Food is one of those peculiar things that vary from region to region, state to state, and even town to town. Even though South Carolina is known for its comfort foods and truly Southern cuisine such as fried chicken, rice and gravy, homemade biscuits, we do have some odd combinations that, although I’m not going to say are not known or eaten outside of South Carolina, really are owned by us. Here are 13 weird foods from South Carolina that people combine and can’t get enough of!

1. Banana and mayo sandwiches
Peas/Flickr
Yes! This is one of my favorite foods and I eat them on a monthly basis. My husband constantly says, "Ewww" (yes, he is Southern born and breed...I don't know what happened there). But, it's just Dukes Mayo , a ripe banana, and 2 slices of white bread...yummmm!
2. Tomato sandwiches
Julia Frost/Flickr
This has been my go-to sandwich during the summer ever since I can remember. It's also a staple in a lot of people's lives here in SC. It's easy to make...just slice a ripe tomato (a nice beefsteak or heirloom is great for this), Dukes mayo, salt, pepper, and 2 slices of bread.
3. French fries and a chocolate milkshake
Mackenzie Mollo/Flickr
I don't know about this one because I would never eat it, but it's one of the strange combinations that people in SC love. I have seen them do it and...just....no. It usually involves a Wendy's chocolate Frosty and fries, but I have seen it with other restaurant chains as well.
4. Sausage, eggs, and maple syrup
Jake Bellucci/Flickr
Say whaaaa? Yes! No. I do not and won't ever eat this, but my mom and others did. They swear by it.
5. Boiled peanuts and beer
chotda/Flickr
Well, boiled peanuts are an absolute must in SC anyway, but it's notable that a lot of folks love to chow down on them while swigging back a cold one.
6. Sausage biscuits and grape jelly
Roger Ward/Flickr
Okay, I have to let you know that I don't understand this one. My mom did it, her friends did it...I have a brother who will do this. Do you do this one? They just buy and/or make a sausage biscuit and slather grape jelly on it.

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7. Cornbread and milk
PROGeorge Wesley & Bonita Da/Flickr
My guilty secret. My mom did this when we were little. She would make a pan of cornbread and after a meal she would crumble it up, put it in a glass, and pour ice-cold milk on it. It was deliciousness and you can't judge me because I'm sure you eat grape jelly on your sausage biscuit!
8. Salted roasted peanuts and Coca-Cola or Pepsi
Slice of Chic/Flickr
Okay, this may not sound odd until you realize that the peanuts go INSIDE the drink of your choice (preferably Coca-Cola). NO? Oh, maybe you should try it at least once.
9. Creamed tomatoes over rice or grits
Thomas Cizauskas/Flickr
This is another one I grew up with that I can't live without. This is the way my mom made it: Fresh stewed tomatoes, whipped eggs dropped into them, and served over rice or grits. I prefer grits, but I will take rice as well. They're just yummy goodness especially on a cold and rainy day.
10. Neckbones/pigtails and rice
cookbookman17/Flickr
This is a pretty common dish. People will cook pork neckbones with rice or they will cook pigtails and rice. I've seen it time and time again growing up as I went over to friend's houses. And, just to let you know, I won't eat the pigtails and rice combination. That's just not for me.
11. Sorghum, homemade biscuits, and sweet cream
Joel Kramer/Flickr
Have you ever tried this? Oh, it's another one of those things that I know from personal experience. I don't think people know what sorghum is any more. It's not really used as much as it used to be.
12. Hot pickled pepper vinegar over collard and mustard greens
Johnny/Flickr
Does anyone out of the state of South Carolina eat this or even know about it? This is the ONLY way I can even eat collards. It's a common combination here, but I'm not sure if it's anywhere else.
13. Lima beans and ketchup
Sara Stasi/Flickr
How many of you have eaten this combination? How many of you eat it on a regular basis? I remember this one from my childhood. It's just ketchup on a plate with giant Lima beans.

These are just a few strange combinations that South Carolina is popularly known for. What strange combinations do you like? I’m sure I missed a few. If you think you’re a true South Carolinian, quirks and all, see how many of these weird things people from SC do that you’re guilty of as well.

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Weird Food From South Carolina

Leah | September 11, 2020

What are people from South Carolina known for?

Living in South Carolina will bring out some true South Carolinian characteristics. Though everyone is unique, it's often that people from the Palmetto State are associated with things like liking seafood or BBQ, some of the well-loved foods here. As with most southern states, people from South Carolina are known for their "southern hospitality." This is a friendly disposition to visitors and sometimes the urge to make them lots of good food. People from the Upstate and from the Lowcountry might differ in mannerisms according to some, as well.

Which restaurants serve the food South Carolina is known for?

If you want to try some of the foods from South Carolina, there are quite a few great restaurants that serve exactly that. The state is known for a few different types of foods. One of those is seafood, and you can't go wrong with a meal at Skullcreek Boathouse on Hilton Head. They have mouthwatering seafood plates and a great view of the water to boot. For some good South Carolina BBQ, try The Smokin' Pig in Pendleton. This ramshackle spot has the tastiest BBQ. If you'd like some traditional southern comfort food, give Page's Okra Grill in Mount Pleasant a visit.

What are the most popular foods in South Carolina?

There are many amazing things to eat in South Carolina that you didn't have to have grown up here to enjoy. With a large emphasis on beaches and coastal life, it's no question that SC is known for its seafood. Whether that be fried fish, shellfish, or something more niche like a Lowcountry Boil (also known as Frogmore Stew), there's plenty to love. BBQ is also well-loved with most people knowing a good spot to get the best. And, although not a food, South Carolina's love of sweet tea cannot be understated. After all, the birthplace of the delicious drink is said to be in Summerville, SC.

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