The Genuine Smithfield Ham Shoppe

How can you visit Smithfield and not stop into The Genuine Smithfield Ham Shoppe? After hearing so much about the ham at the museum down the road, I had to go get some of the real deal, see what makes it different.It's a small shop, packed with interesting foods. Lots of peanuts, chutneys, treats, and of course pigs and various salty meats! The lady at the counter was very friendly and helpful (especially when it came to choosing just which of the aforementioned salty meats we should take home).Had a nice plate of Luter's Artisan Smithfield Ham and eggs for dinner. We'll be back for more.

Made a purchase I didn't receive all my items. The host/cashier was shaky and inexperienced. I purchased side meat, Luter style ham fully cooked with glazed packet. No packet or instructions. The manager who told us about this ham stated that is fully cooked. He said You didn't have to do any of the soaking of the salt just warm it in the oven, so I googled the instructions. How the hell anyone eats this I have no idea it was like pure salt!!! I tasted a very small piece just to see what was going on with it and oh my God I could feel my blood pressure going through the roof!I'm really pissed because I had two bags of bacon, popcorn, and a pig charm that I never got it but I paid for.

We stopped in to Smithfield to see what we could get a bite of and found this lovely store/cafe in the heart of town. We each got a 1/2 & 1/2. Mine was the Sampler sandwich and a salad. Tasty and made with love. The bread was a little dry (sundries tom. foccacia) but would have been yummy toasted. Rob got the Cuban sandwich and vegetable ham soup which were delicious also! We sat at the beautiful tasting bar and was served by the pleasant and knowledgeable Andre. I would definitely stop in again!

They have been bought out by a Chinese firm and the quality has gone completely south. They used to be the best. Now the spiral sliced ham was way too dry and the slicing only went 1/4 inch deep so I had to slice it anyway. I reported it to them and they said they would tell Quality Control. I switched to an American owned producer.