American food is extremely underrated, usually the first thing that comes to mind is hamburgers. But in New Orleans they have unparalleled cuisine and really shouldn't be missed.
Local dishes are a dynamic mix of French, Spanish, African, German, Italian and Native American influences.
If you've only tried gumbo or beignets, you still have a long way to go. But don't worry, I'm here to help you sort it out!
With rich sauces and complex recipes, new orleans takes simple ingredients like onions, peppers, tomatoes and okra and turns them into something Magic?? the kitchen of Big Easy is unique, which is not surprising because it also has a very distinct culture!
From old-fashioned favorites like gumbo and jambalaya to modern fusion, New Orleans is a true foodie paradise.
Po'Boy
The farmers and dockworkers of the early 1900s are the original “poor boys” who made this sandwich a staple of New Orleans street food.
The story goes that during a strike, the townspeople thought the “poor kids” needed a quick and easy meal…and voila!
Usually made with roast beef or seafood stuffed inside a French baguette, you can buy them plain or whole (meaning with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise).
Vegan or vegetarian? Don't worry, you'll find options all over the city! However, some of the older places are meat-only – so do a little research before you go.
Beignets – Café Du Monde
I'm also obsessed with French food and I love the way it's been revamped in New Orleans.
Café Du Monde is a must-see in New Orleans. In fact, I would say it is an institution. Not only do they have amazing coffee but also some very tasty beignets.
Note: Please bring cash as Café Du Monde is a cash only establishment. I like to think that adds to its overall charm. 🇧🇷
Muffuleta
Italian immigrants made an essential contribution to the world of sandwiches.
Made with round Sicilian sesame bread, the muffulettas are made with provolone, Swiss cheese, salami, bologna and olive salad.
These sandwiches emerged in the early 20th century, when the Sicilian working class lived in the French Quarter. During this time, the French Quarter was nicknamed “Little Palermo”, and this sandwich would have reminded all workers of Italy.
oysters
Sure, you can get oysters anywhere…but they don't compare to what you'll find in New Orleans.
Get them raw, fried or stuffed at a po'boy – New Orleans is serving up oysters in all varieties under the sun.
A local institution since 1840, the world-famous Antoine's Restaurant claims to be the birthplace of Rockefeller oysters.
They are the oldest restaurant in New Orleans and the place to eat oysters and all things Franco-Creole.
Jambalaya
An absolute blend of ingredients and influences, this African-Spanish-French dish is a mix of rice, vegetables, seafood, meat and every spice in the cupboard.
It's similar to Spanish PaellaWestern Africa jollofand french jambalaya.
Every place in New Orleans has its own unique jambalaya twist, so eat around town to find the best of the best!
étouffée
Meaning 'suffocated' in French…
Étouffée is the perfect healthy meal. This seafood and rice dish uses the traditional Cajun and Creole cooking method of “smothering,” which is slow cooking over low heat with a good dose of liquid seasoning.
Helpful tip: When you find a plate of étouffée you wanna try, say like ay-to-fay.
Red beans and rice
Red beans and rice is such a simple yet timeless homemade meal. You'll find it on every menu in New Orleans and it's an essential dish to try.
When you hear about the “Holy Trinity” in New Orleans, they're talking about peppers, onions, and celery. In the culinary world of New Orleans, this is essential in every dish.
Gumbo makes heavy use of the Holy Trinity on top of meat and/or seafood.
Your mission in New Orleans is to decide whether you prefer Creole or Cajun gumbo. The Creole variety has shellfish, okra, tomato and a dark sauce. Cajun gumbo, on the other hand, is usually made with chicken and never has tomatoes.
During my trip during Mardi Gras, I found this to be the perfect next day dish to recover after a wild night out!
Curiosity: Gumbo literally means “okra”, and the okra is the special touch, to make the roux for this dish.
boiled lobster
If you like spicy hot dishes and seafood, you will be in heaven here.
Swimming in a sea of spices, you'll find crayfish alongside corn on the cob and potatoes. Early March to mid-June is prime time to get crayfish and you'll find them all over town.
pralines
There is no better dessert than this simple confectionery delight.
This creamy and sweet pecan treat is an absolute dream. Legend has it that French diplomat Cesar du Plessis Praslin invented this incredible recipe in the 17th century while working in the burgeoning Big Easy.
In case you were wondering, the locals pronounce this as “prawh-leens”.
Bonus: Coffee with Chicory + King Cake
I tried my best but couldn't narrow it down to just ten things to experience in New Orleans! After your meal, you have to try the chicory coffee and the king cake.
While it might not be the first place you think of when you think of coffee, New Orleans has its own distinct coffee culture. This port city was an essential hub for the coffee trade from Central and South America. The French influence is also apparent with many of the cafes they serve. coffee with milk.
At the famous Café du Monde in New Orleans, coffee beans are combined with ground chicory root. After the coffee is ready, it's time to serve a piece of king cake.
For hundreds of years, bolo rei has been served all over Europe for special occasions!
In Spain and France, and now in Latin America and Québec, it is served on Epiphany or on the Day of the Magi. In Louisiana, the cake has come to be associated with Mardi Gras and is decorated in yellow, green, and purple (although you can find it year-round). Inside the king cakes you will find a small plastic baby.
Whoever gets the plastic baby served in their slice is said to receive good luck all year round. Call it a cake tour. 🇧🇷
In general
If you're visiting New Orleans soon, you need to try one of these dishes… or all of them! Maybe you just have to make it your mission.
What unique dishes did you try in New Orleans? Let me know in the comments!
Read too:
Pingback: 10 things you must do in New Orleans - Wenttrip