What Kind of Food is Memphis Known For?

Memphis is known for many things, like its music, culture, and sports. But one of the things that make Memphis stand out is its delicious cuisine. Memphis is a food lover’s paradise that has a unique culinary culture influenced by its location, history, and diverse population.

In this blog post, we are going to explore the food that Memphis is famous for, their origins, and what makes them special.

Barbecue

When it comes to Memphis cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course, barbecue. Memphis-style barbecue is famous for its dry rubs, slow-cooked meats, and smoky flavors. Memphis has more barbecue restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States. Memphis-style barbecue can be traced back to the early 20th century when African American pitmasters started cooking whole hogs over open pits. The tradition has evolved over the years, but the signature dry rubs made of paprika, garlic, onion, and other spices remain the same.

One of the most popular barbecue joints in Memphis is Rendezvous. This restaurant opened in 1948 and has since become a staple in the city, serving succulent ribs, pulled pork, and other barbecue classics.

Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is another staple of Memphis cuisine. Memphis fried chicken is typically battered, seasoned, and deep-fried to perfection. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is one of the most popular fried chicken restaurants in Memphis. This restaurant has been around since 1953 and is still serving their signature spicy fried chicken today.

Soul Food

Soul food is a cuisine that developed in the southern United States from African American cultural traditions. Soul food is typically characterized by its hearty and flavorful dishes, which are often made with ingredients like collard greens, cornbread, black-eyed peas, and fried chicken.

One of the most famous soul food restaurants in Memphis is The Four Way. This restaurant opened in 1946 and has served all of Memphis’s favorite soul food dishes for over 70 years. Some of their most popular dishes include fried catfish, smothered pork chops, and mac and cheese.

Hot Tamales

Hot tamales are another popular food in Memphis. This dish is influenced by Mexican cuisine but has a distinct Memphis twist. Memphis-style hot tamales are usually made with a combination of beef and pork and have a spicier flavor than traditional tamales. This is because they are typically seasoned with chili powder and other spices.

One of the most famous hot tamale restaurants in Memphis is The Tamale Store. They serve some of the best tamales in the city and have been a staple in the community since 1974.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Memphis is known for its unique and delicious cuisine. From the succulent barbecue to the spicy hot tamales, Memphis cuisine is sure to satisfy any foodie’s cravings. These foods have deep roots in the history and culture of Memphis and have been perfected over generations. So, if you’re ever in Memphis, be sure to indulge in some of the delicious cuisine that makes Memphis famous!

The Insider’s Guide to Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is the largest city in the state of Tennessee, situated in the southwestern corner of the state. It is known for its rich cultural history, world-class barbeque, and soulful music. Memphis is the city where you can trace the roots of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll music. If you’re planning a trip to Memphis, then here’s an insider’s guide to help you make the most of your visit.

Top Local Attractions

Memphis is a city that will keep you entertained throughout your visit. Here are some of the top attractions that you should not miss:

– Graceland – The iconic mansion where Elvis Presley lived, decorated in the 70s style, shows the most intimate details of the King’s life.
– Beale Street – The most famous street in Memphis that offers a taste of blues, bars, and neon lights.
– National Civil Rights Museum – A museum marking the crucial point in American history, located in the former Lorraine Motel where MLK was assassinated.
– Stax Museum of American Soul Music – Showcasing the history of Soul Music and its birthplace in Memphis.
– Sun Studio – Also in Memphis, this is the studio where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis made some of their early recordings.

Local Dining Hotspots

Memphis is synonymous with great barbeque. Here are some top dining spots that you should not miss:

– Rendezvous – A legendary restaurant famous for its dry-rubbed ribs and a must-visit place for any BBQ enthusiast.
– Central BBQ – A Memphis chain that is known for its slow-smoked meats and delicious sides.
– Blues City Cafe – A favorite of locals and tourists, it is famous for its ribs, tamales, and live music.
– Flight – A high-class restaurant serving up upscale Southern cuisine and curated wine flights.
– Beauty Shop – A funky restaurant with a retro styling of a 1950s beauty parlor that offers upscale New Americana cuisine.

Cultural Experiences

Music and culture are woven into the DNA of Memphis. You can explore and appreciate the soulful history of Memphis through these cultural experiences:

– Soulsville – A place where the Stax Records once stood with the studio and the surrounding buildings dedicated to preserving the history of Memphis soul music.
– Elvis Week – A weeklong celebration held every August, which includes music, food, and film screenings, honoring the life of Elvis Presley.
– Peabody Duck March – A must-see event that takes place daily in the Peabody Hotel lobby, where ducks march in an organized parade.
– Memphis Symphony Orchestra – Experience the musical vibe of Memphis with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
– Indie Memphis Film Festival – A festival showcasing independent films, documentaries, and music videos, held annually every fall.

Local History

Memphis has a rich history that requires deeper exploration. These places are worth a visit for history buffs:

– Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum – A museum explaining the city’s crucial role in the Underground Railroad.
– Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum – Another exhibit detailing how Memphis became a birthplace for rock ‘n’ roll and soul music.
– The Pink Palace Museum – A former estate, housing a natural history museum, a planetarium, and Memphis history exhibits.
– Elmwood Cemetery – A final resting place for many of Memphis’s residents, including some famous people like “Machine Gun” Kelly.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Looking for unique experiences that not everyone knows about? Here are some less-traveled paths that you’ll want to consider:

– Memphis Kayak Tours – Kayak on the Mississippi River while getting an close-up view of the city’s skyline.
– The Green Beetle – One of the oldest bars in Memphis, where you can experience the true Southern charm and sip on local brews.
– The Pink Palace View – Nestled atop the Grind City Brewery Public House is a rooftop bar that offers unparalleled views of the city and Palace Museum.
– Mid-South Peace and Justice Center – A grassroots organization working for social change with regular community meetings and educational seminars.
– St. Blues Guitar Workshop – Experience a guitar workshop in Memphis to learn about building your guitar with a chance to make one to take home.

In conclusion, Memphis has a lot to offer tourists and locals alike. Plan your trip to experience the city’s rich cultural history, music culture, and world-class barbeque. Make sure to try some of the famous BBQ spots while you’re in town and catch some live music while soaking in the Southern charm. Hopefully, our insider’s guide can help you make the most of your visit to Memphis, Tennessee.