Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Thin, lacy sesame cookies the size of a coin. Crisp, brown-sugar-bittersweet, with toasted benne (sesame) seeds throughout. A Charleston tea-room classic.
Benne is the Gullah-Geechee word for sesame, brought from West Africa with enslaved Africans in the 17th century. The seed grew well in Carolina soil and became a staple of Sea Island cookery. Benne wafers are documented in Charleston Receipts (1950), the Junior League's still-in-print cookbook compiled by 11 Charleston women. The cookie became a tearoom and confectionery staple by the mid-20th century; tins of benne wafers are now the city's most-shipped edible souvenir. Charleston Receipts remains in print at the City Market and most bookshops.
2 editor picks for Benne wafers in Charleston, ranked by editorial score. All Charleston signature dishes · Benne wafers across every city.
Also in: Savannah.
Sugar Bakeshop in Charleston runs small-batch cupcakes, cookies and custom cakes from a Cannon Street counter since 2007. Located in Upper King.
TipCounter ordering. Specials sell out by mid-afternoon; arrive before 14:00 for the cupcake of the day.
Charleston City Market runs daily inside four open-air sheds on Meeting Street since 1804. Open daily 09:30-17:30 (plus fri/sat night 18:30-22:30).
TipNight market Friday and Saturday adds craft vendors. Sweetgrass-basket prices run $30 and up.
Benne wafers makes more sense with someone from Charleston explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Explore Charleston's City Market in the historic downtown district on a guided foodie walking tour. Learn about the city's history while enjoying tastings of Lowcountr...
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Experience the flavors of Charleston with the help of local guides. Delve into over 300 years of culinary history as you taste your way through the historic city center.
Water activity · 2.5 hours
Experience Charleston's most unique and romantic evening out. SpiritLine Cruises offers the only true waterfront fine dining experience in Charleston aboard the elegan...