Are you planning to visit Charleston soon? Or are you maybe considering moving here for the fantastic nursing opportunities? Either way, there are a few plates of food you need to try while you’re here. Charleston is known for it’s amazing cuisine, and these are some of the best examples of the local fare you’ll find anywhere. We hope you’re not hungry, because this list of dishes you need to try in Charleston will make you wish you were here right now.
Appetizers
1. Stuffed Hush Puppies from Fleet Landing
Starting out with a coastal classic, you’ve got to try the stuffed hush puppies from Fleet Landing. Filled to the brim with lobster, rock shrimp, leeks, and corn, these puppies are served over a delicious creole tomato sauce that will make your mouth water.
2. Fried Green Tomatoes from Jasmine Porch
Want to keep the table happy? Order some fried green tomatoes from Jasmine Porch. Served with benne seeds, sweet corn purée, and green tomato chow-chow, this dish is like taking a bite of pure South Carolina.
3. Jumbo Lump Crab Cake from Charleston Grill
If you’re a fan of seafood, it doesn’t get much better than the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake from Charleston Grill. Served with a decadent sauce vierge and capers, this sophisticated take on a crabby classic will leave you wanting more.
Entrees
4. Rod’s Original Whole Hog Pork Plate from Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Let’s move on to the main course! And to start us off is a local favorite: Rod’s Original Whole Hog Pork Plate from Rodney Scott’s BBQ. This is Carolina style whole hog (multiple cuts of pork) served with Rodney’s vinegar-pepper sauce and served on a toasted bun with your choice of one of their classic sides.
5. The Crab House Crab Pot from Charleston Crab House
This next food is a seafood-lover’s paradise. When you order Charleston Crab House’s Crab Pot, you get Alaskan snow crab, dungeness crab, shrimp, mussels, Andouille sausage, corn, and potatoes with delicious garlic butter and Old Bay Seasoning. How could anyone resist?
6. Fried Chicken from Middleton Place
If you’re looking for a hearty southern lunch, you should visit Middleton Place Restaurant. Their lunch buffet is an varied sampling of the local fare at its best. The fried chicken is especially tantalizing, with crispy breading that delivers that satisfying crunch we all love.
Desserts
7. Hummingbird Pecan Pie from Poogan’s Porch
Poogan’s Porch is a beloved local eatery with many well-known dishes, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth you simply must try their Hummingbird Pecan Pie. With a rich caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this is a definitive take on a southern classic.
8. Cannoli Cake from Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar
Love cannoli? Love cake? We’ve got the perfect dessert for you! The Cannoli Cake from Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar is a decadent marriage of two tantalizing favorites. This vanilla and chocolate cake has cannoli cream filling and frosting, with a small cannoli to top it all off.
9. Churros from MESU
MESU serves a combination of Mexican and sushi inspired fare with an energetic and artistic atmosphere. Their Churro of the Day is a delicious way to round out your meal. These fried treats are a traditional Mexican dessert that have been around in some form or another since the 1500s! Now that’s what we call a classic.
