What Makes Calabash-Style Seafood Different From Other Fried Fish
Myrtle Beach – October 16, 2026 -- Calabash-style seafood, a light-coated fried specialty that began in a small North Carolina fishing community, is a staple of Myrtle Beach dining, according to a HelloNation article featuring seafood expert Mamie Howard Gunter of The Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood.
A thin coating separates Calabash from other Southern fried dishes
The method uses a thin layer of seasoned flour or batter instead of thick breading. The result is a golden, crisp exterior that leaves the seafood's natural flavor and tenderness noticeable. Heavier coatings can overpower delicate seafood, the article notes, which helps explain the style's lasting popularity in coastal restaurants.