10 Must-Try Foods in New Orleans: Iconic Dishes & Where to Eat Them
New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise, known for its bold flavors, rich culinary traditions, and one-of-a-kind dishes blending French, African, Spanish, and Creole flavors. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a seasoned traveler returning for another taste, these are the must-try foods in New Orleans and where to find them. Let’s dig in!
1. Beignets
A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without indulging in beignets. These deep-fried pastries, generously dusted with powdered sugar, are best enjoyed with a café au lait.
Where to Try: Café du Monde (cash only!) or Café Beignet
2. Gumbo
A cornerstone of Louisiana cuisine, gumbo is a flavorful stew made with a rich roux, okra, and a mix of seafood, chicken, and sausage.
Where to Try: Dooky Chase’s Restaurant or Commander’s Palace
3. Jambalaya
This one-pot dish is a delicious medley of rice, spices, and proteins like shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage, cooked together for maximum flavor.
Where to Try: Mother’s Restaurant or Coop’s Place
4. Po’Boys
A classic New Orleans sandwich made with crispy French bread and filled with fried seafood or roast beef, dressed with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
Where to Try: Parkway or Domilise’s Po-Boys
5. Crawfish Étouffée
A rich, buttery stew made with crawfish smothered in a flavorful, roux-based sauce and served over rice.
Where to Try: Galatoire’s
6. Red Beans and Rice
Traditionally served on Mondays, this hearty dish features slow-cooked red beans with sausage, served over fluffy white rice.
Where to Try: Willie Mae’s Scotch House or Joey K’s
7. Bananas Foster
A decadent dessert of bananas flambéed in a buttery brown sugar sauce, served over vanilla ice cream.
Where to Try: Brennan’s (where it was invented!)
8. Oysters Rockefeller
Baked oysters topped with a rich, buttery herb sauce, offering a flavorful twist on fresh Gulf oysters.
Where to Try: Antoine’s Restaurant (originators of the dish)
9. Pralines
A beloved New Orleans confection made with sugar, butter, cream, and pecans.
Where to Try: Aunt Sally’s Pralines
10. Soft-Shell Crab
Crispy and flavorful, soft-shell crab is a seasonal delicacy that’s often fried and served as a sandwich or entrée.
Where to Try: GW Fins or Peche Seafood Grill
Thinking of planning a New Orleans food adventure?
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