Ten Iconic Foods To Try in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Carolina-Style Burger or Hot Dog

A Carolina-style burger or hot dog is a culinary tradition in the Carolinas. The defining characteristic is the combination of savory elements like chili and mustard with the contrasting textures and flavors of coleslaw or onions.

Where to find Carolina-style burgers and hot dogs in Winston-Salem:

• P.B.’s Takeout 1412 S Hawthorne Road
• Village Tavern 2000 Griffith Road, 221 Reynolda Village Way
• Bobo’s Deli & Grill 3478 Robinhood Road
• J S Pulliam Barbeque 4400 Old Walkertown Road

Moravian Sugar Cake

Moravian Sugar Cake is a sweet and rich pastry from the Moravian community in Winston-Salem. Its buttery dough is topped with a generous layer of brown sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes butter or syrup.

Where to find Moravian Sugar Cake in Winston-Salem:

• Dewey’s Bakery 262 S Stratford Road, 2876 Reynolda Road, 6720, 3840 Kimwell Drive
• Wilkerson Bakery 593 S Stratford Road

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are not exclusive to Winston-Salem but hold a special place in the city’s culinary landscape. The company was founded in Winston-Salem in 1937 and remains an iconic city symbol. Stop by any Krispy Kreme location when the “hot now” sign is lit to indulge in a freshly glazed doughnut for a true Winston-Salem treat.

The Flagship Krispy Kreme store #101 is located at 259 S Stratford Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Barbecue

Like much of North Carolina, Winston-Salem has a strong barbecue tradition. It’s not just about the food; it’s about community, tradition, and the art of slow-cooking meat to perfection. There are two main styles of barbecue in North Carolina: Eastern and Lexington (“Piedmont”). Although you’ll find both Eastern and Lexington (“Piedmont”)-style barbecue joints throughout the city, Lexington-style barbecue originates from Winston-Salem’s Piedmont Region of North Carolina.

Lexington-style barbecue is a distinct and beloved regional variation of North Carolina barbecue, originating from Lexington, a town in Davidson County, 20-30 minutes south of Winston. The hallmark of Lexington-style barbecue is its sauce. Unlike the tomato-based sauce used in Eastern-style barbecue, Lexington-style barbecue sauce is vinegar-based, tangy, and slightly sweet. The chopped pork is often served on a plate or sandwiched between buns and accompanied by traditional sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, baked beans, and pickles.

If you’re in the area and craving authentic Lexington-style barbecue, a trip to one of these barbecue joints is a must:

• Lexington Barbecue 100 Smokehouse Lane, Lexington, NC 27295
• Little Richards 109 S Stratford Road

Moravian Sugar Cookies

Moravian Sugar Cookies are crisp and thin with a delicate texture and a hint of spice. They are often enjoyed during the holiday season but are available year-round. Moravian sugar cookies come in various flavors, including ginger, sugar, and lemon. They’re a cherished tradition in Winston-Salem and a delicious reminder of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Whether exploring the historic district of Old Salem or browsing local bakeries and specialty food stores, you will undoubtedly encounter the delightful aroma and taste of Moravian sugar cookies in Winston-Salem.

Here’s where to find Moravian Sugar Cookies in Winston-Salem:

• Mrs. Hanes’s Moravian Cookies 4643 Friedberg Church Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012
• Dewey’s Bakery 262 S Stratford Road, 2876 Reynolda Road, 6720, 3840 Kimwell Drive
• Wilkerson Bakery 593 S Stratford Road

Moravian Chicken Pie

Moravian Chicken Pie is another cherished culinary tradition in Winston-Salem, closely associated with the city’s Moravian heritage. It’s a comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a savory gravy, topped with a flaky pastry crust. It’s a beloved staple of Moravian cuisine and is popular during holidays and special occasions.

Here’s where to find Moravian Chicken Pie in Winston-Salem:

• ‘Miss Gay’s’ homemade,in-store chicken pies at Carlton’s Hampton Road Grocery 4440 Hampton Rd. Clemmons, NC 27012
• Salem Kitchen 50 Miller Street E
• Cherries Two Go 3890 Littlebrook Drive, Clemmons, NC 27012

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern dish that has also become popular in Winston-Salem. Enjoy plump shrimp served over creamy, stone-ground grits, often with a flavorful sauce and traditional Southern sides.

Here’s where to find Shrimp and Grits in Winston-Salem:

• Mozelle’s 878 W 4th Street
• Village Tavern 2000 Griffith Road, 221 Reynolda Village Way
• The Old Fourth Street Filling Station 871 W 4th Street
• Milner’s American Southern Restaurant 630 S Stratford Road

Fried Pickles

Fried pickles, or pickle chips, are a popular appetizer at restaurants in Winston-Salem, especially those focusing on Southern American cuisine and sports bars.

Here’s where to find Fried Pickles in Winston-Salem:

• Milner’s American Southern Restaurant 630 S Stratford Road
• Mozelle’s 878 W 4th Street
• Village Tavern 2000 Griffith Road, 221 Reynolda Village Way
• The Quiet Pint Tavern 1420 W 1st Street

Hush Puppies

Hush Puppies are deep-fried cornmeal fritters, a favorite side dish in Southern cuisine, including Winston-Salem. Barbecue and fried seafood joints serve these crispy, golden-brown bites as a side.

Sweet Potato Pie

A Southern classic, sweet potato pie is a staple dessert in Winston-Salem and throughout the region. After all, the sweet potato has been North Carolina’s official state vegetable since 1995, and North Carolina is ranked #1 in sweet potato production. Made with sweet potatoes, sugar, and spices and often topped with whipped cream or a dollop of butter, it’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

For Sweet Potato Pie, we recommend Sweet Potatoes, located downtown at 607 North Trade Street.