But a closer look at the cuisine itself reveals a more complicated situation: Many of the popular dishes in the soul food canon — including cornbread and fried catfish — are also favorites of white cooks and eaters, especially in the American South, according to Delish. And this raises the question of whether soul food and Southern food are actually distinct cuisines — and if so, what distinguishes one from the other? Chef Millie Peartree tells Delish that soul food can actually be considered an expatriate cuisine, brought to the northern U.S. states during the early 20th century, when a large number of southern Blacks moved north for better opportunities.