Memphis on a Plate: The City’s Most Iconic Foods
When people think of Memphis, food is one of the first things that comes to mind—right up there with blues and the Mississippi River.
This city has built a reputation for bold flavors, slow-smoked meats, and dishes that tell a story.
The most famous? Memphis-style barbecue.
Pork ribs pulled pork sandwiches and slabs of meat covered in a spice-heavy dry rub or drenched in a tangy, tomato-based sauce—this is what puts Memphis on the culinary map.
But there’s more. Locals have taken barbecue to unexpected places, turning it into dishes like barbecue spaghetti—a mix of smoked meat and pasta that you won’t find anywhere else.
Fried chicken here isn’t just crispy; it’s got a kick. Honey gold wings have a sweet, tangy, and completely addictive sauce.
Soul food spots serve up chitlins, fried catfish, and buttery cornbread that stick with you long after the meal ends.
This is Memphis food—bold, hearty, and full of history.
Memphis-Style Barbecue: The City’s Signature Dish
Barbecue in Memphis isn’t just food—it’s a way of life. Pork is the star, especially ribs and pulled pork. The city’s barbecue scene is split between two styles: dry and wet.
Dry ribs are coated with a thick coating of spices before they are smoked, creating a deep, smoky flavor.
Wet ribs, on the other hand, are basted in sauce throughout the cooking process, making them tender and sticky.
Hickory wood is the traditional choice for smoking, giving the meat its signature taste.
The sauce is tangy and tomato-based, with just enough sweetness to balance the spice. Pulled pork, another staple, often comes on a bun with a heap of coleslaw.
For the best spots, head to Central BBQ for perfectly smoked meat, Payne’s for their famous pulled pork sandwich, or Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous for a plate of dry-rubbed ribs served straight from a charcoal grill.
Fried Chicken with a Memphis Twist
Memphis has a way of taking familiar dishes and giving them an extra punch.
The fried chicken here follows the same idea. It’s crispy, juicy, and—unlike the milder versions found elsewhere—packs a noticeable kick.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is the city’s most well-known spot for this Southern classic.
The recipe dates back to the 1950s in Mason, Tennessee, and its success led to multiple locations across the country.
What makes it different? It has a thin, crispy crust with a slightly spicy bite. The seasoning is mixed right into the batter, so every piece is full of flavor from the first crunch to the last.
Memphis-style fried chicken is usually served with baked beans, slaw, and white bread to soak up the juices.
The spice level isn’t overwhelming, but it lingers just enough to make you want another bite.
Barbecue Spaghetti: A True Memphis Original
You won’t find barbecue spaghetti anywhere else. This Memphis-born dish takes classic Italian pasta and gives it a Southern twist.
It starts with spaghetti noodles, but instead of marinara, they’re coated in a barbecue-based sauce packed with a smoky, meaty flavor.
Most versions come with pulled pork mixed in, but some places use chopped beef or smoked sausage.
Brady Vincent, a Memphis restaurateur, is credited with creating this dish in the mid-20th century.
His recipe took off, and today, The Bar-B-Q Shop is the go-to spot for a plate of this one-of-a-kind meal.
It’s the perfect mix of comfort food and barbecue culture. The sauce has a deep, slow-cooked taste, blending tomato, spices, and the rich smokiness of hickory-smoked meat.
It might sound unusual, but once you try it, it makes perfect sense.
Honey Gold Wings: The Local Wing Flavor You Need to Try
Buffalo wings may have the heat, but honey-gold wings bring something completely different.
These Memphis favorites are coated in a golden, tangy-sweet sauce that’s as addicting as it looks.
The base is a mix of honey and mustard, giving the wings a perfect balance of sweet and zesty flavors.
You can find them at local wing spots like Ching’s Hot Wings, Crumpy’s, and Uncle Lou’s.
Each place has its own version, but the sauce always keeps that signature golden hue.
Some spots make them extra sticky, while others add more spice to the mix.
The wings are usually deep-fried, creating a crispy outer layer that holds up under the sauce.
They come with fries, ranch dressing, and sometimes a slice of white bread on the side.
Whether you like them mild or with an extra kick, honey gold wings are a must-try.
Soul Food Classics: Where Comfort Meets Flavor
Memphis doesn’t just serve barbecue—it serves some of the best soul food you’ll find anywhere.
These dishes go beyond filling a plate; they tell the story of the city’s deep Southern roots.
Fried catfish, smothered pork chops, and slow-cooked greens are staples at local diners and family-owned restaurants.
Fried catfish is always a favorite, served golden brown with hush puppies and a side of tartar sauce.
Collard greens are stewed with ham hocks or smoked turkey, adding a rich, smoky flavor.
Mac and cheese is baked until it’s bubbling, with a crust of melted cheddar on top.
And no soul food meal is complete without cornbread—sometimes sweet, sometimes savory, but always fresh from the oven.
For the best soul food in town, stop by The Four Way, a legendary spot that’s been serving these classics since the 1940s.
Alcenia’s also brings homemade charm, with recipes passed down through generations.
Hot Tamales: A Delta Tradition That Thrives in Memphis
Hot tamales might seem like a surprising addition to Memphis cuisine, but they’ve been a part of the city’s food scene for generations.
These tamales are different from their Mexican counterparts—they are spicier, softer, and made with cornmeal instead of masa.
The tradition of tamales in the Mississippi Delta dates back to the early 20th century when African American and Mexican laborers shared cooking techniques.
Over time, the dish evolved into a Southern staple. In Memphis, you’ll find them at places like Blues City Hot Tamales and The Four Way.
They’re usually served wrapped in corn husks, packed with seasoned meat, and slow-cooked in a spicy broth.
Some places serve them on their own, while others pile them onto a plate with chili and cheese.
Either way, they bring a unique heat and texture that fits right into the city’s love of bold flavors.
Memphis-Style Pizza: A Barbecue-Inspired Twist
Pizza in Memphis comes with a smoky, Southern spin. Instead of the usual tomato sauce, many places swap in a barbecue base, blending tangy flavors with melted cheese and smoked meats.
Pulled pork, smoked chicken, and even brisket are toppings, making every slice a mix of barbecue and comfort food.
One of the best places to try this is Aldo’s Pizza Pies, which serves pies with a Memphis twist.
Coletta’s, a local Italian joint, claims to have invented barbecue pizza in the 1950s.
Their version uses slow-cooked pork, tangy sauce, and a thick layer of mozzarella.
Memphis-style pizza, thanks to the barbecue sauce, tends toward the sweeter side, but the smoky meat and melted cheese balance it out.
It’s a dish that shows how deep barbecue culture runs in this city—it even made its way onto a pizza crust.
Chitlins: A Southern Delicacy with Deep Roots
Chitlins—short for chitterlings—aren’t for everyone, but they hold a special place in Memphis food culture.
They are pig intestines that have been cleaned thoroughly, slow-cooked, and often fried or stewed.
The dish dates back to the days of slavery when resourceful cooks turned unwanted cuts into flavorful meals.
Preparing chitlins takes patience. They’re simmered for hours with onions, vinegar, and spices to cut the strong aroma and develop a tender texture.
Some restaurants deep-fry them for a crispy bite, while others stick to the traditional stewed version.
Either way, they’re usually served with hot sauce and cornbread.
Chitlins won’t be on every menu, but during the colder months, they appear in soul food spots like The Four Way and Miss Girlee’s.
Some people love them, others won’t go near them—but they remain a true Southern classic.
Banana Pudding: The Sweet Side of Memphis
No Memphis meal is complete without banana pudding. This Southern favorite layers vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and creamy pudding, often topped with whipped cream or meringue.
It’s simple and comforting, and it’s served at barbecue joints, diners, and family tables all over the city.
The best versions come with homemade pudding, not the instant kind. The wafers soften just enough to soak up the flavors, while the bananas add a natural sweetness.
Some places serve it warm, while others let it chill for a thicker, richer texture. Either way, it’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast.
If you’re looking for a great banana pudding, The Cupboard and Interstate Barbecue both serve old-school versions made from scratch.
This dish proves Memphis knows how to do more than just smoky and savory—it’s got the sweets covered, too.
Smoked Bologna: The Underrated Memphis Barbecue Staple
Bologna might not sound fancy, but in Memphis barbecue joints, it gets the same slow-smoked treatment as ribs and pulled pork.
Known as “Memphis steak,” smoked bologna is thick-cut, seasoned, and smoked over hickory wood until it develops a deep, rich flavor.
Most places serve it as a sandwich, stacking thick slices between soft white bread with barbecue sauce and pickles.
Some pitmasters even score the bologna before smoking it, allowing the edges to crisp up, creating a charred, caramelized crust.
You can find it at classic spots like Payne’s Bar-B-Q, where it comes topped with their signature mustard-based slaw, or at Elwood’s Shack, which serves a smoked bologna and egg sandwich for breakfast.
It’s simple, smoky, and packed with flavor—perfect for anyone looking to try something different in Memphis barbecue culture.
Where to Find the Best Memphis Food
You can’t talk about Memphis food without knowing where to get it. Whether you’re after ribs, soul food, or something unexpected like barbecue spaghetti, the city has plenty of spots worth visiting.
Best Barbecue Joints
- Central BBQ – Consistently ranked as one of the city’s best for ribs and pulled pork.
- Payne’s Bar-B-Q – Famous for its mustard-slaw-topped pulled pork sandwich.
- Rendezvous – A must-visit for dry-rubbed ribs cooked over charcoal.
Top Soul Food Spots
- The Four Way – Serving soul food classics for over 70 years.
- Alcenia’s – Known for homestyle dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Miss Girlee’s – A hidden gem for chitlins, fried catfish, and cornbread.
Best Places for Wings
- Ching’s Hot Wings – Legendary for its honey gold wings.
- Uncle Lou’s – Famous for “Sweet Spicy Love” sauce.
- Crumpy’s – A favorite for crispy, flavorful wings with plenty of sauce options.
Where to Grab Memphis-Style Pizza
- Coletta’s – Claims to be the original home of barbecue pizza.
- Aldo’s Pizza Pies – Offers a range of Memphis-inspired toppings.
Sweet Spots for Banana Pudding
- The Cupboard – A local staple for Southern desserts.
- Interstate Barbecue – Known for ribs, but their banana pudding is worth the visit alone.
Memphis food is about flavor, history, and tradition. There’s always another plate worth trying.
