Located in the southwestern part of Tennessee, Memphis is known for its vibrant music scene, rich history, and mouth-watering cuisine. The city boasts a unique culinary identity that has been shaped by its blend of cultural influences, including African-American, soul food, and barbecue traditions. With so many delicious dishes on offer, deciding what to eat in Memphis can be overwhelming. To make things a little easier for you, we’ve put together this guide to some of the must-eats in Memphis.
From spicy barbecue ribs to tantalizing fried chicken, these dishes are sure to please your taste buds and provide a memorable culinary experience. So, whether you’re a Memphis local or a visitor to the city, be sure to add these iconic dishes to your foodie bucket list. Get ready to indulge in some of the best food Memphis has to offer!
Memphis Barbecue: The Must-Try Dishes
When it comes to Memphis, it’s impossible to ignore the city’s world-famous barbecue. The city has long been known as a BBQ Mecca, and with good reason. Its smoky, slow-cooked meats, seasoned with a unique blend of spices, are simply irresistible.
There are several Memphis barbecue dishes that every foodie must try. First and foremost is Memphis-style pulled pork, which is slow-cooked and then hand-pulled to form tender, smoky shreds of meat that are sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor. Other must-tries include baby back ribs, smoky beef brisket, and dry-rubbed ribs. And let’s not forget about the famous BBQ bologna, a uniquely Memphis take on the classic meat. Whether you’re a hardcore BBQ enthusiast or just a casual foodie, Memphis has something delicious to offer.
Soul Food 101: Classic Dishes to Sample in Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee, is famous for its soulful and scrumptious food. And when it comes to soul food, Memphis has some of the best in the country. The city has a diverse range of restaurants that offer a variety of classic soul food dishes. If you’re a foodie looking to indulge in some authentic Southern cuisine, then here are some must-try dishes in Memphis.
First on the list is Fried Chicken. It’s crispy, juicy, and tender, and undoubtedly the best in Memphis. You can find it everywhere in the city, from small mom-and-pop diners to upscale restaurants. The seasoning and frying process make them incredible, and they’re typically served with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Other must-try dishes include BBQ ribs, pulled pork, catfish, and cornbread. Memphis is known as a culinary destination, and soul food plays an integral role in its food scene. So, head over to Memphis and treat yourself to some mouth-watering soul food.
A Sweet Ending: Memphis’ Best Desserts and Sweet Treats
If you have got a sweet tooth, then Memphis is just the perfect place for you. The city offers a variety of desserts and sweet treats that will make your taste buds sing with joy. From ice creams to donuts, pies to cakes, Memphis is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
One of the most popular sweet treats in Memphis is the Banana Pudding. It is a quintessential Southern dessert that is made with layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and topped with a fluffy meringue. Other must-try desserts in Memphis include the Goo Goo Cluster, a candy bar filled with peanuts and caramel, the Sweet Potato Pie, a classic Southern dessert made with sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and the Fried Oreos, deep-fried cookies that are dusted with powdered sugar. So, are you ready to indulge in some sweet and delectable treats in Memphis?
A Taste of the Delta: Iconic Memphis Cuisine
When it comes to Memphis cuisine, the Delta region plays an important role. After all, the Mississippi River Delta is known for its fertile soil and produces some of the richest, most flavorful crops in the country. Many iconic Memphis dishes are rooted in this southern heartland, including soul food staples like fried catfish, collard greens, and black-eyed peas. Other must-tries include hot tamales, Barbecued bologna, and Mississippi Delta-style tamales.
Don’t leave Memphis without trying some fried chicken: this southern classic is taken to new heights in Memphis. Whether you prefer Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken or Uncle Lou’s, you won’t be disappointed. And if you’re looking for a breakfast option, you can’t go wrong with biscuits and gravy – they’re available at just about every diner, cafe, and restaurant in the city. With its bold flavors and rich history, a taste of the Delta is an essential part of any culinary tour of Memphis.
Hidden Gems: Underrated Memphis Food Spots to Discover
Memphis is known for its delicious Southern cuisine, but there are some hidden gems that are often overlooked by visitors. These underrated food spots offer unique and flavorful dishes that are worth discovering.
One such spot is Payne’s Bar-B-Que, a modest establishment that has been serving up slow-cooked meats for over 40 years. Another hidden gem is Bryant’s Breakfast, a family-owned restaurant that serves up delicious breakfast dishes such as shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles. For those looking for a sweet treat, Muddy’s Bake Shop is a must-visit with its wide range of scrumptious baked goods. These hidden gems provide a glimpse into the diverse food scene in Memphis and are worth exploring on your next visit.
Dining with a View: Memphis’ Best Restaurants with a Scenic Setting
Memphis not only boasts of mouth-watering food, but also stunning views that will take your breath away. Experience both by dining at some of the city’s best restaurants with a scenic setting.
One such restaurant is The Lookout at the Pyramid, which offers a 360-degree view of Memphis and the Mississippi River. Enjoy delicious Southern cuisine while taking in the stunning views of the city from atop a 32-story pyramid. Another noteworthy restaurant is Terrace at the River Inn, which is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River and offers panoramic views of the water and the city skyline. You can savor a blend of Southern and European cuisine, along with some handcrafted cocktails, while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Memphis. Other notable restaurants include The Majestic Grille, Paulette’s, and Acre Restaurant. Dining with a view in Memphis is an experience that is sure to be unforgettable.
Budget-Friendly Bites: Affordable Eats in Memphis That Don’t Skimp on Flavor.
Memphis is known for its delicious food, but dining out all the time can get expensive. Fortunately, there are many budget-friendly options in Memphis that don’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for barbecue, soul food, or a classic burger, there are plenty of options to choose from without breaking the bank.
One great option for affordable eats in Memphis is the famous Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. This local institution serves up some of the best fried chicken in the city, and at a very reasonable price. Another popular spot for budget-friendly bites is Central BBQ, where you can get delicious pulled pork sandwiches and other barbecue dishes for a fraction of the cost of some of the fancier BBQ joints in town. With so many great options, it’s easy to eat well in Memphis without spending a fortune.
The Bottom Line
Memphis is often referred to as the “Barbecue Capital of the World” and for good reason. The city has a rich history in barbecue, and it’s evident in the various establishments that offer mouth-watering meats. The must-try barbecue dishes in Memphis are the dry-rubbed ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. However, Memphis is not just about barbecue. The city has a diverse food scene. You must also try the hot chicken, fried catfish, and sweet potato pie.
In conclusion, Memphis is a city that should be on every foodie’s radar. The city’s food scene offers a plethora of dishes that will satisfy any palate. The must-eat foods in Memphis highlight the city’s love for barbecue, but it also showcases the soulful cuisine that the city is known for. So, the next time you’re in Memphis, make sure to indulge in the city’s specialties and experience the culinary delights that it has to offer.