The American South, or as some like to call it, "The dirty South," is a region dominated by its history as well as its interesting cuisine. 

Infused with African, Native American and European traditions, it is quite difficult to escape the scrumptious odors of southern temptations that intoxicate the air.  So follow your nose and explore southern hospitality at its best through the unique recipes of the 10 must-try delicacies in the heart of the Dixie.

South Carolina: Hominy Grill, Fish and Grits

You cannot fully wrap your mind around southern food without exploring the extraordinary tastes of one of the region’s stable dishes, fish and grits.  It is a known classic, a favorite among South Carolina locals, and commonly devoured for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  For $18, Hominy Grill carefully prepares its famous cheesed grits with sautéed shrimp dressed with mushrooms, scallions, bacon which are to perfection.

207 Rutledge Ave., Charleston, S.C. 29403

Georgia: Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Peach Cobbler

Highly considered a must on Yelp, Mary Mac’s Team Room is the go-to restaurant for the sweet savory taste of the famous peach cobbler (pictured above).  What better way to sink your teeth into a real Georgia peach than in one of Atlanta’s very own restaurants, where the peach cobbler is not only a delicacy but a must,  as well as a pleasant treat for foodies at the end (or beginning) of any meal.

224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30308

South Carolina: Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Restaurant, what else?

Fried Green Tomatoes may sound peculiar to some but in South Carolina’s Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Restaurant, this is an ordinary treat.  Named after its stable dish, it offers a family-friendly atmosphere and traditional home-cooked meals topped with its must-have fried green tomatoes. 

1175 Woods Crossing Rd, Greenville, S.C. 29607

Louisiana:  Gumbo Shop, Gumbo

Visit the vibrant city of New Orleans for a taste of its signature cuisine.  Emerging in the city during the 18th century, gumbo lures visitors from far and wide with its aromatic ingredients.  The award winning restaurant exudes everything gumbo with imaginative dishes like seafood okra as well as Andouille gumbo and much more!  For the authentic flavor of New Orleans, the Gumbo Shop has the perfect recipe to satisfy your gumbo cravings.

630 Saint Peter St., New Orleans, La. 70130 

Mississippi: Big Apple Inn, Pig Ear Sandwich

It may be difficult to say pig ear sandwich without feeling queasy or completely disgusted.  But according to residents of Jackson, Mississippi, Big Apple Inn (affectionately known as Big John’s) is the ideal restaurant for the pig ear sandwich.  This strange phenomenon has been a hit for decades and keep customers coming back time and time again.  The pig ear sandwich is commonly served with lettuce mustard and hot sauce.

500 N. Farnish St., Jackson, Miss. 39202

Tennessee: Cozy Corner, Cornish Game Hen

When it comes to the taste of a Cornish game hen, many flock to the Cozy Corner. It is a popular spot among locals and creates an enjoyable smoky, spicy and extraordinary meal.

745 N. Parkway, Memphis Tenn. 38105

Alabama: Top of the River Restaurants, Catfish

With four locations in the state of Alabama, Top of the River Restaurants prides itself for being one of the largest family-owned eateries and for its fresh catfish-prepared with secret ingredients with only its customers’ taste buds in mind. 

Various locations

Tennessee:  The Sands, Pork Neck Bones

The Sands is the epitome of soul food cooking, especially when it comes to its pork neck bones and rice dish.  Cooked in gravy, and dressed in vegetables and cornbread makes Sand’s Pork Neck Bones a must-eat for all food connoisseurs.

937 Locklayer St, Nashville, TN 37208