Charleston, South Carolina, is famous for its pastel-colored houses, cobblestone streets, and Southern charm. But beyond the historic architecture and seaside views, Charleston tells its story through food. Nowhere is this more true than in its Gullah cuisine — a living testament to African traditions blended with local ingredients of the Lowcountry.
From rice fields once tended by enslaved Africans to today’s bustling kitchens, Gullah food has survived, evolved, and thrived. If you’re visiting Charleston, tasting these dishes is essential for understanding both the city and the culture that shaped it.
Whether you want to sit down at a soul food café, try a modern Gullah-inspired dish, or join a heritage food tour, Charleston has options that go beyond your average restaurant guide.
What is Gullah Food?
Gullah cuisine comes from the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of West Africans who were enslaved and brought to the coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. Isolated on the Sea Islands, they retained more African traditions than any other African American community in the United States.
Their food reflects this blend of Africa and America: rice-based dishes that echo jollof rice, okra soups reminiscent of African stews, seafood straight from the Atlantic, and spices that carry flavors across continents.
Signature Gullah dishes include:
- Okra Soup – A thick, flavorful stew of okra, tomatoes, and seafood or meat.
- Red Rice – Similar to West African jollof, slow-cooked with tomato, onion, and sausage or shrimp.
- Shrimp and Grits – A Lowcountry favorite that originated in Gullah kitchens.
- Hoppin’ John – Rice and black-eyed peas, eaten for good luck.
- Benne Wafers – Sesame seed cookies introduced by enslaved Africans.
Eating these dishes in Charleston is like tasting history on a plate.
Best Gullah Restaurants in Charleston
1. Bertha’s Kitchen
Bertha’s Kitchen is a Charleston institution. A James Beard Award winner, this family-run spot has been serving authentic Gullah and soul food for decades.
What to Try:
- Okra soup (the most talked-about dish on the menu).
- Fried pork chops with collard greens.
- Lima beans served with cornbread.
Locals line up here for comfort food that tastes like Sunday dinner, and the menu rotates daily, so every visit is a new experience.
2. Hannibal’s Kitchen
Located on Morrison Drive, Hannibal’s Kitchen is often called a hidden gem. It’s a humble, no-frills eatery, but its food has been keeping Charleston fed for more than 40 years.
What to Try:
- Crab rice (a house specialty you won’t forget).
- Shrimp and grits made with a true Gullah touch.
- Fried whiting fish plates.
Hannibal’s proves that good food doesn’t need fancy décor. It’s about heritage and flavor.
3. Nigel’s Good Food
With locations in Charleston and nearby North Charleston, Nigel’s Good Food blends traditional Gullah recipes with modern flair. Chef Nigel Drayton is passionate about preserving Lowcountry cuisine, and it shows.
What to Try:
- Geechee Fried Chicken.
- Gullah rice dishes infused with seafood.
- Grandma’s stewed turkey wings.
Nigel’s has become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors who want food that feels both homey and innovative.
4. Rodney Scott’s BBQ
While Rodney Scott is best known for his whole-hog barbecue, his restaurant often includes sides inspired by Gullah food traditions. Think collard greens, cornbread, and rice dishes that pair beautifully with smoked meats.
What to Try:
- Barbecued pork with red rice on the side.
- Collards slow-simmered in true Southern style.
It’s a great spot if you want a taste of Gullah flavors in a barbecue setting.
5. Food for the Soul
As its name suggests, Food for the Soul specializes in hearty soul food that overlaps with Gullah traditions. It’s a small, family-run spot where generosity and hospitality shine.
What to Try:
- Fried chicken with macaroni and cheese.
- Okra soup with rice.
- Fish and grits.
This place captures the essence of Charleston comfort dining.
6. Gillie’s Seafood
Located in James Island, Gillie’s offers Gullah-inspired seafood plates with a homestyle touch. It’s slightly off the main tourist path, making it a favorite among locals.
What to Try:
- Crab rice.
- Shrimp & grits with a Lowcountry kick.
- Fried catfish with collards.
Perfect if you’re exploring beyond downtown Charleston.
Gullah Food Tours in Charleston
If you want to go deeper, food tours in Charleston often include Gullah-inspired stops. Guided by local experts, these tours not only let you taste dishes but also explain the cultural context behind them.
Charleston Gullah Tours with Chef-Led Tastings
Some tours combine walking tours of historic Gullah neighborhoods with tastings of dishes like okra soup and benne wafers. Guides often share oral histories and stories passed down through generations.
Lowcountry Food Tour
This broader Charleston food tour highlights everything from barbecue to seafood, but it also includes Gullah staples like red rice and she-crab soup.
Food tours are perfect for first-time visitors because they combine history, culture, and multiple food stops in one afternoon.
Gullah Festivals and Seasonal Food Events
Charleston and the Lowcountry host annual festivals that showcase Gullah cuisine:
- The Gullah Festival in Beaufort – A short drive from Charleston, this May festival is filled with food, crafts, and performances.
- Lowcountry Oyster Festival – Not strictly Gullah, but oysters are part of the shared culinary heritage.
- Juneteenth Celebrations – Many include traditional Gullah dishes.
If you plan your visit around one of these events, you’ll experience Charleston’s food scene at its most vibrant.
Insider Tips for Eating Gullah Food in Charleston
- Go where the locals go. Many of the best Gullah restaurants are in small, family-run spots outside the main tourist areas.
- Come hungry. Portions are generous, and dishes are hearty.
- Try something new. If you’ve never had okra soup or crab rice, this is your chance.
- Respect the culture. Remember that Gullah food is not just “Southern food” but a tradition with deep roots in survival, resistance, and community.
Why Gullah Food Matters
Gullah cuisine is more than just delicious. It’s a bridge to history. Every bite of rice or sip of soup connects back to West African roots, the resilience of enslaved communities, and the creativity that shaped Southern cooking.
For travelers, eating Gullah food in Charleston is as important as visiting a historic site or walking through the Battery. It’s an experience that feeds both the stomach and the soul.
And just as food carries history, everyday life sometimes carries risks — like walking Charleston’s busy streets. In the same way that food connects us to culture, law connects us to protection. If you’ve ever wondered Can You Sue Someone for Running You Over, the answer ties into responsibility and justice, much like the responsibility Charleston has to preserve its Gullah heritage. Both food and law remind us of what binds communities together.
Conclusion
Charleston isn’t just a foodie city — it’s a cultural capital where Gullah food tells the story of survival, resilience, and creativity. From Bertha’s Kitchen to Nigel’s Good Food, from okra soup to shrimp and grits, you can taste centuries of history in a single bite.
If you’re planning a trip to Charleston in 2025, don’t just take photos of Rainbow Row or ride a horse-drawn carriage. Sit down at a table, order a plate of red rice or crab stew, and savor a tradition that continues to shape the Lowcountry’s identity.
Eating Gullah food is eating history — and in Charleston, history has never tasted so good.
FAQ’s
1. What are the must-try Gullah dishes?
You must try okra soup, shrimp and grits, red rice (often with sausage or shrimp), gumbo, Hoppin’ John (rice and peas), she-crab soup, and collard greens. Don’t miss the stewed oysters and crab rice.
2. Which restaurants are known for the most authentic Gullah cuisine?
- Hannibal’s Kitchen: A legendary, no-frills spot in the community for generations. Famous for its Crab Rice and “Gullah Thanksgiving Bowl.”
- Dave’s Carry-Out: A quintessential hole-in-the-wall serving heaping plates of authentic, home-cooked Gullah and Soul Food classics.
- Gullah Cuisine (Mount Pleasant): A widely celebrated restaurant that offers a broad menu of traditional Lowcountry and Gullah dishes in a comfortable setting.
- Bertha’s Kitchen: A James Beard Award-winning institution serving iconic Gullah-Soul Food like okra soup and fried chicken.
3. Is there a difference between Lowcountry and Gullah food?
Yes, but they are deeply intertwined. Lowcountry cuisine is the broader regional culinary style that incorporates European influences. Gullah food is the foundation—it’s the African-inspired core of Lowcountry cooking, focusing on one-pot meals, rice, fresh seafood, and slow-cooked greens.
4. Where can I find Gullah sweetgrass baskets?
While not food, this iconic craft is a vital part of the culture. You can find artisans weaving and selling baskets at the Charleston City Market and at stands along Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant (near the bridge to Charleston).
5. Can I take a Gullah food tour?
Absolutely. Several companies in Charleston offer guided food and culture tours that focus specifically on Gullah-Geechee history, cuisine, and traditions. This is an excellent way to learn the stories behind the food.
