Mississippi mud pie: Made with chunks of chocolate, brownie streusel and chocolate glaze, sitting in a chocolate cookie crust. What, no chocolate ice cream on top?

Solly’s tamales: The tamale became adored in Mississippi when Mexican migrant workers made their way through the state. Cuban-born Mr. Solly began selling his piping hot tamales from a pushcart, then started this pocket-sized restaurant in 1939. Smaller than your typical tamale, they are still made by hand and sold by the dozen.

Mississippi Coffee Company: About the best micro-roasted coffee we’ve tasted. They claim to drink it on even the hottest of July afternoons, to cool themselves off.

Fried catfish: Southerners dredge the filets in cornmeal and then fry ‘em up. Deep-fried catfish here always shares the plate with hush puppies, slaw, fries and ketchup. Always with ketchup.