Savannah has a distinct style of cooking which is not to be simply lumped into   the label of southern food or soul-food.The correct term is "Low-country cooking." It is a style which is unique to both South Carolina and the coastal area of Georgia. Often compared to the Cajun tradition,  it is different because of the cultural influences, humid-subtropical climate, and low-country terrain   specific to the area. Upon visiting, Savannah, you will experience a taste of the region's rich estuary system, which yields  an abundance of fresh seafood ripe for the eating, including shrimp, fish, oysters, and crabs.  

Savannah has been influenced by a variety of cultures.  The  African contribution is the the basis of many of the dishes still made today.  American colonist in the 1700's discovered that rice grew very well in the swampy low-country of South Carolina and Georgia. Slave-traders took note, bringing  African labor from the "Rice Coast" (also called the "Windward Coast")—the traditional rice-growing area of West Africa, extending from Sierra Leone to Senegal to Liberia. Slaves from other regions like Nigeria did not garner as high of a price. Slaves from the Rice Coast were purchased for top-dollar, and with no glory to be had, they established the agricultural systems based on the methods used in their homelands. Without a doubt, the foundation of the region's wealth was made on the backs of these unsung contributors.  Rice remains a staple in low-country style cooking.

Other African contributions include okra,  meat jerky, greens, yams, corn meal, greens, black-eyed peas, and peanuts among other foods. Hoppin' John (pictured above) is a native West-African dish still eaten in Savannah. It  combines black-eyed peas (or field peas), rice, okra, peppers, onions, vinegar, spices, and bacon (sometimes ham-hock) is used as well.  

West  Indians, most specifically those from Jamaica, introduced a hot and spicy aspect to Savannah's food culture bringing into play the addition of peppers, mustard, cayenne and pepper sherry. The pepper sherry was used in the preparing soups and stews. 

Things to do in Savannah for Foodies

Old Savannah Tours: Paula Deen - This tour gives you the scoop on Savannah native Paula Deen's inspiring rags to riches story during the Lady & Sons tour. You will also receive a VIP pass for lunch or dinner at  Uncle Bubba's Oyster house ( a restaurant owned by Deen and her brother). The tour ends with Chef Joe Randall’s Taste of Savannah Cooking Demonstration and Dinner.

Savannah Tours: Old Savannah Experience - There is a whimsical experience to be had in Savannah and the Old Savannah Experience offers a look at its history and grandeur.  See the Victorian District, Thomas Square Neighborhood, Beech Institute Neighborhood, and the intricacy of the palmetto-lined Victory Drive. Don't worry... you will have time to savor some sumptuous savories in between.     

Tybee Island - "Tybee" means "salt" to Native Americans, and how appropriate it is when you think about where so much of the Savannah's fresh seafood  hails. Located just 18 miles east of Savannah, Tybee Island is where to go to experience beach-life and plenty of it. The beach is an impressive 3-miles long.

Riverboat Cruises - How romantic is a steamboat rolling down the Savannah River? The answer —awesomely romantic! Along with the Georgia Queen,  Savannah Boat Cruises has a number of riverboats offering lunch, dinner, murder-mystery and sight-seeing cruises. Experience the flavors of Savannah with a side of history as well.

Bed & Breakfast - Savannah is home to many acclaimed Bed & Breakfast. Click here for a listing.  

Dining - Alligator Soul Restaurant  is located in downtown Savannah in the historic district near Telfair Museum and Telfair Jepson Center on Telfair Square. It has a vast  selection of seafood and prides itself on its southern cuisine and upscale dining experience.

Paula Deen reigns supreme in Savannah, therefore it's only right that we include Savannah's favorite daughter and most likable southern belle's restaurant Lady & Sons on the things to do list.

For more dining options in Savannah, click here.

Wormsloe Historic Site: Plantations are a part of southern history that  cannot be ignored.  There is a glory and a shame attached to its history. Just a few miles from Savannah is the Wormsloe Historic Site,  which includes the picturesque 1.5 mile Oak Avenue, ruins of the plantation owner, Noble Jones' fortified house made of tabby (building material made of lime, sand, water and oyster shells) as well as a museum and demonstration area interpreting daily colonial life.