Springfield, Missouri, features a unique food culture that combines the traditions of the Ozark Mountains with Southern cuisine.

In addition to national chain restaurants, there is a wealth of local eateries and specialties, including food culture that originated only in Springfield. This article introduces Springfield's food story, from local ingredients and signature dishes to its brewery and café culture.

One of the must-try signature dishes in Springfield is the Springfield-style Cashew Chicken. Cashew Chicken is a unique American-Chinese dish believed to have originated in Springfield, characterized by tender fried chicken topped with a rich brown sauce made from oyster sauce and cashews.

This dish was developed in 1963 by David Leong, a Chinese-American chef, and has been adapted to suit Midwestern tastes. Today, dozens of Chinese restaurants in Springfield offer this menu item, proudly claiming the unofficial title of 'Cashew Chicken Capital of the World.' Notably, Leong's Asian Diner is a restaurant run by the descendants of the original creator and is considered a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

Local ingredients unique to the Ozark region include wild blackberries, pawpaw, hickory nuts, and muscadine grapes. The Ozark peaches and blackberries harvested in the summer (July-August) are particularly popular at farmers' markets and are key ingredients for local jam and preserves producers.

The traditional BBQ culture of the Ozark region is also part of Springfield's food culture, with BBQ restaurants specializing in pork ribs, beef brisket, and smoked sausages scattered throughout the city. Buckingham's Smokehouse and Jimm's Steakhouse & Pub are highly rated among locals.

Springfield has seen rapid growth in its local brewery scene alongside the rise of American craft beer culture.

A notable establishment is Mother's Brewing Company. Founded in 2011, Mother's is Springfield's representative craft brewery, known for releasing a variety of seasonal beers each year and receiving acclaim both locally and beyond. They operate a taproom and offer tour programs. Additionally, small craft breweries like Tie & Timber Beer Co. and Springfield Brewing Company are thriving, making Springfield an attractive city for beer enthusiasts.

The coffee culture is also rapidly growing, with unique independent cafés located throughout the city alongside chain coffee shops. Mudhouse Coffee is a local coffee chain representing Springfield, known for its specialty coffee roasted in-house and multiple locations. They are also committed to eco-friendly packaging and using local farm ingredients. Coffee Ethic is another popular independent café in Springfield, favored by younger crowds for its high-quality espresso and seasonal drinks.

In addition to food, Springfield's local specialties include products from regional wineries. Missouri is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the United States, and several small wineries operate near Springfield.

Local artisanal honey, hot sauce, and sorghum syrup can also be found at farmers' markets and local specialty shops. Sorghum syrup, made from sorghum, is a traditional ingredient in the Ozark region, long enjoyed locally by drizzling it over pancakes or biscuits.