New Orleans Eats You Can't Miss

If you want to visit an American city with the most amazing food bursting with flavor, there's no better place to visit than New Orleans. This city, renowned for its rich cultural tapestry, can also offer you an unparalleled culinary journey. In New Orleans, food isn't just about eating, it's about celebrating life and history. From the busy streets to the extravagant dining rooms, let's take a look at 20 of the best, must-try dishes this place has to offer.

1. Gumbo

When you think of New Orleans dishes, none stand out more than the quintessential gumbo. It's a hearty stew that truly exemplifies the melting pot of cultures in the city. It features a delicious roux, a variety of meats or seafood, the "Holy Trinity" of onion, bell pepper, and celery, and is often served over a steaming bowl of rice. It's hearty, warm, and immediately touches your soul.

2. Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a flavorful, one-pot Creole dish, that's as fancy as its name sounds. Bursting with spices, meats such as chicken and sausage, and seafood, it's a versatile dish that combines European, African, and Native American influences together. It's an absolute must-try in New Orleans if you ever get a chance to visit this beautiful city!

3. Po' Boys

With a fun-to-say name, the Po' Boy is an iconic New Orleans sandwich. Typically stuffed with fried seafood like shrimp or oysters, or even roast beef smothered in gravy, it's then served on toasted French bread and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. It's everything you could ever want in the perfect sandwich! Each bite will transport you to another world, giving you a taste of the local history and flavor.

4. Beignets

When it comes to a sweet treat in New Orleans, there's no dish more iconic than the beignet, the official state doughnut of Louisiana. These light and fluffy pillows of fried dough are generously dusted with powdered sugar before being served, making them unbelievably tasty. They're best enjoyed with a steaming cup of hot coffee!

5. Crawfish Étouffée

Now that sounds fancy, doesn't it? Crawfish Étouffée is an incredibly luscious, heartwarming, spicy dish where crawfish are smothered in a thick sauce containing onions, bell peppers, and celery. Did we mention it's all served over some fluffy rice? It's a great dish that really embodies the soul of Louisiana cooking

6. Red Beans and Rice

Traditionally made on Mondays using leftover ham from Sunday's meal, red beans and rice is a humble staple in New Orleans cuisine. It just goes to show you that simple can taste just as good! With minimal ingredients, this dish is not only tasty but it's filling too; it's all flavored with vibrant andouille sausage and the Holy Trinity of veggies, making it a fantastic everyday dish to devour.

7. Muffuletta

The what? If you've never heard of the Muffuletta sandwich before, it's time to get your hands on one. Sandwiched between two round slices of sesame bread are layers of marinated olive salad, cheeses, and various meats. It's rich, flavorful, and hearty in a great on-the-go package.

8. Shrimp and Grits

Another iconic New Orleans dish, shrimp and grits combines the best of creamy, buttery grits with spicy, well-seasoned shrimp. This Southern classic is to die for, showcasing the simplicity of their cuisine by elevating humble ingredients into something truly divine.

9. Bananas Foster

Created in New Orleans, Bananas Foster is a decadent dessert featuring bananas caramelized in a sauce of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum. Often flambéed and served over ice cream, it's a dish that certainly won't disappoint. You'll want to have seconds for sure.

10. Chargrilled Oysters

Move aside raw oysters, you've got some competition. If you love seafood, we guarantee you'll fall for chargrilled oysters, a New Orleans specialty. Just imagine freshly shucked oysters grilled over an open flame, topped with butter, garlic, and herbs. It's bold yet refined at the same time!

11. Dirty Rice

Don't be fooled by its name, dirty rice is absolutely delicious! Dirty rice is a classic Creole dish that gets its name from the appearance of the mixed ground meat and spices. It's a flavorful combination of rice, chicken liver, green bell pepper, celery, and Cajun seasoning, offering a rich and hearty taste of local tradition.

12. Turtle Soup

Compared to the more homely flavours listed already, turtle soup is a luxurious dish found in upscale New Orleans restaurants. It is a unique culinary experience after all - can you say you've tasted turtle before? Made with snapping turtle meat and seasoned with Creole spices, sherry, and often served with a lemon slice, this soup is a rich and complex one, giving you a true taste of what New Orleans cuisine can offer.

13. Boudin Balls

Boudin balls make for a tasty snack anytime of the day thanks to its ingredients of sausage meat rolled into balls, breaded, and deep-fried till golden and crispy. These savory bites are satisfying no matter how many times you bite into one, and they're elevated by a tangy Creole mustard that complements it so well.

14. King Cake

King Cake, a traditional Mardi Gras treat, is an oval-shaped, brioche-like sweet bread adorned with purple, green, and gold sugar. Filled with cream cheese or cinnamon, and hiding a tiny plastic baby (representing luck and prosperity), it's a festive and colorful reflection of New Orleans' vibrant culture.

15. Fried Green Tomatoes

As a tasty side, fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic and a staple in New Orleans. These tangy slices of fresh green tomatoes are breaded and fried until golden and crispy, then served next to a remoulade sauce that takes it up a notch. The result? A delightful combination of textures and flavours.

16. Oyster Rockefeller

Not enough seafood on this list? Then you have to check out Oyster Rockefellers, a delicious appetizer invented in New Orleans that features oysters placed on a half shell covered in a sauce of butter, herbs, and bread crumbs. Once baked or broiled, you're left with a stunning app that everyone will be diving into.

17. Alligator Sausage

Now, alligator sausage is definitely one of the city's more exotic offerings. Reflecting the adventurous culinary spirit of New Orleans, alligator sausage is made by mixing alligator meat with pork and seasoning it with Creole spices. The end result has a bit of a unique, slightly gamey flavour that's a must-try for anyone who loves exploring new foods.

18. Seafood Gumbo

A different take from the traditional gumbo, seafood gumbo focuses primarily on the flavors of the sea. Laden with shrimp, crab, and often oysters, this version is lighter yet equally flavorful, highlighting the freshness and variety of local seafood. If you're a seafood lover, this will definitely become your go-to.

19. Pecan Pie

You can't have a complete New Orleans meal without finishing it off with a mouthwatering slice of pecan pie! A Southern dessert staple, this pie holds a special place in New Orleans' heart. Made with pecans, corn syrup, sugar, and butter all wrapped in a flaky pie crust, it has the perfect balance of rich and nutty sweetness that ends any meal off on a good note.

20. Chicken Pontalba

Chicken Pontalba is a dish named after a prominent New Orleans family, featuring diced, fried potatoes, ham, green onions, mushrooms, and garlic, topped with a piece of grilled or broiled chicken and Bearnaise sauce. It might seem simple, but New Orleans food has a way of surprising even the pickiest of eaters.