Best Places to Eat for Pregnancy Cravings in Asheville, NC
It's 7 p.m. You've spent months researching baby gear, making appointments, comparing birth plans, and trying to survive nausea, heartburn, and the sudden inability to sleep through the night. Then it happens—the pregnancy craving. The one so specific that nothing else will do. The one that has you contemplating sending your partner across state lines because you need that one thing you had once six years ago. If you're expecting in Asheville, I've rounded up some of the best local spots to satisfy every craving, from spicy comfort food to giant ice cream sandwiches and protein packed meals.
I’m Pregnant of Course I Deserve A Little Treat
I am by no means a doctor, but I am a sweet treat girly. I also whole-heartidly believe you are doing some hard work growing a human, so why wouldn’t you deserve a little sweet treat, weekly, daily, twice a day, I won’t judge! You’re in the right place, and I wouldn’t steer you wrong.
Sunshine Sammies- Sometimes you really need an ice cream sandwich, but not just any ice cream sandwich. You need a really big ass ice cream sandwich that is housemade ice cream that's wedged between two freshly baked cookies. Sunshine Sammies is a downtown staple and I’m thankful you can find it in most grocery stores throughout the area. Cookie dough, strawberry and salted caramel and the staples you can find most commonly in retail freezers. But, if you’re wanting something fresh, unique and seasonal check out their Sunshine Sammies Facebook Page for the most current list of flavors on tap. I am drooling over their latest seasonal flavor of blackberry honey cornbread ice cream on cornbread cookies. You might as well put them on your list to cater your first little one’s birthday party right now.
Ice cream sandwich cravings ensuing
The Hop- Chances are if you’ve lived in Asheville for longer than one summer, you’ve bounced (ba-dum tss) on over to The Hop. With 4 locations across the area, if you’re wanting handcrafted ice cream with some delicious and unique flavors, The Hop has your back. An Asheville institution since 1978, The Hop is here to stay, and rightfully so. They serve up cakes, milkshakes, and sundaes, but are really known for their continually rotating flavors of handcrafted ice cream. So much so, they have a Flavors of The Hop Ice Cream Facebook Group. They have a flavor for everyone from the plant based lover of a citrusy Lemon Blueberry, to the full dairy fanatic of Mocha Oreo. Dare I say, The Hop has the best ice cream flavors to satisfy a weird pregnancy flavor craving here in Asheville.
Best Spicy Foods in Asheville for Pregnancy Cravings
Baby Likes Spicy, and Who Are we to Argue?
Whether you’re a regular Spice Girl or a new member (thanks to all those fluctuating hormones!)Asheville has lots of choices to get your spicy food fix.
Chai Pani- It’s no secret that Chai Pani has the goods. From the drinks to the vibes, and of course the food. But if that little critter growing inside you is demanding the spice, well then lets start their pallets off right with a sophisticated heat. The Vada Pav is by far my favorite thing to come out of Chai Pani. These street sandwiches are vegetarian friendly, spiced potato dumplings fried in curried chickpea batter topped with mint & tamarind chutneys, and served with fried chillies. You’ll crave these tasty bites for months to come. Bonus- Chai Pani has a TON of vegetarian options for your pregnancy cravings.
The Vada Pav in all their little spicy perfection
Rocky’s- I know Rocky’s is on every list in every Asheville guide, but, I have yet to find a place in Asheville that can serve you the bird just like they can. The chicken? Fried to perfection. The spice? They’ll do it up just how you like it. From plain, to mild honey, and if you’re not plagued with pregnancy heartburn- Rocky’s Hot. All the southern sides your heart could desire, and what you need to get that spicy fix under one roof.
Protein Packed Meals When You're Craving Meat
You’ve probably been told by your grandmother that craving meat in pregnancy is a tell-tale sign of what the sex of the baby will be. While there is no evidence in that, one thing is for certain, your body is doing a lot of work. Protein, choline and iron are suddenly top needs and your body is telling you by demanding some prime cuts.
Ukiah- Ukiah is a Japanese Smokehouse located in a sleek building just across the street from The Orange Peel. Self proclaimed “Japanese soul food meets American BBQ” their flavors are thoughtful and mouth-watering. The Wagyu Stick is an elevated kabob style dish. Shiso chimichurri, yuzu kosho, wasabi and sea salt. I suggest getting one just for yourself, no sharing. They also sport some amazing sea food dishes, and a zesty bok choy.
Foothills Grange- Whenever I visit an area, I make it my mission to find the best coffee, and best burger. While it took me moving to Asheville to narrow down that challenging search, I stand firm on Foothills being in the top two of my list. While technically in Black Mountain, they are worth the drive to the charming city. Foothills keeps it local by not only parenting with as many local farms as they can, but by operating out of their own butcher shop. That means fresh, hands on, damn good burgers. Their smash burgers are what every perfect burger should be, no frills, cooked to perfection, placed on a sesame seed bun, and with a side of hand-cut, beef tallow french fries. BONUS- Foothills has an awesome outdoor space for kiddos to run, play and dig.
Weird Pregnancy Cravings? Asheville Has You Covered
Believe me, I get it. Sometimes a pickle and a handful of Cheetos does sound like it would be good, no matter what your partner’s side eyes say. If you’re looking for something with some powerful and tasty flavor combinations to fulfill the pregnancy craving, Asheville is THE place to be.
White Labs Brewing- I am unsure why I was so reluctant to try White Labs. Perhaps I was thinking it was “just another brewery.” And perhaps, I was 100% wrong, and thankfully stumbled upon the best french fries in Asheville. The kimchi fries are nothing short of a flavor explosion. Lacto-brined (they’re the fermentation people) fries, topped with sweet soy glaze brisket, house kimchi, Lab Sauce, chives, toasted sesame seeds. It’s savory, it’s sweet, it’s tart, it’s unlike any fries you’ve had before.
The Flying Squirrel- Pickles. It’s cliche sure, but that doesn’t mean a crisp pickle when you’re 8 months pregnant doesn’t just *slap.* What about a pickle pizza? Weird? Or dare I say, intriguing? The Flying Squirrel (previously Voodoo Brewing) on Sweeten Creek has a pizza to stroke your curiosity. A house made garlic pesto base, topped with a cheese blend, thick cut pickles and a dill pickle seasoning. It is addicting, and you’ll crave it for much longer that 9 months.
Pregnancy Can Be Weird, Lean Into It
Pregnancy cravings don't always make sense. One day it's a fresh salad with extra lemon, the next it's pickles dipped in peanut butter, and somehow both sound completely reasonable.
Most importantly, don't feel guilty about enjoying the occasional craving. Growing a tiny human is hard work, and nourishing yourself, whether that's with protein-packed meals or an unforgettable ice cream sandwich is part of you checking in with your needs. It’s all part of this new journey!
Pregnancy is about so much more than doctor's appointments and checklists. It's about navigating all of the little moments too!! The cravings, the emotions, the excitement, and of course…the unexpected. If you're looking for personalized birth or postpartum support in Asheville and Western North Carolina, I'd love to help you feel informed, supported, and cared for throughout your journey.
Have a favorite Asheville pregnancy craving that deserves a spot on this list? I'd love to hear it. After all, the best recommendations usually come from parents who've been there
Hey, I’m Ashley.
If you’re new here, welcome!
Im a birth and postpartum doula based in Western North Carolina. I love a long book, a cozy drink, and good belly laugh.
Supporting women through their journey is such an honor. If you are interested in working together, I would love to grab a coffee and see if I am the doula for you.
