What is soul food? Well, it is food that is very much a part of African American culture. The most popular soul food dish would have to be fried chicken, but there are other common dishes; for example corn bread and grits, as well as vegetables and legumes such as black eyed peas, okra, collard greens and candied yams (sweet potatoes). In addition to fried chicken, meat plays an important role in soul food. For example, pork is a popular meat with ham and bacon being used in various dishes, and pickled pigs feet itself is a key classic soul food dish.
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Soul food is not particularly healthy as most of the dishes feature high amounts of salt and are often deep fried, but it is a fascinating cuisine and culture, which actually has Native American influences, namely in the corn based dishes such as grits and cornbread, which are of American Indian origin. Within soul food there are a few different cornbread dishes which are popular; for example
jonnycakes, which are similar to pancakes and
hushpuppies, which are deep fried cornbread balls.
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Southern cuisine on the other hand is a celebration of Cajun and Louisiana Creole influences. Classic Cajun dishes include gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish boil and classic Louisiana Creole dishes include red beans and rice, shrimp creole and shrimp bisque. While southern cuisine features spice and 'hot sauces', there are still some similarities with soul food; grits and corn bread as popular and so is fried chicken and okra and black eyed peas.
Although Melbourne is no where near the deep south, there are a few restaurants located in and around Melbourne and Victoria which specialise in soul food and southern cuisine and culture.
To begin the soul food and southern food journey, head to
USA Foods, located in Moorabbin. This retail store is not a cafe/restaurant, but you can purchase various American brands of instant grits, sweet potato pancake mix and lots of southern BBQ sauces, gravies and batter mixes. It is the go to destination for all your southern and soul food needs. They also have an
online store.
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Fried chicken is next up; so where is the best fired chicken in Melbourne? Well, if we are talking fried chicken overall that would be
Gami, but it is
a Korean establishment. In terms of American fried chicken - well, I am going to ask for suggestions; this one is a bit tough.
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For gumbo and all things New Orleans,
Gumbo Kitchen is highly recommended. This is a 'gourmet' food truck, which serves various southern style dishes such as chicken and sausage gumbo, sweet corn gumbo with hushpuppies and seafood gumbo. In addition to the different types of gumbo, '
Po' boy' subs are one of their specialities; it is deep fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato and hot sauce served in a roll. Red beans and rice are also on the menu.
Gumbo Kitchen is a welcomed addition to the thriving
Melbourne street food scene.
My Mexican Cousin, located in Southbank is a another great place to experience Creole cuisine. This is a relatively new establishment, I believed it opened in late 2011.
Po' boy subs are also quite popular here, but there are other key dishes are offered as well, including Creole style chicken stew, Guadeloupe steak and spiced and blacken fish.
Melbourne is home to many more great soul food and southern bars, cafes and restaurants, so if you know of a great spot for soul food and southern cuisine located in or around Melbourne, please leave a comment.
We look forward to your feedback.
