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7 Must-Try Dishes On The Big Mama's Soul Food Menu: The Complete 2025 Guide To Southern Comfort

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For anyone craving authentic Southern comfort food, the Big Mama's Soul Food menu is a culinary pilgrimage. As of December 2025, this establishment—whether you visit the Nashville, TN, or Augusta, GA, location—continues to serve up the rich, time-honored dishes that define soul food, a cuisine rooted in tradition and love. This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential items you need to order, from the "world-famous" mains to the decadent, must-have side dishes that make Big Mama's a true institution. The intention behind the name "Big Mama's" is a tribute to the matriarchs of the South, the women whose kitchens were the heart of the community and whose recipes were passed down through generations. The modern restaurants carry on this legacy, ensuring every plate is packed with flavor and a feeling of home.

The Culinary Legacy: Who is Big Mama?

The name "Big Mama" embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality and cooking, often referring to a grandmother or respected elder whose kitchen was the center of family life. While multiple establishments carry this beloved name, they all share a commitment to authentic, scratch-made soul food.
  • The Nashville Connection: The Big Mama’s Soul Food located at 3944 Clarksville Pike in Nashville, TN, is a prominent location, co-owned by individuals like Clarence Lewis, who ensure the restaurant maintains its reputation for quality and tradition.
  • The Augusta Institution: Big Mama's Soul Food in the Daniel Village Shopping Center in Augusta, GA, is renowned for delivering authentic Southern comfort with every plate, a staple in the local Black-owned business community.
  • A Retired Matriarch: Another notable figure is Jessie Green, the owner of a former Big Momma's Soul Food Kitchen in West Louisville, who retired after over 17 years, further illustrating the deep, personal connection owners have to this cuisine.
  • The Philosophy: Regardless of the specific location, the "Big Mama" concept is a commitment to using fresh ingredients, time-tested recipes, and a dedication to the comfort and richness of traditional Southern cuisine.

The 7 Essential Dishes You Must Order

The Big Mama’s Soul Food menu is a masterclass in Southern cooking, but a few dishes stand out as absolute requirements for a first-time visitor. These items showcase the kitchen's expertise in both frying and slow-cooking, delivering unforgettable flavor.

1. World-Famous Oven Fried Chicken

Forget the deep fryer—Big Mama’s world-famous method often involves a unique oven-fried approach that delivers a crispy exterior and an incredibly juicy interior without the excessive grease. This dish is a cornerstone of the menu and a testament to their commitment to flavor and quality. You can often order it as part of a meal special, served with a side and cornbread.

2. The Perfectly Fried Catfish

For seafood enthusiasts, the Fried Catfish is a non-negotiable choice. The fish is seasoned perfectly and fried to a golden-brown crisp, flaking beautifully with every bite. It is traditionally served with a side, pickles, a hunk of cornbread, and Big Mama's homemade tartar sauce, completing the authentic Southern fish fry experience.

3. Country Fried Steak (with Gravy)

A true Southern classic, the Country Fried Steak is a hearty, filling option. This dish features a tenderized steak, breaded and fried to perfection, then smothered in your choice of white or brown gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort meal, often paired with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans.

4. Baked Turkey Wing (Smothered)

For those who prefer a slow-cooked, deeply flavored meat, the Baked Turkey Wing is a standout. The turkey is baked until fall-off-the-bone tender and typically smothered in a rich, savory gravy. This dish is a prime example of traditional soul food, where time and patience are key ingredients. It usually includes a choice of a roll or corn muffin to soak up all that delicious gravy.

5. Fried Porkchops (The 8-Piece Platter)

The Fried Porkchops are a flavorful, seasoned alternative to chicken. Available in platters like the 8-piece option, these chops are seasoned and fried, offering a satisfying crunch and a tender, savory center. They are perfect for sharing or for a truly indulgent meal.

6. Macaroni and Cheese (The Soul Food Staple)

While technically a side, Big Mama’s Macaroni and Cheese deserves its own mention. It’s the quintessential soul food side, renowned for its creamy texture, baked-in crust, and rich, cheesy flavor. This is often listed as a "Cream Potato Mac & Cheese" or simply "Mac an Cheese," and it's a dish that embodies the comfort and richness of the cuisine.

7. Candy Yams (A Sweet Tradition)

The Candy Yams (or candied sweet potatoes) are the perfect balance to the savory main courses. Slow-cooked with butter, brown sugar, and spices, these yams are sweet, sticky, and incredibly tender. They are a beloved traditional side that adds a touch of sweetness to any plate and are a highly sought-after item on the homemade sides menu.

The Full Soul Food Spread: Sides and Entities

A soul food meal is only complete with a robust selection of sides, and Big Mama’s offers a wide array of options that provide topical authority and a true taste of the South. The sides are often available à la carte or as part of a meal combo.

Homemade Side Dishes (LSI Entities)

The sides at Big Mama's are just as important as the main dishes, offering a variety of textures and flavors to complement your protein. Many of these dishes are considered healthy soul food options when prepared correctly, focusing on fresh vegetables.

  • Greens: This includes staple items like Collard Greens, often slow-cooked with smoked meat for depth of flavor.
  • Beans & Peas: Look for White Beans and Cowboy Baked Beans, which are seasoned and cooked to perfection.
  • Vegetables: Other popular choices include Cabbage, Green Beans, and Fried Okra, a Southern delicacy.
  • Potatoes: Mashed Potatoes and Cream Potatoes are available, often served with gravy.
  • Other Favorites: Don't forget the classic Coleslaw and French Fries for a quick comfort fix.

Desserts and Sweet Treats

While the focus is often on the savory mains, Big Mama’s also offers delectable desserts to finish your meal. Though the specific dessert menu can vary by location, you can expect traditional Southern sweet treats that are the perfect end to a soulful meal. Look for items like peach cobbler, banana pudding, or sweet potato pie to complete your experience.

Planning Your Visit: Location and Ordering

To enjoy the Big Mama's Soul Food menu, it’s best to check the specific location's hours and current offerings, as items can sell out, especially the daily specials.

Nashville, TN Location:

  • Address: 3944 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN 37218
  • Ordering: The Nashville location often offers delivery and pickup options through major platforms, allowing you to enjoy their authentic Southern delights from the comfort of your home.

Augusta, GA Location:

  • Address: 2803 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta, GA (Daniel Village Shopping Center)
  • Ordering: The Augusta location is also available for online ordering, tracking, and delivery, making it easy to get your fix of traditional soul food dishes.

Whether you're visiting for the world-famous Oven Fried Chicken or to indulge in a plate of Fried Porkchops with a side of Candy Yams, Big Mama's Soul Food is a celebration of Southern culinary heritage. The 2025 menu continues to deliver the rich flavors and feelings of home that have made it a beloved fixture in the soul food landscape.

7 Must-Try Dishes on the Big Mama's Soul Food Menu: The Complete 2025 Guide to Southern Comfort
big mama's soul food menu
big mama's soul food menu

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