What Food is South Carolina known for?

South Carolina, also known as the Palmetto State, is named after its official tree, the Sabal palmetto. This lush palm grows in the sandy terrain South Carolina is so well known for.

But what about their cuisine? Let's explore the best of South Carolina food. The incredible culinary traditions that have come to define Southern cooking.

1. Frogmore Stew

You might recognize this stew as what is commonly referred to as a "Lowcountry boil." Other common names are Beaufort stew and Tidewater stew.

This lively dinner for a crowd comprises a medley of boiled corn, shrimp, sausage, and potatoes, all boiled in a big pot of beer and dumped on a newspaper-covered table.

2. Gullah Red Rice

The infamous Charleston red rice made with a tomato base, vegetables, and sausage originated from enslaved Africans in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia.

3. Chicken Bog

Another staple of South Carolina food is Chicken Bog. Made by boiling a whole chicken until tender, discarding the skin and bones, and then adding white rice to absorb the chicken stock. Smoked sausage, onions, and spices often finish this delicious chicken dish.

4. She-Crab Soup

Atlantic blue crab is the star of the show. A creamy, smooth soup made with female crabs, thus the name, due to their inherently sweeter flavor than their male counterparts.

Along with the female crabs, this soup boasts fish stock, milk or cream, and dry sherry, adding an incredible depth of flavor to this classic soup.

5. Carolina Gold Sauce

This is genuinely striking gold in South Carolina. Their signature gold barbecue sauce hails back to German settlers.

"Carolina Gold" is made from a blend of mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and other unique ingredients for a sauce synonymous with South Carolina BBQ.

6. Huguenot Torte

The famous dessert of South Carolina is not indicative of its name. It isn't really a torte, nor does it hail from Huguenot roots. It is an apple and pecan crisp descended from Ozark pudding.

If you want to sample some of our other Southern favorites, try our Fannie Bragg Lemon Pound Cake. or our Classic pound cake.

7. Barbecue

This South Carolina food staple is all about BBQ heaven!

Juicy pulled pork smoked to perfection. Added to that is South Carolinian's penchant for sauces, 4 to be exact. Mustard, vinegar, light tomato, and heavy tomato.

8. Shrimp and Grits

When you think of South Carolina, Shrimp, and Grits is the next phrase out of your mouth! It is a true classic that has been a mainstay for centuries.

9. Hoppin' John

This is all about the South's most famous foods! A perfect blend of black-eyed peas, pork, rice, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. A trusted meal to be enjoyed on New Year's Eve for a year of good luck.

Pair Hoppin' John with our South buttermilk biscuits or our jalapeno biscuits for a bit of fire!

10. Pimiento Cheese

Our final favorite, Pimiento Cheese, is a true Southern classic. Variations of this well-known cheese abound, but no matter how you spread it - it's best on white bread. For an upscale flair, spread it on ourcocktail crackers.

Reid's is Charlotte's original hometown specialty food store and favorite culinary destination. We specialize in superior meats, wines, regional provisions, locally grown produce, and seasonally fresh meals & gift baskets.