Savoring Atlanta: The Best Places to Eat

When most people think of the state of Georgia they think of peaches. But its capital, Atlanta, has so many yummy cuisines to offer. Just like New York is famous for bagels and pizza, Philadelphia for cheesesteaks, and New Orleans for gumbo and beignets, Atlanta has 45 Michelin-star restaurants. According to Atlanta Get Your Guide, the top three local favorites are, southern fried chicken, Korean BBQ cuisine, and hash browns. These dishes are classic, Southern, home-cooked favorites. Surprisingly Atlanta is known for its Korean BBQ from the 1960s and the Korean War. 

The roots of southern cooking in Atlanta are characterized by comfort foods, hearty flavors, and the use of local ingredients. Southern cooking has been shaped by African, Native American, and European influences throughout history. Native Americans laid the foundation. Before Europeans arrived in North America, Native Americans were growing pumpkins, tomatoes, tams, and tobacco. Tribes like the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw were very skilled at farming and hunting. Corn was a staple food and used to make grits, cornmeal, and cornbread. Soaking beans, salt preservation, grounding corn into grits, and smocked meats all are skills that Native Americans contributed to Southern cooking. When Europeans arrived they were shown a whole new world of plants and animals. They picked up lots of Native American techniques and used their gardening skills to build homes. They started using European recipes and planting European crops like turnips, radishes, and spinach. With this, they also brought animals like cattle, pigs, and horses. Pound cake, macaroni, and cheese, and fried chicken are said to be brought by Europeans. The slave trade also plays an important role. With the arrival of slaves in the South, they brought their recipes from Africa. Their selection of food had to be specific because it had to last a long time and grow in a southern climate. This includes black eyes peas, okra, red beans, watermelon, rice, and spices. Slaves were used for cooking and creating meals most of the time. They improved recipes by using European recipes and mixing in their traditions. Using animal parts like pig feet and bones to make broths. Dandelions, turnips, and collards were seasoned and cooked down to be eaten. These kinds of meals were not accepted by upper-class white Southerners until the Antebellum period. Soon, collard greens and black-eyed peas became staples of the Southern food culture and made up what many people today consider traditional Southern food.

Through Atlanta’s dining scene, traditional foods like fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and peach cobbler remain staples. Also, the farm-to-table movement has significantly impacted Atlanta’s food scene. For example, Ocean and Acre sources from local farm communities and coastal cultures. This encourages restaurants to prioritize locally sourced ingredients. And by doing this it gives chefs access to high-quality products.

Because of the roots of southern cooking, fusion cuisine is commonly used in Atlanta. This is when chefs use traditions or techniques from different cultures, and blend them to create new dishes. This technique was used to create Korean BBQ, hot pot broth, and taco pizza.

A surprise to many is that a southern state loves Korean BBQ. This can be traced back to the 1860s when barbecue became popular. According to a blog, Seasoned Cooking, slow-cooked, sweet barbecue evolved into thinly sliced meat called bulgogi that was marinated and cooked on a pan in the 1950s. Bulgogi, which means “fire meat” in Korean, became popular during the Korean War when the U.S. military brought over new grilling equipment. Overall Atlanta has tons of delicious food options for any taste buds. 

Some of the best places for Korean BBQ are Thrill Korean Steak and Bar, Tofu Village Korean BBQ, and Char Korean Bar and Grill. Thrill Korean Steak and Bar is the #1 Korean BBQ spot in Sandy Springs featuring 2 floors, 52 grills, 20+ meals, unlimited appetizers, and a full bar. They provide great food, amazing service, and a sophisticated atmosphere for any event. Tofu Village Korean BBQ is a more casual location. They serve delicious, comfort foods for dinner with family. Char Korean Bar and Grill has a large menu that is filled with tons of delicious options perfect for a date night.  In conclusion, the history of Atlanta’s food is long and ever-changing. Offering many delicious restaurants and cuisines for any taste buds.

By Sophie Balmes