The North Carolina Must Try “Local Delicacy” Is Not BBQ

Photo byTown Talks

Every state has its must-try foods. Think Philly cheesesteak, New York pizza, Tex-Mex, or Louisiana gumbo.

For North Carolina, most would assume the must-try local delicacy is either Eastern or Western NC BBQ. But according to recent research by Insure and Go, that's not the case.

Using TikTok hashtag data, Insure and Go identified the essential eats for visitors in different countries around the world and across each U.S. state. Surprisingly, the best “local delicacy” in North Carolina isn’t BBQ—it's hushpuppies kiss951 referenced data Insure and Go!

These southern staples are made from thick cornmeal batter, fried to golden perfection, and often served as a side with BBQ or fried seafood. While some other states have more expected choices—like shrimp and grits for South Carolina or Philly cheesesteak in Pennsylvania—North Carolina’s hushpuppies stand out as a unique must-try.

What would you say is North Carolina’s essential local delicacy? Would you stick with BBQ, or agree that hushpuppies deserve the spotlight?