Banana pudding is known as a southern food but there is no real source for why this is true. It is known that this dessert didn't become popular until after the civil war when bananas became more popular and available in America.    Some think it's because bananas come from more southern regions and therefore were easier to access for southerners. Others say that it's a southern thing because we (in the south) are known for our sweets and desserts and this is definitely a sweet, sweet dessert! I also read that it became known as southern style banana pudding because it is a dessert that can be made without an oven (since the pudding or custard is cooked on the stovetop). And let me tell you, I can believe that because we Southerners definitely avoid using the oven when the summer heat kicks in.