Shrimp and grits in Alabama

The southern cuisine is shaped by produce, people and recipes passed down generations

- Teja Lele

Often called the Yellowhammer State after its state bird, Alabama stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to a forested interior, anchored by cities like Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile.

Part of the Deep South, or the “Bible Belt”, its history is layered and complex. Landmarks and museums abound, but the more immediate way to read the state is at the table.

Southern American food is a cornucopia of locally available ingredients such as corn, rice, beans, greens, okra, sweet potatoes, seafood, and slow-cooked meats. It combines numerous influences, including indigenous, African, European, and Caribbean, and can be best experienced through the bold and spicy flavours of Cajun and Creole cuisines. When in Alabama, it is important to eat like the Southerners do. Here’s what you must not miss: