Atlanta, Georgia, a vibrant hub in the American South, boasts a rich and diverse culinary scene. From traditional Southern comfort food to international flavors, the city offers a unique gastronomic experience. So, What Foods Is Atlanta Known For? Let’s delve into the dishes and culinary traditions that define this dynamic city.
Southern Fried Chicken: A Crispy, Savory Staple
As the unofficial capital of the South, Atlanta embraces soul food and Southern cooking. This culinary landscape includes being the headquarters for the fast-food giant Chick-fil-A. These are strongly related to Fried Chicken!
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Today’s Southern fried chicken evolved from the cooking techniques of Scottish immigrants and enslaved West Africans. The latter group, often working in plantation kitchens, perfected the art of frying chicken.
In Atlanta, you’ll discover numerous variations of this beloved dish. From the iconic fried chicken at Paschal’s, a historic meeting place for civil rights leaders, to Mary Mac’s Tea Room’s double-battered Southern fried chicken, the city celebrates this classic in all its forms.
Korean Cuisine: A Taste of Buford Highway
Atlanta’s multicultural character shines brightly on Buford Highway, a vibrant stretch of road featuring over 1,000 immigrant-owned businesses. This culinary corridor offers a diverse array of international cuisines, including Mexican, Central American, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
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With one of the largest Korean populations in the nation, Atlanta boasts a thriving Korean culinary scene. Here, you can savor everything from authentic Korean dishes to innovative Southern-Korean fusion creations.
Chili Dogs: A Varsity Staple
A visit to The Varsity is a quintessential Atlanta experience. This legendary eatery is famous for its unique lingo and, of course, its food.
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First-timers should try their famous chili dog, onion rings, and Frosted Orange (FO), a refreshing orange and vanilla milkshake. Navigating the menu is part of the fun!
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings: An Atlanta Obsession
While Atlanta may not have invented chicken wings, the city has certainly made them its own, with a distinctive lemon pepper twist.
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J.R. Cricket’s, an Atlanta institution since 1982, is renowned for its “lemony pepper” seasoning. For an extra burst of flavor, order them “wet,” tossed in a lemon pepper sauce.
Waffle House Hash Browns: A Customizable Breakfast
Waffle House is an Atlanta breakfast staple. A visit to the restaurant is not complete without a taste of their signature hash browns!
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Scattered, smothered, or covered? Waffle House regulars know exactly how they want their hash browns. Here’s a guide to the lingo:
- Scattered: spread out on the grill for maximum crispiness
- Smothered: with sautéed onions
- Covered: with melted American cheese
- Chunked: with grilled ham
- Diced: with grilled tomatoes
- Peppered: with jalapeño peppers
- Capped: with grilled button mushrooms
- Topped: with chili
- Country: with sausage gravy
Chicken and Waffles: An Unlikely Pairing
This seemingly odd combination has become a brunch staple in Atlanta. While the exact origins are debated, many believe it originated with the Pennsylvania Dutch and later became intertwined with African American cooking in the South.
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In Atlanta, chicken and waffles often include another Southern favorite: biscuits. You can even find them served sandwich-style, with waffles as the “bread.”
Coca-Cola: An Atlanta Icon
Coke or Pepsi? In Atlanta, there’s only one answer. Since its creation in Atlanta in 1886, Coca-Cola has been synonymous with the city.
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The World of Coca-Cola is a major tourist attraction, where visitors can learn about the beverage’s history and sample Coca-Cola products from around the globe. The beverage has also made its way into Southern kitchens as an ingredient, adding moisture and a subtle cola flavor to cakes.
Pimento Cheese: A Southern Spread with Northern Roots
Pimento cheese, a spread made with cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, is a beloved item on menus throughout Atlanta.
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While it originated in New York, Georgia became a major pimento producer in the 1920s, solidifying its place as a Southern staple. In Atlanta, you can find pimento cheese deep-fried, topping burgers, spread on biscuits, and more.
Soul Food: A Taste of the Deep South
Black-eyed peas, cornbread, collard greens, mac and cheese, sweet potato pie, fried chicken, banana pudding – these are just a few of the soul food dishes that abound in Atlanta.
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According to food historian Adrian Miller, Atlanta boasts the best overall soul food scene in the South, with a diverse mix of traditional, healthy, upscale, and vegan options.
Peach Cobbler (or Peach Anything): A Tribute to the Peach State
No culinary tour of Atlanta would be complete without mentioning peaches.
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Although Atlanta is not in the state’s peach-producing region, the city’s restaurants and markets source their peaches directly from Georgia farms. During peach season (mid-May to early August), chefs and home cooks find countless ways to use this fruit.
A City of Culinary Delights
Atlanta’s food scene is a reflection of its diverse culture and rich history. From Southern classics to international flavors, the city offers a culinary adventure for every palate. So, next time you’re in Atlanta, be sure to explore the dishes that make this city a true food lover’s paradise.
