Try the local cuisine in New Orleans

Try the local cuisine in New Orleans

New Orleans is famous for its food, from gumbo to beignets to po’boys. A visit to the city isn’t complete without trying some of the local cuisine. Here are some top recommendations for what to do in New Orleans when it comes to trying the local food.

Visit the famous Café du Monde

If you only have time for one food-related activity in New Orleans, make it a visit to Café du Monde. This iconic café has been serving up beignets and coffee since 1862. The beignets are served hot and fresh, covered in powdered sugar, and are a must-try for any visitor to the city.

Head to Central Grocery for a muffuletta

Another iconic New Orleans food is the muffuletta, a sandwich made on a round Sicilian sesame bread with layers of meats, cheeses, and olive salad. The best place to try a muffuletta is at Central Grocery in the French Quarter, where the sandwich was invented in 1906.

Try gumbo at Dooky Chase’s

Gumbo is a stew that’s popular in Louisiana, made with meat, seafood, vegetables, and a roux (a mixture of flour and fat). One of the best places to try gumbo in New Orleans is at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, which has been a staple in the city’s African American community since 1941.

Sample crawfish at Cajun Seafood

Crawfish is a Louisiana delicacy that’s popular in the spring. You can find it on menus throughout the city, but one of the best places to try it is at Cajun Seafood. Here, you can order a big bucket of boiled crawfish, which you then peel and eat with your hands.

Visit Willie Mae’s Scotch House for fried chicken

Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that’s been serving up some of the best fried chicken in the city since 1957. The chicken is fried to perfection and served with sides like mac and cheese and green beans.

Try a po’boy at Parkway Bakery and Tavern

The po’boy is another classic New Orleans sandwich, made with either fried seafood or roast beef and served on a long French bread roll. Parkway Bakery and Tavern is known for its po’boys, which are piled high with your choice of fillings and served with sides like french fries and hush puppies.

Sample pralines at Leah’s Pralines

Pralines are a sweet treat made with pecans and caramelized sugar. Leah’s Pralines is a family-owned business that’s been making pralines in the French Quarter since 1944. Stop by to sample some of their delicious pralines, which come in flavors like chocolate and rum.

Visit the Southern Food and Beverage Museum

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of food in New Orleans and the South, head to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. Here, you can learn about the origins of dishes like jambalaya and gumbo, as well as the history of cocktail culture in the city.

Take a food tour

If you want to sample a variety of New Orleans dishes in a short amount of time, consider taking a food tour. There are several companies that offer guided tours of the city’s food scene, including the French Quarter Food Tour and the Tastebud Tours.

Attend a food festival

New Orleans is home to several food festivals throughout the year, including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival. These festivals offer a chance to sample a variety of local dishes and enjoy live music and other entertainment.

In conclusion, New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise.