The Luxe Box

Fried chicken

The backbone of any soul food menu — look for a seasoned crust and juicy interior that signals house batter rather than a shortcut

Baked mac and cheese

The gold standard for soul food sides — properly made versions have a set custard interior and browned top rather than a loose stovetop sauce

Collard greens

Long-braised greens are the soul food litmus test — when done right, they're silky and deeply savory with pot liquor worth sopping up with cornbread

Cornbread

A staple pairing for the plate — the measure here is whether it leans savory and dense or sweet and cakey, both valid traditions