Hot slaw, a spicy, yellow side dish popular in Cleveland, Tennessee, was recently named the state’s first official food by the State Legislature. The dish consists of finely chopped cabbage, spicy peppers, onions, mustard, and mayonnaise, providing a tart and spicy kick. The origins of hot slaw can be traced back to the concession stand of the Star Vue Drive-In Theater, where the recipe was perfected by Cletus H. Benton, the owner of the theater.
Despite its widespread popularity in Cleveland, hot slaw is relatively unknown outside the city. The designation of hot slaw as the official state food has given Cleveland the opportunity to showcase its unique culinary heritage to the rest of Tennessee and beyond. The dish has inspired a hot slaw festival in the city, where vendors compete to create the best version of the dish, and visitors can participate in hot slaw-related activities such as eating contests and tastings.
Cleveland residents are proud of their hot slaw tradition and are fiercely protective of their family recipes and secret ingredients. The dish has also made its way beyond Tennessee, with variations like pool hall slaw in Delano, Tennessee, and newly created recipes in Nashville. The hot slaw festival in Cleveland continues to grow each year, attracting enthusiasts from around the country who come to sample different versions of the dish and participate in friendly competitions.
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