Here in Virginia, we love our home-cooked meals. Mostly because they are always delicious, but there’s also a hint of nostalgia that comes into play. Certain dishes have a way of evoking memories of family gatherings, celebrations, or other festivities where delicious and traditional food takes center stage. Chances are, if you grew up in Virginia, you are all too familiar with the following dishes:
- Deviled Eggs
alanagkelly/flickr Deviled eggs are a must at any sort of brunch event. These tasty bites are often jazzed up with spices like paprika for an added kick.
- Ham biscuits
Wally Gobetz/flickr Virginia ham is about as traditional as it gets. For proof of this, look no further than Smithfield, Virginia. Much like deviled eggs, ham biscuits can be spruced up with just about any topping you fancy.
- Hoppin’ John
Ron Dollete/flickr The classic dish known as Hoppin’ John is most often enjoyed on New Years Day. This southern dish is said to bring about good luck for the upcoming year. Not to mention, it’s also delicious!
- Shrimp and Grits
Carlos Newsome/flickr Shrimp and grits is a classic dish just about anywhere in the South, but we like to think we’ve perfected it here in Virginia.
- Brunswick Stew
tvnewsbadge/flickr Ok…Brunswick stew isn’t typically made in huge vats like this. Yet you’d be hard-pressed to find a Virginian who isn’t this enthusiastic about this classic stew dish.
- Crab Benedict
Ben Husmann/flickr Crab Benedict is a delicious improvement on the classic egg Benedict. You’ll find this meal at just about any brunch event.
- Fried Green Tomatoes
Sam Howzit/flickr Nothing says summertime in Virginia like a serving of fried green tomatoes. Especially on a BLT sandwich.
- Crab Cakes
Johnny Silvercloud/flickr It’s hard to beat crab cakes made with real Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabmeat. Don’t forget the Old Bay seasoning!
- Pancakes topped with Highland County Maple Syrup
totoro_friend/flickr Authentic maple syrup from Highland County should be a staple ingredient in every Virginian’s kitchen. In addition to topping pancakes, this syrup can be used in any number of baked goods.
- Oysters
Tim Evanson/flickr Once you set foot in the Old Dominion, you’ve officially arrived in oyster territory. Whether you like ’em raw, steamed, fried, or baked, you know they’ll be delicious here in Virginia.
Are there any traditional Virginia foods that you would add to the list? Be sure to let us know!
alanagkelly/flickr
Deviled eggs are a must at any sort of brunch event. These tasty bites are often jazzed up with spices like paprika for an added kick.
Wally Gobetz/flickr
Virginia ham is about as traditional as it gets. For proof of this, look no further than Smithfield, Virginia. Much like deviled eggs, ham biscuits can be spruced up with just about any topping you fancy.
Ron Dollete/flickr
The classic dish known as Hoppin’ John is most often enjoyed on New Years Day. This southern dish is said to bring about good luck for the upcoming year. Not to mention, it’s also delicious!
Carlos Newsome/flickr
Shrimp and grits is a classic dish just about anywhere in the South, but we like to think we’ve perfected it here in Virginia.
tvnewsbadge/flickr
Ok…Brunswick stew isn’t typically made in huge vats like this. Yet you’d be hard-pressed to find a Virginian who isn’t this enthusiastic about this classic stew dish.
Ben Husmann/flickr
Crab Benedict is a delicious improvement on the classic egg Benedict. You’ll find this meal at just about any brunch event.
Sam Howzit/flickr
Nothing says summertime in Virginia like a serving of fried green tomatoes. Especially on a BLT sandwich.
Johnny Silvercloud/flickr
It’s hard to beat crab cakes made with real Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabmeat. Don’t forget the Old Bay seasoning!
totoro_friend/flickr
Authentic maple syrup from Highland County should be a staple ingredient in every Virginian’s kitchen. In addition to topping pancakes, this syrup can be used in any number of baked goods.
Tim Evanson/flickr
Once you set foot in the Old Dominion, you’ve officially arrived in oyster territory. Whether you like ’em raw, steamed, fried, or baked, you know they’ll be delicious here in Virginia.
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