North Carolina is known for its diverse culinary traditions, with a variety of regional specialties that have become famous around the world. Here are some of the most iconic foods born in North Carolina:
Barbecue – North Carolina is famous for its barbecue, which is made from slow-roasted pork that is flavored with a vinegar-based sauce. There are two distinct styles of barbecue in the state: Eastern-style, which uses a whole hog and a vinegar and red pepper sauce, and Lexington-style, which uses just the shoulder of the pig and a sweeter, tomato-based sauce.
Cheerwine – Cheerwine is a soft drink that was first created in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1917. It has a unique, cherry flavor and is beloved by North Carolinians.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts – Krispy Kreme Doughnuts was founded in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1937. The company’s signature glazed doughnuts are now famous around the world.
Sweet potato pie: Sweet potato pie is a traditional Southern dessert that is particularly popular in North Carolina. It’s made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits: Bojangles’ is a fast-food chain that was founded in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1977. It’s known for its fried chicken and fluffy biscuits.
Moravian cookies: These thin, crispy cookies are a staple of North Carolina cuisine. They originated in the Moravian communities of Salem and Bethabara in the 18th century and are still baked and sold in Winston-Salem today.
Pepsi-Cola: Pepsi was first created in New Bern, North Carolina in 1898. The original recipe was made with sugar, vanilla, and oils, and it quickly became a popular soft drink throughout the state.
Livermush: This breakfast meat is a regional specialty that’s particularly popular in western North Carolina. It’s made with pig liver, head parts, and cornmeal, and is often sliced and fried like sausage.
Calabash-style seafood: Calabash-style seafood is a type of fried seafood that originated in the town of Calabash, North Carolina. It typically includes shrimp, oysters, and fish, which are coated in a light batter and deep-fried to perfection.
Mt. Olive Pickles: Mt. Olive Pickle Company is based in Mount Olive, North Carolina, and is known for producing some of the best pickles in the country. The company has been in business since 1926 and offers a wide variety of pickles, relishes, and other canned goods.
