Unearth The Voyage
Tennessee’s food scene is full of surprises that make you do a double-take. Many classic dishes from the Volunteer State look a little odd at first glance, but one bite will change your mind completely. From bright red fried chicken to chocolate gravy poured over biscuits, these unusual creations have won over locals and visitors for generations. Get ready to discover the weirdest-looking Tennessee foods that taste absolutely amazing.
1. Fried Pickle Spears
Born in the South and perfected across Tennessee, these crispy, tangy bites have become a staple at local bars and diners throughout Nashville and Memphis. The briny crunch inside the golden batter creates an addictive contrast that keeps people coming back for more.
Most restaurants serve them with ranch or comeback sauce for dipping. The pickling juice seeps through the breading just enough to deliver a sour punch that balances the richness of the fried coating perfectly.
First-timers often wrinkle their noses at the idea of frying pickles, but locals know better. This appetizer has earned its place on nearly every bar menu statewide for good reason.
2. Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers
At first glance, this dessert might look like a mushy casserole that sat out too long at a family reunion. But in Tennessee, banana pudding is considered comfort food royalty and shows up at every church picnic and BBQ joint across the state.
Layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers come together in perfect harmony. Many versions are topped with toasted meringue or fluffy whipped cream, adding an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
The wafers soften as they soak up the pudding, creating a cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. This simple dessert has been passed down through generations of Tennessee families.
3. Hot Chicken
Fiery, greasy, and bright red enough to make you nervous—that’s exactly how Nashville locals prefer their hot chicken. Originating at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville, this burn-your-tongue dish has exploded into a national sensation over the past decade.
The secret lies in the cayenne-heavy oil that gets poured over perfectly fried chicken just before serving. This technique creates layers of heat that build with every bite, challenging even the bravest eaters.
Most places serve it on white bread with pickle chips to help cool down the intense spice. What started as one family’s recipe has transformed Tennessee’s culinary reputation forever.
4. Slaw on BBQ Sandwiches
Visitors to Memphis often pause when they see a heaping scoop of creamy coleslaw piled directly on top of smoky pulled pork. It looks odd and even messy, but this combination represents authentic Tennessee barbecue tradition at its finest.
The cool crunch of the slaw balances the rich, smoky meat in a way that nothing else can match. The creamy dressing cuts through the heaviness of the pork, creating a refreshing contrast in every bite.
This practice is especially popular in Memphis BBQ joints, where the slaw is considered essential rather than optional. Once you try it this way, plain barbecue sandwiches just don’t taste complete anymore.
5. Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits
Chocolate for breakfast might sound like a child’s dream, but in East Tennessee kitchens, it’s a beloved tradition dating back to the Depression era. This sweet treat transforms simple cocoa powder, sugar, and milk into a silky gravy that gets poured generously over warm, buttery biscuits.
The rich chocolate sauce soaks into the flaky layers of the biscuit, creating something that tastes like a cross between hot chocolate and dessert. Families have passed down their secret recipes for generations, each claiming theirs is the best.
It might sound strange to outsiders, but locals swear it’s the sweetest and most comforting way to start any morning.
6. Fried Bologna Sandwich
This humble, old-school favorite still holds a special place in diners and gas-station grills throughout Tennessee. Thick-cut bologna gets seared in a hot skillet until the edges curl up like a crown, creating crispy bits that add texture to every bite.
The meat gets slapped onto soft white bread with a generous squirt of yellow mustard or a slice of American cheese. Some folks add pickles or onions, but purists keep it simple and let the fried bologna shine.
It’s salty, satisfying, and reminds many Tennesseans of childhood lunches and road trips. This working-class sandwich proves that the best food doesn’t need fancy ingredients.
7. Pimento Cheese Spread
Orange, chunky, and absolutely everywhere in Tennessee—pimento cheese is the South’s favorite spread for good reason. Made with shredded sharp cheddar, creamy mayonnaise, and diced red pimentos, this mixture shows up on burgers, sandwiches, and crackers from Memphis all the way to Knoxville.
The bright color might throw off newcomers, but the tangy, creamy flavor wins them over immediately. Every family and restaurant has their own version, with some adding hot sauce or garlic for extra kick.
It’s called the “pâté of the South” by devoted fans who spread it on everything. Once you taste homemade pimento cheese, store-bought versions just don’t compare.
8. Country Ham with Red-Eye Gravy
A smoky, salty ham steak swimming in a thin, reddish sauce made from strong coffee and pan drippings—this combination looks strange but tastes incredible. Red-eye gravy gets its name from the way the coffee and ham fat swirl together, creating an “eye” in the center of the plate.
The sauce might look watery and odd compared to thick gravies, but it’s packed with bold, savory flavor. This dish is deeply rooted in Tennessee’s farm tradition, where nothing went to waste and coffee was always brewing.
Sopping up the gravy with a biscuit is the proper way to enjoy this breakfast classic that’s been fueling Tennessee mornings for centuries.
9. Chess Pie
Dense, custard-like, and made from the simplest pantry ingredients imaginable—chess pie may not win beauty contests, but it absolutely wins hearts across Tennessee. Sugar, butter, eggs, and just a splash of vinegar come together to create a filling that’s both sweet and slightly tangy.
The top develops a thin, crackly crust while the inside stays soft and rich. Some versions include cornmeal for extra texture, while others add vanilla or lemon for flavor variation.
This humble dessert has graced Southern family tables and diner counters for generations. Its name might come from “chest pie” since it keeps well without refrigeration in a pie chest.
10. Fried Catfish with Hushpuppies
Golden-fried catfish fillets might not sound particularly odd to most Southerners, but the hushpuppies that come alongside often surprise first-time visitors. These deep-fried cornmeal balls are crunchy on the outside and soft inside, creating the perfect partner for mild, flaky fish.
Legend says hushpuppies got their name when cooks would toss them to barking dogs to quiet them down. Whether that story is true or not, these little spheres of fried cornmeal have become essential to any proper fish fry.
The slightly sweet cornmeal batter complements the savory catfish perfectly. Together, they represent classic Tennessee river country cooking at its absolute finest.
