5 Wonderful Foods You Can Pretty Much Only Get in Virginia

Tucked between modern cities and rolling countryside, Virginia is home to dishes that you won’t easily find anywhere else. Some might seem weird at first, but they’re part of the local tradition and have proud stories behind them.

If you want to explore Virginia with your taste buds, get ready to learn about snacks and meals that have been delighting locals for centuries.

Peanut Soup

Peanut soup is a creamy, slightly sweet dish that might sound strange at first. Most Amerians think of peanuts as a snack, not a base for a soup. But in Virginia, peanut soup is a cozy bowl of comfort.

Chefs blend peanuts into a smooth mixture and add onions, celery, and spices. The result is a rich, nutty flavor that warms you up on a cold day. Early settlers learned about peanuts from Africans who were brought to the colonies, and peanut soup became a special dish in the area.

Virginia is known for its peanut production, which makes this soup extra fresh and flavorful. According to the Farm Bureau of Virginia, peanut farmers in the state harvest about 29,000 acres of peanuts each year. Peanut soup isn’t something you’ll see on every restaurant menu, but once you find it, you’ll wonder why more places don’t serve it.

Spoonbread

Spoonbread is not exactly bread, but more like a soft cornmeal pudding. It’s so light and fluffy that you need a spoon to eat it, which is how it got its name.

This dish comes from the tradition of using cornmeal in the South. In Virginia, spoonbread often shows up at family dinners and potlucks. You can enjoy it with butter or gravy, and it’s perfect for soaking up sauces. It’s not as common outside the commonwealth, so savor it when you can.

The recipe for spoonbread can vary, but it usually has cornmeal, eggs, milk, and a bit of flour. Some chefs add cheese or fresh herbs to make it extra special. The texture is similar to a soufflé. Each spoonful practically melts in your mouth. Even though it might seem simple, spoonbread is a point of pride for many Virginians.

Smithfield Ham

If you love salty, savory flavors, then Smithfield ham should be on your list when you visit Virginia. This ham comes from the town of Smithfield, which calls itself the “Ham Capital of the World.”

The secret to Smithfield ham is in the curing process. The hams are rubbed with salt, smoked, and aged for months. This gives the meat a strong flavor you won’t forget. Some people eat it in thin slices on biscuits, while others cook it in hearty soups or stews.

Smithfield hams must follow strict rules to earn their name. They can only be made in Smithfield and must use certain curing methods. The town has been curing ham since the 1700s, and the tradition runs deep. Many visitors find the ham almost too salty at first, but soon they can’t get enough. Pair it with sweet side dishes or tangy sauces to balance out the saltiness. It’s a real taste of Virginia’s history on a plate.

Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew is a thick, hearty mix of meats and vegetables that many Virginians adore. It often contains chicken or pork, plus tomatoes, lima beans, corn, and potatoes. Some families have their own secret ingredient or special trick for extra flavor.

The stew can simmer for hours, making the flavors blend together. People in Brunswick County, Virginia, even hold festivals to celebrate this beloved dish. Locals will argue about who makes the best version, and the debates can get pretty spicy.

The stew’s roots date back to the 1800s, though Georgia also claims it started there. But Virginians stand by their story, which says it was first cooked up in Brunswick County. Today, Brunswick stew is found in local diners, at family reunions, and in special roadside stands. It’s a taste of home for many people who grew up in the Old Dominion.

Virginia Oysters

Oysters might not sound weird, but Virginia oysters have a special taste you won’t find just anywhere. The mix of fresh, salty water from the Chesapeake Bay and the state’s clean rivers helps oysters develop a signature flavor.

Oysters from different parts of Virginia can even taste a little different—some are sweet, while others are more briny. You can slurp them raw, fry them up, or bake them with herbs and cheese. In 2024, Virginia produced over 110,000 farm-raised oysters, making the state a leader on the East Coast.

Locals take oyster season seriously and celebrate with festivals in small towns. Places like Urbanna and Chincoteague hold events where people can sample fresh-caught oysters until they can’t eat another bite. Raw bars in larger cities also offer these local treasures. If you’ve never tried an oyster, Virginia might be the best place to start. Just add a drop of lemon juice or a splash of hot sauce, and enjoy a true taste of the Chesapeake.

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