Birmingham has become a city that has caught the attention of foodies across the United States in recent years.

In this city, known as a treasure trove of traditional Southern cuisine, old soul food establishments coexist with new, innovative restaurants, creating a unique food scene.

There are key terms that cannot be overlooked when discussing Birmingham's food culture.

The first is BBQ. Southern BBQ varies in style from region to region, and the most distinctive feature of Alabama style is the White BBQ sauce.

This creamy white sauce, made from a mix of mayonnaise, vinegar, black pepper, and lemon juice, pairs especially well with chicken. This sauce, which is hard to find outside of Alabama, is a signature of Birmingham's BBQ culture.

Birmingham boasts many high-quality BBQ restaurants, among which SAW's BBQ (in the Avondale area) has gained national media attention for its smoked chicken, pulled pork, and pork n' greens from SAW's Soul Kitchen.

The second keyword is soul food. Pulled pork, fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and sweet tea are the staple menu items of Southern soul food.

Shrimp and grits, deviled eggs, and potato salad are also popular regulars on the menu.

The third is Conecuh Sausage. Founded in 1947 by Henry Sessions in Evergreen, Alabama, this sausage company is a representative food brand of Alabama that has been passed down through four generations.

Conecuh sausage, known for its deep smoky flavor from hickory wood smoking, is a staple at breakfast tables and football tailgate parties for Alabama residents. The city of Evergreen proudly claims to be the "Sausage Capital of the World."

You can also purchase it at the Piggly Wiggly market in Birmingham. Another pride of Birmingham's food culture is the growth of the fine dining scene.

Local chefs are showcasing creative Southern dishes using Alabama's local ingredients in restaurants located in the Five Points South, Avondale, and Lakeview districts.

Products certified by Sweet Grown Alabama at the Pepper Place Farmers Market also support this local food scene.