trace has garnered numerous awards, emphasizing its commitment to quality and innovation in whiskey production.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Buffalo Trace Distillery Spirits
Chocolates El Rey is a Venezuelan chocolate manufacturer that specializes in producing gourmet-quality chocolate using locally sourced, premium Venezuelan cacao. The company was established in 1929 and emphasizes traditional methods combined with modern technology to craft a variety of chocolate products, including couverture chocolates and chocolate bars.
Chocolates El Rey exports its products to various international markets, supporting Venezuela's reputation for high-quality cacao.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2016, 2015, 2014, 2012
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2017
International Chocolate Awards - Overall winners
2013
BEST Chocolates El Rey Chocolates
Doc Swinson's is a boutique whiskey brand based in Washington State, USA, known for its innovative blending and finishing techniques. Their lineup includes unique series like Alter Ego, featuring whiskeys finished in rum, sherry, and cognac casks, and the experimental Exploratory Cask Series.
The Blender’s Cut Series highlights expertly crafted bourbon, while the Session Blend offers a more approachable, everyday whiskey experience. Committed to curiosity and innovation, Doc Swinson's combines global flavors with traditional American whiskey craftsmanship.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Doc Swinson’s Spirits
Best Southern American Food Products
AWARDS
London IOOC - Gold
2023
Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022
This high proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was named for Henry McKenna, the Irish immigrant who adapted his family's whiskey recipe to work with the grains he found in Kentucky. Henry McKenna is one of the longest aged Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys available today, resting in the barrel through 40 Kentucky seasons.
Critics agree that this is perfectly balanced Bourbon.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon, named in honor of Colonel Albert Blanton, is a pioneering bourbon with a rich legacy. Crafted from a handpicked, limited supply, this bourbon offers a deep and complex aroma, blending warm nutmeg and spices with dry vanilla notes.
The palate reveals harmonious flavors of honey, bold caramel, and corn, leading to a medium finish where the corn and nutmeg reemerge, leaving a satisfying and lasting impression. First introduced in 1984, Blanton's remains a benchmark as the first Single Barrel Bourbon sold commercially, encapsulating both history and exceptional craftsmanship.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel is one of the most renowned whiskeys in the world, known for its bold and intense flavor. This bourbon offers rich notes of dark chocolate, caramel, butter, with earthy tones of walnut and hazelnut, while the palate features warm vanilla, oak, and spicy notes.
With a high alcohol content, it delivers a deep and long-lasting finish. Best served neat or with a splash of water, unfiltered and in its purest form.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
Uncle Nearest 1820 Single Barrel Whiskey is a premium whiskey celebrated for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Named after Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known African American master distiller, this whiskey pays homage to his legacy. Each bottle is crafted from hand-selected barrels aged for at least 11 years, ensuring a rich and full-bodied profile.
This single barrel expression is bottled at cask strength, typically ranging between 108 and 119 proof, preserving its robust character. It features a complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of spice, accompanied by a long and smooth finish.
AWARDS
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2021
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Whiskey Gold Trophy
2020
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2021, 2020
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2021
Olive Japan - Gold
2020
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2023
Olive Japan - Gold
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022, 2021
Icoa is a premium white chocolate product made by Chocolates El Rey, a renowned Venezuelan chocolate company known for its high-quality cocoa products. Icoa is celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and its distinctively smooth flavor, which makes it a favorite among chocolate enthusiasts and pastry chefs alike.
The product is crafted using fine cocoa butter, which is responsible for its high quality and superior taste. The company prides itself on sourcing its cacao from local Venezuelan farmers, ensuring sustainability and supporting the local economy.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2015, 2014
International Chocolate Awards - Overall winners
2013
Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Whiskey Finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel DSX3 American Whiskey
Heaven Hill Distillery William Heavenhill 9th Edition 15 YO Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Southern American Foods” list until March 20, 2025, 11,536 ratings were recorded, of which 10,450 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.