From street eats to directional cuisine: Why Lexington, Kentucky, is America’s freshest foodie destination

The likes of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles might be synonymous with great food when you think of America, however, if you ask anyone from the south, they’ll point you in the direction of Lexington, Kentucky.

This charming city, known for its thoroughbred racehorses, bluegrass music and bourbon, might be less well known as a gastronomic hotspot, yet, in-the-know foodies are flocking here to discover the best of the southern culinary scene, from flavoursome street food to traditional dishes and innovative chefs reimagining Southern cuisine.

Lexington sits in the heart of Kentucky’s rolling pasturelands, filled with grass-fed cattle, pigs and corn fields, meaning ingredients are readily available. Think slow-cooked barbecue pork, crispy fried chicken and the iconic Hot Brown, an open-faced sandwich with turkey and bacon, slathered in a cheesy béchamel sauce.

In recent years, there’s been a real shift in Lexington towards homegrown seasonal ingredients, led by local chef Ouita Michel, alongside a booming international scene, boasting flavours from Mexico to Sri Lanka. Here are a few tasters to whet your appetite.

Join a Bites of the Bluegrass walking tour

Dive straight into the Lexington culinary scene on a history and food walking tour with the local guides at Bites of the Bluegrass. Food-obsessed tour guide Erin is a walking encyclopaedia; she knows exactly where to get the best shrimp ‘n’ grits, tri-tip steak and mint julep. There’s a variety of walking tours, which focus more on history, dishes or drinks. On the three-hour food tour, you’ll sample five dishes (with plenty of satisfying vegetarian options available), as well as a tempting dessert.

Sample Applachian cuisine at Granddam restaurant

Smoked pork belly with maple-roasted beets, washed down with a Japanese gin martini, is just one of the many mouthwatering combinations on offer at Granddam. This innovative restaurant opened in 2023, and is located inside boutique hotel The Manchester. Led by Ecuadorian chef Paula Endara, the menu focuses on top-flight Bluegrass cuisine, presented with creative flair; there’s everything from seafood, lamb, chicken, duck, sweet potato and of course, beef dishes. Pop upstairs to the hotel’s rooftop bar, Lost Palm, for a pre-dinner tipple. Hints of Endara’s Latin heritage can be found here, where favourite bar snacks include the…