If You’re From Virginia, These 10 Classic Dishes Hit Home

Here in Virginia, we love our home-cooked meals. There's nothing better than sitting down to delicious Old Dominion classics that also evoke a sense of nostalgia—no matter how far away we live now. The smell of something as simple as maple syrup can bring us back to family gatherings and celebrations where food took center stage.

Whether you enjoy making Virginia dishes at home or going to some of the best restaurants in the state, here are 10 popular meals you likely grew up eating in the Old Dominion that you might still enjoy to this day. Which are on your favorites list?

1. Deviled Eggs

Here in Virginia, you're bound to see a tray of deviled eggs at any given gathering or brunch-style event. These tasty bites are jazzed up with paprika for an added kick, and the yolk is sometimes mixed with mayo, mustard, dill, and other spices to make them extra-delicious. We love a good deviled egg that's been homemade and brought to the family function.

2. Ham Biscuits

There's nothing better than a thick slice of Virginia ham sandwiched between two fluffy, buttery biscuits. You'll find ham biscuits just about anywhere in our state, including upscale eateries and hole-in-the-wall dives. For proof of this, look no further than Taste of Smithfield Restaurant in Smithfield, Virginia, where you can get the best ham biscuits dressed up with just about any topping you fancy.

3. Hoppin' John

We love a good bowl of Hoppin' John here in Virginia, especially on holidays like New Year's Day. This is a classic Southern dish of black-eyed peas, bacon, peppers, and rice thought to bring good luck for the upcoming year. You don't have to eat this only in January, though—plenty of local restaurants make it all year-round, including Farm & Oak in Henrico and HOPE Heroes Southern Kitchen in Fredericksburg.

4. Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic dish just about anywhere in the South, but we like to think we've perfected it here in Virginia. We love to serve up this comforting, delicious dish with loads of butter, salt, and sometimes cheese, topped with perfectly seasoned shrimp, crispy bacon, and green onion. Grab some of the best shrimp and grits from The Harbour Grille in Woodbridge and Lunch.Supper! in Richmond.

5. Brunswick Stew

You'd be hard-pressed to find a Virginian who isn't enthusiastic about this classic stew dish. Brunswick stew is a hearty tomato-based stew with a variety of local beans and vegetables, potatoes, and, nowadays, chicken. (Original versions were made with small game meat like squirrel or rabbit.) Because there are so many different beloved versions of this dish, you can find all sorts of varieties throughout the state. Stop by Dot's Country Store in Alberta or The Kitchen Table in Gasburg for the best of the best.

6. Crab Benedict

Go to just about any fine-dining establishment for breakfast or brunch, and you'll find crab Benedict (also sometimes called Chesapeake Benedict) on the menu. It's a delicious twist on the classic egg Benedict, complete with juicy crab meat or crab cakes, poached eggs, and tangy Hollandaise sauce. We love to go to Becca Restaurant & Garden in Virginia Beach and Angelle's Diner in Salem and Troutville to get this amazing dish.

7. Fried Green Tomatoes

Nothing says summertime in Virginia like a serving of fried green tomatoes—especially on a refreshing BLT sandwich. These crispy, savory appetizers can be found at just about any Southern-style restaurant or even at bars as a starter dish. Virginians love to make 'em homemade, but you can find some great fried green tomatoes at places like Founding Farmers in Tysons and Virginia Diner in Wakefield.

8. Crab Cakes

It's hard to beat crab cakes made with real Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabmeat. Don't forget the Old Bay seasoning on top, and you are set for one of the most delicious and quintessential Virginia meals out there. Because we have access to such fresh, local seafood, so many of our fine-dining establishments have these bad boys on the menu. Go to Frye's Famous Crab Cake CO in Manassas and Quarterdeck in Arlington for some of the best.

9. Pancakes With Highland County Maple Syrup

Almost every Virginian's kitchen will have a stash of authentic maple syrup from Highland County. We absolutely love a generous pouring of this sweet delicacy on our pancakes, but we'll also use it in several baked goods, including muffins, cookies, and pastries. Pick up a bottle of maple syrup at Sugar Tree Country Store in McDowell or Back Creek Farms in Monterey. Then, let the golden goodness flow on all your homemade goods!

10. Oysters

Once you set foot in the Old Dominion, you've officially arrived in oyster territory. Whether you like 'em raw, steamed, fried, or baked, you know they'll be delicious here in Virginia. There are plenty of places that will serve them fresh or fried, or topped with lemon juice, cocktail sauce, or a variety of other savory ingredients. Go to Public Fish & Oyster in Charlottesville or Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery in Cape Charles to get some of the best.

Which of these classic Virginia foods are at the top of your favorites list? Are there any popular meals from the area that we missed? If you're hoping to try even more deliciousness in the Old Dominion, consider embarking on a food-inspired road trip across the state. Only In Your State's itinerary planner can help you decide where to stop and grub, plus it'll suggest lodging and other sightseeing opportunities nearby.