South Carolinians love our food, don’t we? And not just any food, although some of us can be pretty adventurous in trying new things. But it’s the staples, the stuff we grew up on, that make dining not only an activity aimed at replenishing our body’s fuel supply, but also a subliminal walk down memory lane.

Here are some foods South Carolina is known for, and if you grew up in the Palmetto State, some of these dishes may bring back memories. Many of us still reach for these cherished favorites as often as we can.

  1. South Carolina BBQ

Flickr/Steven Depolo If there’s one thing that still divides the Carolinas, it’s BBQ sauce. South Carolina’s is better - of course. If you ever find yourself in the tiny town of Gilbert, be sure to swing by Price’s, a legendary BBQ restaurant in South Carolina.

  1. Shrimp & Grits

Flickr/Monica Müller This Lowcountry menu item is always in demand in the Palmetto State.

  1. Oysters

Flickr/Foodie Buddah During cold weather months, oysters provide an excuse to get together with friends and binge on this in-season shellfish. Whether you like yours raw or steamed, oysters are amazing either way. South Carolina’s Oyster Festival is an annual celebration of all-things oyster. In fact, it’s the world’s largest oyster festival!

  1. Collard Greens

Flickr/Bordecia34 How do you season YOUR collard greens? Everyone has their own method, and usually, it’s a family recipe that’s been passed down from generation to generation. Fun fact, did you know that collard greens are the official South Carolina state food?

  1. Frogmore Stew

Flickr/Breville USA Here’s one you probably wish you’d make more often. And why not? It’s easy, fun, not terribly expensive, and a staple as far as South Carolina cuisine is concerned.

  1. Boiled Peanuts

Flickr/chapstickaddict Be honest. How many times have you made a u-turn to go back to get boiled peanuts in your life?

  1. Grits

Flickr/Kate Hopkins Grits aren’t just a part of South Carolina cuisine, but southern cuisine in general. While shrimp and grits is the popular pair, grits are a breakfast staple. Crumble up some bacon and you’ve got yourself a hearty breakfast.

  1. Liver Pudding

Neese’s Sausage The Good News: If you’re reading this and you’re in South Carolina, then you’re in one of only THREE states that get Neese’s Liver Pudding. (The other two are NC and VA.)

  1. Okra

Flickr/thebittenword.com Fried, steamed, or boiled in a soup…we don’t care how this South Carolina food makes its way onto your plate. Okra is a mainstay in most parts of South Carolina.

  1. Fresh Shrimp

Flickr/Artizone All we can say is thank heavens for the shrimping industry and the folks who haul this in so we have great, fresh, LOCAL (to SC) shrimp on a regular basis!

  1. Ham Hocks

Flickr/stu-spivack Officially on the Wikipedia list of “Soul Foods,” ham hocks are traditional fare from the barrier islands of South Carolina.

With so many great traditional foods in South Carolina, we’re sure we’ve only scratched the surface with this list. What other “traditional” foods can you add to this list? Tell us in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Flickr/Steven Depolo

If there’s one thing that still divides the Carolinas, it’s BBQ sauce. South Carolina’s is better - of course. If you ever find yourself in the tiny town of Gilbert, be sure to swing by Price’s, a legendary BBQ restaurant in South Carolina.

Flickr/Monica Müller

This Lowcountry menu item is always in demand in the Palmetto State.

Flickr/Foodie Buddah

During cold weather months, oysters provide an excuse to get together with friends and binge on this in-season shellfish. Whether you like yours raw or steamed, oysters are amazing either way. South Carolina’s Oyster Festival is an annual celebration of all-things oyster. In fact, it’s the world’s largest oyster festival!

Flickr/Bordecia34

How do you season YOUR collard greens? Everyone has their own method, and usually, it’s a family recipe that’s been passed down from generation to generation. Fun fact, did you know that collard greens are the official South Carolina state food?

Flickr/Breville USA

Here’s one you probably wish you’d make more often. And why not? It’s easy, fun, not terribly expensive, and a staple as far as South Carolina cuisine is concerned.

Flickr/chapstickaddict

Be honest. How many times have you made a u-turn to go back to get boiled peanuts in your life?

Flickr/Kate Hopkins

Grits aren’t just a part of South Carolina cuisine, but southern cuisine in general. While shrimp and grits is the popular pair, grits are a breakfast staple. Crumble up some bacon and you’ve got yourself a hearty breakfast.

Neese’s Sausage

The Good News: If you’re reading this and you’re in South Carolina, then you’re in one of only THREE states that get Neese’s Liver Pudding. (The other two are NC and VA.)

Flickr/thebittenword.com

Fried, steamed, or boiled in a soup…we don’t care how this South Carolina food makes its way onto your plate. Okra is a mainstay in most parts of South Carolina.

Flickr/Artizone

All we can say is thank heavens for the shrimping industry and the folks who haul this in so we have great, fresh, LOCAL (to SC) shrimp on a regular basis!

Flickr/stu-spivack

Officially on the Wikipedia list of “Soul Foods,” ham hocks are traditional fare from the barrier islands of South Carolina.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

South Carolina cuisine September 23, 2022 Jackie Ann What are the most highly rated restaurants in South Carolina? South Carolina sure does know its way around a kitchen. From the wildly famous restaurants in South Carolina to the small-town restaurants, you’re never too far away from some incredible South Carolina cuisine. If you find yourself traveling the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, be sure to pay a visit to Pumpkintown Mountain where you’ll find delicious food paired with mesmerizing mountain views.  Where can I find the best BBQ in South Carolina? When it comes to foods South Carolina is known for, BBQ ranks high on the list. While there is certainly no shortage of BBQ restaurants in South Carolina, Scott’s BBQ might just have the best BBQ in the state. This little hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint in Hemingway has been a tradition for many locals since it opened in 1972, and it’s consistently voted top BBQ by fans, so it’s a safe bet you’ll enjoy anything you get here.  Where can I experience rooftop dining in South Carolina? Overlooking the harbor near downtown Charleston, California Dreaming offers some of the most incredible rooftop dining in South Carolina. This unique restaurant has been delighting locals and tourists with delicious South Carolina cuisine and beautiful views for over 30 years and it’s easily one of the best spots in the city to grab a bite to eat. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

South Carolina cuisine

September 23, 2022

Jackie Ann

What are the most highly rated restaurants in South Carolina? South Carolina sure does know its way around a kitchen. From the wildly famous restaurants in South Carolina to the small-town restaurants, you’re never too far away from some incredible South Carolina cuisine. If you find yourself traveling the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, be sure to pay a visit to Pumpkintown Mountain where you’ll find delicious food paired with mesmerizing mountain views.  Where can I find the best BBQ in South Carolina? When it comes to foods South Carolina is known for, BBQ ranks high on the list. While there is certainly no shortage of BBQ restaurants in South Carolina, Scott’s BBQ might just have the best BBQ in the state. This little hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint in Hemingway has been a tradition for many locals since it opened in 1972, and it’s consistently voted top BBQ by fans, so it’s a safe bet you’ll enjoy anything you get here.  Where can I experience rooftop dining in South Carolina? Overlooking the harbor near downtown Charleston, California Dreaming offers some of the most incredible rooftop dining in South Carolina. This unique restaurant has been delighting locals and tourists with delicious South Carolina cuisine and beautiful views for over 30 years and it’s easily one of the best spots in the city to grab a bite to eat. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

South Carolina sure does know its way around a kitchen. From the wildly famous restaurants in South Carolina to the small-town restaurants, you’re never too far away from some incredible South Carolina cuisine. If you find yourself traveling the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, be sure to pay a visit to Pumpkintown Mountain where you’ll find delicious food paired with mesmerizing mountain views. 

Where can I find the best BBQ in South Carolina?

When it comes to foods South Carolina is known for, BBQ ranks high on the list. While there is certainly no shortage of BBQ restaurants in South Carolina, Scott’s BBQ might just have the best BBQ in the state. This little hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint in Hemingway has been a tradition for many locals since it opened in 1972, and it’s consistently voted top BBQ by fans, so it’s a safe bet you’ll enjoy anything you get here. 

Where can I experience rooftop dining in South Carolina?

Overlooking the harbor near downtown Charleston, California Dreaming offers some of the most incredible rooftop dining in South Carolina. This unique restaurant has been delighting locals and tourists with delicious South Carolina cuisine and beautiful views for over 30 years and it’s easily one of the best spots in the city to grab a bite to eat.