Nashville, the capital of Tennessee has a growing population of just under 700,000 and is a city with a rich history and diverse culture. Affordable living, thriving economy, and the strategic south eastern location make it an increasingly popular area for businesses and individuals looking to relocate.
Nashville is a sought-after destination for both business and leisure travel. Although famous for its music scene, the food in Nashville is nearly as iconic, and is also celebrated for its diversity and heritage. The city has given rise to a variety of mouth-watering dishes ranging from spicy fried food to delightful desserts. Whether you are relocating or visiting, read on to explore our top 8 recommended Nashville dishes you must try.
People walking on a sidewalk during night time by Chad Morehead on Unsplash
1. Nashville Hot Chicken
Can be served with white bread, pickles, coleslaw, fries, salad, or mac & cheese.
Nashville hot chicken is synonymous with food culture in Nashville. The combination of spices including cayenne pepper and paprika blended with the crispy fried chicken, leads to a flaming hot Nashville staple. This notorious dish has changed and developed over time; when it comes to eating in Nashville, many diners use different recipes meaning various spots cook the chicken slightly differently. These include, Red’s Hot Chicken, 400 Degrees, Prince’s Hot Chicken, and Party Fowl.
2. Fried Catfish Sandwich
Can be served with a brioche bun. Coleslaw, pickles, onions, or tartar sauce.
A fried catfish sandwich is something you must have if wanting to try different food in Nashville. Catfish is not oily unlike other fish, therefore when served in a buttered bun with coleslaw you get a deliciously crunchy sandwich. The definition of southern comfort food, this is a popular dish in Nashville. The golden-brown catfish fillet compliments the tang of the pickles, homemade tartar sauce, or any other toppings. The Ridge Nashville or Uncle Buds are just two of many enticing eateries that offer this tasty dish.
3. Nashville Style Barbeque
Can be served with smoked green beans, creamy shells, bread, salads, fries, and onions.
Nashville stands out for its sweet-style barbecue, featuring meats like brisket, chicken,. ribs, and pulled pork. When eating in Nashville it’s interesting to note that restaurants and diners tend to use a more tomato-based sauce which also include ingredients like brown sugar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. A smoky flavour is achieved through cooking meats on an open grill using Mesquite wood. Popular spots like Mary’s Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que, The Loveless Café, and HoneyFire Barbeque Co. all offer a taste of Nashville’s barbeque scene.
4. Meat-and-three
Served with a meat of your choosing and a wide selection of vegetarian or non-vegetarian sides.
When discussing food in Nashville you cannot forget the city’s iconic meat-and-three. This is a beloved and customisable dining concept that allows people to choose a meat, for example, fried chicken, ham, or meatloaf, and accompany it with three side dishes. Sides include everything from mashed potatoes and macaroni to corn on the cob and green beans. Whether served in a local diner or a trendy downtown restaurant, meat-and-three is a soulful southern dish. Puckett’s and MacHenry’s Meat & Three are great spots in Nashville where you can enjoy meat-and-three.
5. Lobster Mac and Cheese
Can be served with salad, asparagus, roasted broccoli, or shaved brussels sprouts.
Nashville’s lobster mac and cheese is an appetizing dish that is a must-try if you are on a business trip and eating in Nashville. The richness of the cheese contrasted by the saltiness of the lobster make this seafood twist on a classic dish just delightful. The Hampton Social – Nashville and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood are some fantastic spots in the city that serve lobster mac and cheese.
6. Goo Goo Cluster
Can also be served and integrated into desserts such as pies, ice cream, and donuts.
Indulge in Nashville’s sweet history with the goo goo cluster, America’s original combination chocolate bar that has been going since 1912. Comprising of caramel, peanuts, chocolate, and marshmallow nougat, this iconic sweet treat is often hailed as Nashville’s most famous candy bar. Located on 116 3rd Avenue is The Goo Goo Chocolate Co. Nashville Storefront. Here you can even partake in fun family friendly activities such as making and decorating your own chocolate bar.
7. Banana Pudding
This is a nostalgic dessert and a must-try food in Nashville that has been served in Tennessee for decades. Containing custard, vanilla wafer, fresh bananas and either whipped cream or meringue, it is spongy with a thick texture. In fact, there is The National Banana Pudding Festival held in Centreville every year which has been going on since 2010. Indulge in Banana Pudding at local cafes in Nashville like Wendell’s Smith’s Restaurants and Monell’s.
8. Bourbon Steak
Can be served with roasted cherry tomatoes, potatoes, corn, asparagus, chips and more.
If you are wanting to experience the true essence of the South through food in Nashville, we recommend trying Bourbon Steak. The whiskey that the meat is marinated in tenderises and enhances the steaks natural flavours giving it extra smokiness and a rich nutty taste. Make the most of your business trip to Nashville and enjoy this all-American dish at renowned restaurants across the city such as The Twelve Thirty Club or the Michelin-starred Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina.
From soft desserts and irresistible chocolate bars to barbeques and whiskey marinated steak, Nashville’s cuisine is a great blend of unique dishes and southern flavours. The city’s commitment to using local ingredients and preserving cooking traditions has resulted in what is Nashville’s great food culture, exemplified by these 8 recommended dishes.
Check out our range of serviced apartments in Nashville and contact us if you have any queries. Make sure to browse over more of our blogs including the best street food in Los Angeles and the 6 best healthy food spots in New York.
