NOLA: What to Eat in New Orleans
New Orleans cuisine encompasses its diverse cultural history, with Creole, French, and Cajun influence. From beignets to crawfish, there are several traditional dishes that you cannot tour the city without trying!
Beignets
The top of my New Orleans bucket list was to eat beignets! They are powder-sugar covered fried doughnut-y goodness! This delicacy was actually introduced to the city in the 18th century by French-Creole colonists. Pro-tip: these are best to eat when they are hot!
Café du Monde in the French Quarter was founded in 1862 and is one of the most well-known stands/restaurants to buy a beignet. Whether it’s there, or another Cafe around the city – a great way to start the day in New Orleans is to grab a beignet and a café au lait!
Po'Boys
Po-Boys are iconic New Orleans sandwiches on French bread, stuffed with your choice of protein and fixins. Usually po-boys have some type of fried seafood, but you can also get them with roast beef and other meats. I highly recommend fried shrimp po’boy! A fully “dressed” po’boy has lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles, and hot sauce.
Po’boys are said to have been invented in 1929 during a streetcar strike. At the time, a local restaurant vowed to serve the striking drivers and motormen for free. When strikers came to get a sandwich, the kitchen took the orders by yelling “Here comes another poor boy!”
Jambalaya
Jambalaya is like the paella of New Orleans. This local culinary staple is made of a mix of meat, peppers, onions, rice, and plenty of spice. You can choose between chicken, seafood, sausage, or all three! I got jambalaya with andaouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp.
Gumbo
This classic Creole dish has both French and West African roots. This thick stew is usually served with seafood and/or sausage. This is the definition of New Orleans comfort food! There is much debate over the best way to make gumbo, but regardless it is delicious and offers a punch of flavor!
Crawfish
Crawfish are one of the most popular seafood in New Orleans! Boiled crawfish, crawfish étouffée, fried crawfish – you can eat them in many different types of dishes! Crawfish are in season in the Spring.
Frog Legs
Our swamp tour guide told us that he could eat frog legs all day! Served somewhat similar to chicken wings, these are definitely worth a try when in New Orleans.
Fried Alligator
It might sound weird, but alligator is a pretty common meat served in Creole dishes! With the surrounding swampland, alligator are easy to find. Fried alligator is probably the best option for first-timers. We tried buffalo bites with alligator and it was pretty dang tasty!
New Orleans Muffuletta
This hearty italian sandwich was invented in New Orleans is made with a round loaf stuffed with meats, cheese, and marinated olive salad. The name comes from the type of bread from Sicily. These flavorful sandwiches are premade and great for on-the-go lunches!
Which is your favorite dish from New Orleans?! Share below!
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21 Comments
blair villanueva
I first learned about New Orleans when I watched the 2014 movie Chef starring Jon Favreau. And they featured most of these foods!
Neil Alvin Nicerio
Cool, I learned something new about whatand where to munch in New Orleans . Thanks for sharing.
Polly Amora
I have friends in New Orleans and I kept hearing about Jambalaya.Thanks you for these suggestions!
LifeMagHealth
Nice pictures you’ve got. Foods look delicious (I’m really eager to try those Crawfishes, my mouth is watering XD) and the place looks amazing too!
Kenneth
As a cruse line chef, I must say that they totally look yummy so please let me taste them (just kidding), thanks for the share
momelite2
I want to go to New Orleans just for the food. I have never had beignets before. I feel like I am really missing out.
Ell x
Ah I love trying different things- this makes me want to go there so bad 😍
TWUSS
Its on my bucket list to go there and eat ALL of the food! It just looks so TASTY!
Sarah Emery
This brings back so many memories when I was there last. So much good food!
Sarah m
Ohh wow different varieties of foods
Petra
Great choices, and so truly NOLA. Your post makes me want to go back there NOW!
Karen Smedley
Ohhh lots of delicious looking food. Are the frogs legs in batter? I have eaten frogs legs many times but never in batter. I will have to try that.