Krispy Kreme

We’re kicking off our must-try foods on a sweet note—Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, a Winston-Salem favorite for nearly 90 years. (Who says dessert can’t come first?) Warm, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, Krispy Kreme doughnuts have been a local staple since 1937. Founder Vernon Rudolph first made them in a small shop in Old Salem as a wholesale business. But when the irresistible aroma drifted outside, curious passersby begged for a taste. Ever resourceful, Rudolph cut a hole in the wall and started selling hot doughnuts directly to customers. The rest is history.

FIND IT: Sold in grocery stores and markets across Forsyth County, but best enjoyed fresh from the flagship store on Stratford Road, where you can watch them being made.

Carolina-style Hot Dogs

In Winston-Salem, hot dogs aren’t just food—they’re tradition. Local institutions from Pulliam’s to PB’s to Kermit’s have perfected the Carolina-style dog: chili, mustard, and slaw on a buttered, toasted bun—preferably no onions, no ketchup, no relish, and absolutely no sauerkraut. Whether from a roadside stand or a no-frills counter, people take their hot dogs seriously in these parts.

FIND IT: Iconic hot dog spots are scattered across the city (including the spots mentioned above). But for a quick fix, Dairi-O is a local favorite. Founded in Winston-Salem 75 years ago, it now has several area locations serving classic Carolina-style dogs.

Moravian Chicken Pie

Savory, filling, and deeply rooted in Winston-Salem’s history, Moravian chicken pie is similar to pot pie but without vegetables. Beneath a golden, flaky crust, you’ll find nothing but tender chicken in a rich, savory broth—a tradition passed down from the Moravian settlers who founded Salem. Today, it’s a staple of church fundraisers and Sunday dinners, offering a comforting taste of history.

FIND IT: Whole pies are available at take-and-bake shops across town, including Salem Kitchen, Mrs. Pumpkin’s, Buie’s Market, and Muddy Creek Café in Old Salem. Muddy Creek Café also serves smaller, individual-sized pies you can eat while dining in, while Midtown Cafe in the Thruway/Five Points area serves up by the slice daily.

Lexington-style BBQ

Just 20 minutes south, Lexington is the “barbecue capital of the world,” and Winston-Salem proudly carries on the tradition. Here, pitmasters slow-smoke pork shoulder over wood coals and chop it finely before dousing it in a tangy tomato-and-vinegar dip. Paired with red slaw and hush puppies, it’s a must-try for any barbecue lover.

FIND IT: Real Q on Country Club Road is the real deal—an old-school BBQ joint that smokes pork for 12 hours daily. In downtown, Camel City BBQ Factory offers Lexington-style ’cue in a fun, industrial-chic setting. For a slightly upscale/extra delicious BBQ experience, visit Little Richard’s Bar-N-Que in the Thruway/Five Points area.

Pimento Cheese

Creamy, tangy, and just a little spicy, pimento cheese is a true Southern classic. This simple yet irresistible spread—made from cheddar, mayo, and diced pimentos—finds its way onto sandwiches, burgers, biscuits, and even hot dogs.

FIND IT: Countless local restaurants offer pimento-cheese-inspired dishes (far too many to list), but a few staff suggestions include the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich at Young Cardinal Café, the Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich at Mozelle’s, and the legendary Pimento Cheese Dog at Kermit's. For take-home options, Winston-Salem-based Lowe’s Foods carries several local favorites, including Red Clay Gourmet and Kernersville icon Musten & Crutchfield.

Texas Pete

Few hot sauces achieve legend status, but Texas Pete has been bringing the heat since 1929. Made in Winston-Salem by TW Garner Food Company, this tangy, bold sauce elevates everything from eggs and pizza to fried chicken and barbecue. Despite its name, Texas Pete is pure North Carolina—and a must-have in any Southern kitchen.

FIND IT: You don't have to look hard to find Texas Pete, as it's available in nearly every grocery store, market, and local restaurant. (Some locals even carry their own bottle; it’s that good.) You can also order products on the Texas Pete website, including sauces, snacks, and swag.

Moravian Cookies

Paper-thin, crisp, and packed with warm spices, Moravian cookies may be small, but their flavor is anything but. First introduced by the Moravians who founded Salem, these delicately rolled treats have been perfected over generations by local bakeries like Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies and Dewey’s Bakery. Often called the “world’s thinnest cookie,” they’re a holiday tradition and a year-round favorite.

FIND IT: Moravian cookies are widely available in grocery stores and local markets, but for the best experience, visit the bakeries themselves. Winkler Bakery in Old Salem, Dewey's Bakery at Thruway Center, and Wilkerson’s Moravian Bakery off Stratford Road offer fresh-baked cookies and countless other goodies. For a unique experience, visit Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies in southwest Winston-Salem, where they still make thousands of cookies daily by hand. The factory offers a gift shop, cookie samples, tours, and a viewing window where you can watch their “Artists in Aprons” at work.

Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden, and deeply seasoned, fried chicken is the ultimate North Carolina comfort food. Winston-Salem has no shortage of great spots, from no-frills takeout joints to upscale bistros, each with its own twist on the Southern staple.

FIND IT: Slappy’s, named the best-fried chicken spot in North Carolina by Yelp, serves perfectly crisped chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce. Other standouts include the Buttermilk Fried Chicken at Milner’s, which comes marinated in the aforementioned Texas Pete, and "The Colonel" at Spring House, served with sawmill gravy and pimento cheese grits. For a local favorite that offers juicy chicken, large portions, and no frills, head to Mountain Fried Chicken in North Winston-Salem.

Biscuits & Gravy

Fluffy, buttery biscuits smothered in rich, peppery sausage gravy are a Southern breakfast essential. Whether served in a classic diner or a cozy café, this comforting dish is a Winston-Salem morning staple.

FIND IT: Several breakfast-first diners with multiple locations offer classic biscuits & gravy platters, including Breakfastime and Cagney’s. Off Reynolda near Wake Forest, venerable Mama Zoe Michael's offers a budget-friendly Country Biscuits & Gravy meal. For an elevated twist, several of Krankies’ legendary chicken biscuits can be customized with gravy on the side or smothered on top.

Deviled Eggs

A picnic and potluck staple, deviled eggs mix creamy egg yolks with mayo, mustard, and spices before being piped back into the whites—often with a hint of paprika or pickle relish for extra zing.

FIND IT: If elevated deviled eggs are what you're after, a few favorites include Quiet Pint Tavern’s Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs with Korean pork belly, Village Tavern’s Deviled Eggs app topped with applewood-smoked bacon, and Earl’s chef-inspired Deviled Eggs that rotate daily.

EXPLORE MORE: There are plenty more signature flavors and must-try foods to savor in Winston-Salem beyond these 10. Whatever you're in the mood for, you'll find it here. You can see and sort all our local restaurant scene by visiting our website's Food & Drink section.

VISITOR GUIDE: Get insider foodie tips in our Winston-Salem Visitor Guide, available for free upon request. Pick one up in person at our Visitor Center (map), or go to the Visitor Guide section of our website to order or download a digital copy here. In addition to insider tips and itineraries, the guide lists all local food and drink spots, including wineries, breweries, and more.