7 Most Delicious Foods You Must Try in Mississippi

OCY [email protected] May 15, 2023 | 06:43

Not only does Mississippi's stunning scenery never fail to impress visitors, but so, too, do the state's delectable culinary offerings.

Mississippians offer their own adaptations that should not be missed. State has popularized some of the best foods eaten around the country. From creative condiments to all sorts of seafood

The 7 following suggested dishes in Mississippi below are some of them that you should try once in a lifetime.

1. Catfish

Catfish (Photo: Only in your state)

It's safe to say that catfish is a big deal in Mississippi, as the state is the largest producer of farm-raised catfish in the country and is also home to the Catfish Capital of the World. While catfish has long been a favorite among Mississippians, it's recently gained popularity elsewhere in the United States.

Originally opening in 1889 as a dry goods store, the Taylor Grocery reopened as a restaurant in the 1970s. The wooden decor, pleasant patrons, and excellent music give off a genuine Mississippian atmosphere.

A visit here is essential for anyone passing through the Oxford region (it's only 15 minutes south, down Old Taylor Road). You can blacken, grill, or fry fresh catfish. And while you're there, be sure to sign the guestbook!

In Florence, you won't find a country restaurant that looks anything like Jerry's Catfish House. Jerry's, located in a massive white igloo, is unlike any restaurant you've ever been to before.

Its catfish is so delicious that you'll want to take advantage of the "all you can eat" deal, which comes with slaw and hush puppies.

In Indianola, you can "Eat Like a King" at The Crown in Town, which serves "New Southern" food. The Crown has been serving up delicious food since 1976, and their Catfish Allison is second to none.

Catfish Allison is a fillet gratineed in a sauce of parmesan cheese, butter, and green onion; it's a fancy take on a traditional southern dish. If you ask Travellersoul, a plate of catfish can be a gourmet meal.

2. Mississippi Mud Pie

Missisipie mud pie (Photo: Only in your state)

The chocolate filling and graham cracker or cookie crumb crust make up this sinfully delicious dessert. It was first implemented in this great state, which is why it bears its name.

The origins of Mississippi mud pie are as murky as the state's namesake river. This popular pie has been reimagined countless times, with always different results; it should not be confused with dirt cake, mud cake (no gummy worms), or even Mississippi mud cake. Here's a crash course in the Mississippi state dessert that's popular across the country, per Eater.

3. Cajun Fried Pecans

Fried Pecans (Photo: Only in your state)

It is only natural that Mississippians would find additional uses for pecans given how easily accessible they are. This is where Cajun fried pecans come into play: they are the perfect example of this. Pecans that have been seasoned and fried make for a delectable snack that is also highly addictive.

4. Tamales

Photo: Travel soul

It's possible that the fact that tamales are a staple in the cuisine of Mississippi will come as a surprise to you. Tamales most likely became a part of the culinary tradition of the Delta in the early 20th century, when Mexican migrant workers came to the region to harvest cotton, as stated by the Southern Foodways Alliance.

You can indulge in tamales at the Delta Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville, which is held every October, or you can travel Mississippi's Hot Tamale Trail and try tamales at restaurants located throughout the state. Greenville is known as the Hot Tamale Capital of the World.

Doe's Eat Place in Greenville, which is located in the Mississippi Delta, has been using the same recipe for its beef-only tamales ever since it opened in 1941, and the establishment still exudes an air of yesteryear. Doe Signa Jr. spent his childhood helping out in the restaurant that his father opened, and he is now the proprietor of the family business. When looking for a meal to brag about to your friends and family, give the tamales topped with homemade chili a shot.

There are three different kinds of tamales that can be ordered at Tony's Tamales in Jackson: ground beef, turkey, or black bean (vegetarian). The tamales, which are all made by hand, are reliably crisp and flavorful. Order the Chili Tamale Dinner if you're feeling peckish. It comes with six tamales smothered in chili and topped with cheese and onions.

When you order tamales from Fat Mama's Tamales in Natchez, you have the option of pairing them with the restaurant's renowned "Knock-You-Naked Margarita." You have the option of eating the handmade tamales on their own or including them in a Gringo Casserole with cheese and chili on top. According to Travel soul, once you get back to your regular routine, you can place an order for vacuum-sealed tamales by the dozen.

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5. Po’Boys

Po’Boys (Photo: Gulf Coast Weekend)

The po'boy is a sandwich made with French bread, lettuce, and tomato that is traditionally believed to have been invented in the state of Louisiana. However, Mississippi took the po'boy to the next level by making deep-fried seafood the preferred protein option. According to USA Today, the po'boys served up at Bozo's fish market and deli in Pascagoula, Mississippi are "worth a Mississippi detour."

People say that Rosetti's in Biloxi, Mississippi, in the 1940s is where the original Vancleave Special was created. This dish consists of crabmeat that has been browned, seasoned, and topped with cheese. It is the most well-known of all of these dishes. The sandwich that has been served at Rosetti's Old Biloxi Café for the past seven decades is now known as the Rosetti Po'Boy. An incredible crab and cheese po'boy can be found at Fayard's BP in Gautier. The sandwich is "dressed" with lettuce and tomato and "pressed" like a Panini; even the bread is made in-house.

6. Barbecue

Mississippi BBQ style (Photo: Reddit)

Ricky Van Shelton and Alabama, two well-known names in country music, are known to frequent Little Dooey for the restaurant's pulled pork, ribs, and barbecue chicken. The famous Shed Barbecue and Blues Joint in Ocean Springs sees lines forming well before it opens its doors.

The Orrison family is known for their award-winning, fall-off-the-bone smoked pork ribs and their preferred barbecue sauce, which is favored by Vice President Joe Biden. The sauce is prepared in a carport that has plywood walls and a tin roof.

7. Gulf Oysters

Photo: The New York Times

Oysters from the coast have large, flavorful shells that can measure eight inches in diameter. They are available on the menus of all restaurants claiming to be seafood specialists, just like shrimp. Oysters are served in four different ways at Half Shell Oyster House: charbroiled, Orleans, Rockefeller, and Bienville. The Bienville is a seafood symphony that includes bacon, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, shrimp, crab, and oysters.

Chef Derek Emerson of Walker's Drive-In, one of Southern Living's picks for the best southern restaurants in the country, tops fried oysters with melted Brie and apple slaw after tossing them in barbecue sauce. Eat an oyster raw on Club crackers with a dash of Tabasco to enjoy oysters in their natural state.

The Bienville is a seafood symphony that includes bacon, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, shrimp, crab, and oysters. Chef Derek Emerson of Walker's Drive-In, one of Southern Living's picks for the best southern restaurants in the country, tops fried oysters with melted Brie and apple slaw after tossing them in barbecue sauce. Eat an oyster raw on Club crackers with a dash of Tabasco to enjoy oysters in their natural state.

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