What's Your Spirit Soul Food Dish?

About This Quiz

Even in the unique patchwork of history that defines American cuisine, soul food holds a special place. The uninitiated often use the terms "soul food" and "Southern food" interchangeably. This is a mistake - the subtle difference between the two is in the specific types of ingredients used. Soul food originated in the kitchens of Southern slave quarters during America's Colonial era. With limited access to premium cuts like steak and chicken, inventive African-American slaves had to make do with types of meat that were traditionally less desirable. 

Today, dishes like chitlins (pig intestines), chicken feet and hog maw (pig stomach) may seem unusual to followers of the traditional Western diet, but fans of soul food celebrate them as a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of early America's oppressed population. Cross-pollination with other cuisines and cultures has led to the development of some interesting sub-varieties of soul food, including Chinese and vegan.

Soul food dishes are as diverse and interesting as people, which is why they are a perfect way to represent your personality. Are you hard on the outside but gooey inside, like a perfectly-crusted mac and cheese? Or are you full of rich flavor and spice, like a chicken wing? Answer the questions below to find out which classic soul food dish matches up best with your personality - and what that says about your life.