Nashville, USA

Nashville's food reputation is built on hot chicken — bone-in chicken pieces fried until crispy, then coated in a spice paste that burns clean and doesn't apologize. It originated in the 1930s from Minnie Pearl, a woman who wanted to punish her husband for coming home drunk and disheveled; instead, she created one of America's most iconic dishes.

The hot chicken tradition has exploded. Hattie B's (the tourist-friendly version) does solid work, but the real heat lives in smaller spots like H&J's (a gas station), Prince's (the original, still operating since 1945), and Rooster Tail (minimal seating, maximum punch). A half-chicken with a roll runs $10–15.

But Nashville's food is also "meat and threes" — a Southern tradition where you pick a protein (fried chicken, meatloaf, catfish) and three vegetable sides. This is comfort food that's designed to stick to your ribs. It's also disappearing — there are maybe a dozen left in the city. A full meat and three costs $8–12.

The city is also a barbecue and soul food capital. Live music plays in honky-tonks and dive bars, and the food fuels that culture. Nashville is less "foodie destination" than "a place where real people eat real food," which is exactly why it's worth the trip.

Hot chicken tour: Start at Prince's (the original), then H&J's (the local favorite), then Rooster Tail (the punk rock version). Three different spice levels and traditions. $12–15 per stop.

Meat and three dinner: Find one of the remaining spots — like Swett's or Monell's (communal-style seating, family portions). Pick your protein and three vegetables. $8–12.

Broadway honky-tonk crawl: Live music from 11am onward in venues like The Ryman Auditorium (historic, ticketed performances) or dive bars with free music. Drinks are $5–8.

Parthenon visit: A full-scale replica of the Parthenon from ancient Greece, built in 1897. Absurd and surprisingly moving. $15 entry.

Budget:: Music City Hostel — downtown, backpacker vibe, near Broadway. Dorms $20–30, privates $50–70.

Mid-Range:: The JW Marriott Nashville — modern, good location, rooftop bar. $120–160/night.

Splurge:: The Hermitage Hotel — historic luxury, Broadway location, excellent restaurant. $250–350/night.

Hot chicken: Bone-in chicken fried until crispy and coated in a spiced chili paste. Heat levels range from mild to "warning track." Half-chicken with a roll runs $10–15.

Meatloaf and three: Homemade meatloaf with three sides — typically fried okra, creamed corn, and collard greens. $8–10.

Fried catfish: Crispy-fried catfish served with hushpuppies (fried cornmeal balls) and coleslaw. Southern tradition. $9–12.

Biscuits and gravy: Buttermilk biscuits served with sausage gravy. Breakfast staple, also available all day. $4–6.

Pecan pie or chess pie: Southern pie classics, served warm with ice cream. $3–5.