Because of its agrarian past and cultural melting pot, Charleston, South Carolina, is considered the birthplace of traditional Southern comfort cuisine. The city’s culinary history is a tapestry of flavors, influenced by Native American, African, European, and Caribbean traditions.

Charleston’s food history dates back to the colonial era, when residents had to get creative with what they had in the kitchen. This fusion of African and European cooking methods is on full display in dishes like shrimp and grits, Hoppin’ John, and she-crab soup. The city’s plantation era also influenced regional cuisine, giving rise to staples like Lowcountry boils and robust stews.

Charleston’s participation in the Atlantic slave trade introduced African cooking techniques and spice profiles to Southern cuisine. The Gullah Geechee people were able to maintain these traditions, giving the city’s cuisine a unique twist.

The restaurants and cafes of modern-day Charleston continue to pay tribute to the city’s historic past by preparing dishes that blend traditional ingredients with innovative techniques. The city’s culinary history represents the very essence of homey Southern cooking.