South Carolina Cuisine

Shrimp and grits is a beloved dish in South Carolina, featuring sautéed shrimp served over creamy, stone-ground grits. ¹⁾

Also known as Lowcountry Boil, this dish combines shrimp, crab, potatoes, corn, and sausage, often seasoned with Old Bay and boiled together. ²⁾

A creamy soup made with crab meat and crab roe, often garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg. ³⁾

Hoppin' John is a traditional dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon, often served on New Year's Day for good luck. ⁴⁾

Pimento cheese, a blend of grated cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, is a popular spread for sandwiches and crackers. ⁵⁾

South Carolina is known for its barbecue, with different regions favoring various types of sauce, from mustard-based to tomato-based. ⁶⁾

Benne wafers are thin, sesame seed cookies with a slightly nutty flavor. ⁷⁾

Boiled peanuts are a Southern snack, made by simmering green or raw peanuts in brine until they're soft and flavorful. ⁸⁾

Country captain is a stew made with chicken, tomatoes, and curry spices, often served over rice. ⁹⁾

Okra is often breaded and fried to make a crunchy, slightly tangy snack. ¹⁰⁾

Shad roe, the eggs of the shad fish, is often boiled and served as a delicacy. ¹¹⁾

South Carolina is famous for its sweet tea, often served with copious amounts of sugar. ¹²⁾

Yams are baked with brown sugar, butter, and marshmallows, creating a sweet and comforting side dish. ¹³⁾

South Carolina hosts oyster roasts where fresh oysters are steamed over an open flame and served with various sauces and condiments. ¹⁴⁾

South Carolina takes pride in its fried chicken, often seasoned with a blend of spices and served with biscuits and gravy. ¹⁵⁾