Tennessee has a language all its own when it comes to food, and if you’re not from around here, you might find yourself scratching your head at the dinner table. From meat-and-threes to cornbread debates, the sayings and phrases we use can sound like total gibberish to outsiders.
But don’t worry – I’m here to translate the delicious dialect of Tennessee food culture so you can talk the talk and eat like a local.
1. Meat-And-Three
Walk into any down-home Tennessee restaurant, and you’ll hear folks ordering a “meat-and-three” without a second thought. This beloved phrase refers to a style of dining where you pick one meat and three side dishes from a cafeteria-style lineup.
It’s comfort food at its finest, served up fast and filling. You’ll find classics like fried chicken, meatloaf, mac and cheese, green beans, and cornbread on the menu…