12 Southern Dishes You’ll Only Find in Charleston — One Includes Boiling Peanuts in Beer

There’s something magical about eating your way through Charleston, South Carolina.

The food here doesn’t just feed you—it tells a story.

As someone who’s wandered these cobblestone streets more than once, I can say with full confidence: Charleston knows how to do Southern food right.

But here’s the thing—while you can find grits and fried chicken all over the South, Charleston adds its own Lowcountry twist to every plate.

From Gullah-inspired seafood to beer-boiled peanuts you’ll never forget, this city doesn’t just serve dishes—it serves history, culture, and a whole lot of flavor.

So if you’re visiting Charleston (or dreaming of it), here are 12 unforgettable Southern dishes you can’t find anywhere else quite like this.

1. Shrimp and Grits (the Charleston Way)

You’ve probably heard of shrimp and grits, but Charleston’s version is in a league of its own.

The shrimp is sautéed in bacon fat, paired with creamy stone-ground grits, and topped with gravy made from the pan drippings.

It’s rich, savory, and layered with soul—and no two chefs do it exactly the same.

2. She-Crab Soup

This is Charleston’s answer to lobster bisque—but with more depth and local flair.

She-crab soup is a velvety blend of cream, blue crab meat, and crab roe, usually with a splash of sherry.

Served hot with a crusty piece of bread, it’s the kind of bowl you’ll crave long after you leave town.

3. Lowcountry Boil

Also called Frogmore Stew, this messy, one-pot wonder is a Charleston classic.

It includes shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, and red potatoes, all seasoned and boiled together.

It’s a backyard gathering kind of meal—poured out on newspaper, eaten with your hands, and best enjoyed with friends and sweet tea.

4. Hoppin’ John

Made with black-eyed peas, rice, onions, and pork, Hoppin’ John is a dish rooted in African-American and Gullah traditions.

It’s hearty, humble, and packed with slow-cooked flavor.

Locals often eat it on New Year’s for good luck, but you’ll find it on Charleston menus year-round.

5. Benne Wafers

These thin, crisp sesame cookies are a bite of Charleston’s past.

The word “benne” comes from the Bantu word for sesame, and the recipe dates back to the city’s Gullah roots.

They’re sweet, nutty, and impossible to eat just one.

6. Okra Gumbo

Unlike Louisiana’s version, Charleston gumbo tends to lean on okra as a thickener instead of a dark roux.

It’s more stew than soup, and often includes tomatoes, seafood, and sausage.

It’s deeply flavorful and tied to the city’s African heritage.

7. Pirlau (aka Perloo)

This rice dish is Charleston’s take on jambalaya, with a simpler, more coastal vibe.

Pirlau is made with rice, seafood, or meat (often chicken or shrimp), and whatever spices the cook prefers.

It’s comforting, adaptable, and found in both fine dining and grandma’s kitchen.

8. Boiled Peanuts (in Beer!)

You can find boiled peanuts all across the South, but Charleston takes it a step further.

Locals sometimes simmer the peanuts in beer for hours, soaking them in hoppy flavor and Southern charm.

They’re salty, soft, and just weird enough to make you fall in love.

9. Gullah Red Rice

This dish is Charleston’s version of tomato-based rice, similar to West African jollof.

It’s spiced with bacon or sausage, bell peppers, and onions, then slow-baked to perfection.

The flavor is bold, smoky, and entirely unforgettable.

10. Deviled Crab

Deviled crab in Charleston isn’t just crab in a shell—it’s a throwback to when crab shacks ruled the coast.

The meat is mixed with breadcrumbs, onions, spices, and baked right back in the crab shell.

It’s old-school Southern comfort that packs a punch.

11. Sweet Potato Biscuits

Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect with country ham, sweet potato biscuits are a Lowcountry gem.

They’ve got a golden hue and just enough sugar to keep things interesting.

Pop one in your mouth with a drizzle of honey and you’ll understand the hype.

12. Charleston Ice Cream (Yes, It’s a Thing)

Made with hints of nutmeg, citrus, and vanilla, Charleston Ice Cream is based on an 18th-century recipe.

It’s less about frozen sweetness and more about creamy nostalgia.

Some boutique dessert spots in the city still serve their own take on it—worth seeking out.