Tasting the Signature Dishes of New Orleans
The South is famous for its culinary fusion of Cajun, Creole, and other fried comfort dishes. New Orleans food is some of the best in the US, so we had to dedicate an entire post for it. You can also join in a French Quarter food tour for a local’s perspective on authentic cuisine! We traveled to the best restaurants trying the most iconic meals. Here’s some of our favorite spots in NOLA!
New Orleans Food: Creole vs Cajun
New Orleans food is inspired from many different regions, but French cuisine has the most influence. The majority of food you’ll encounter will be either Creole or Cajun. I’ll briefly go over the distinctions between them. To put simply, Creole food uses tomatoes while proper Cajun food does not. The tastes are pretty similar, but Cajun meals are considered “country-food” while Creole is more “city-food”.
Jambalaya
Probably one of my favorite New Orleans food, Jambalaya consists of meat and vegetables mixed with rice. There are many types to choose from (my favorite is the seafood) so I hope you get to try it! My favorite restaurant was Coop’s Place, but many menus offer it as a side dish as well.
Louisiana Fried Chicken
Southerners love their fried chicken, and it always makes as a great late night snack. Popeyes was even started here! If you’d like to opt out of the fast food chains, try Willie’s Chicken Shack. They are open till 2AM.
Beignets
These deep-fried pastry topped with powdered sugar is a MUST have when visiting New Orleans. Some of my favorite places in the French Quarter to grab some are Cafe du Monde and and Cafe Beignet. However be warned, the lines can get atrociously long.
Muffaletta
One of my top 5 favorite sandwiches in the world, this Italian inspired meal is great for lunch. The round Sicilian sesame breaded sandwich is toped with tons of olives and capers for that delicious Italian flavor. Try it at it’s birth place, the Central Grocery & Deli. It’s pretty filling so consider going with a 1/2.
Crawfish Étouffée
This delectable treat is comprised of simmered seafood in a light broth served over a bed of rice. Some of my favorite places to try it are Atchafalaya and the Gumbo Shop. You can also get it as a side dish at many restaurants!
Gumbo
Gumbo is Louisiana’s official state food, and one of the best meals you’ll have in the city. It consists of a rich meat-based stock and the holy trinity of greens; celery, bell peppers, and onions. This tasty soup is tied for my favorite New Orleans food. Try it at the Gumbo Shop!
Oyster Po’Boy
This traditional Louisiana Sandwich is made of fried seafood atop a long French bread and topped with lettuce and tomatoes. My favorite is the oyster, but the fired shrimp and crawfish are also really good. Find it at Daisy Duke’s.
Alligator Boudin
This French inspired sausage is a great local delicacy to try. Or if you prefer to just see wild gators, check out a famous Swamp Tour. Try it in a Po’Boy or alone also at Daisy Duke’s. Tastes like…chicken.
Fried Softshell Crab
Great for seafood lovers, this crispy deep fried crap houses a buttery soft meat inside. We tasted it at Poseidon’s Oyster Sushi Bar.
Cajun Shrimp
Cajun Shrimp makes for an amazing appetizer if you’re looking for some New Orleans infused spicy flavors. We also tried this at Poseidon’s Oyster Sushi Bar.
New Orleans is a foodie’s paradise. With so many unique flavors and fresh seafood, it’s a great place to eat your heart out. Definitely shouldn’t be eating like this all the time, so enjoy it while you can! If you’re looking for more amazing things to do in the city, check out my Top 10 Things to do in New Orleans. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Check out our latest New Orleans Food Tour Vlog for a more visual representation of Louisiana’s signature cuisine!
