Delicious Southern Food to Try in New Orleans

If you're headed for New Orleans, get ready for some mouthwatering Southern food! I can't wait to share my recommendations for must-try dishes and restaurants. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Beignets: A Sweet Delight

If there's one thing you absolutely cannot miss, it's beignets. These delightful treats are the quintessential food to have in New Orleans. You can even find them at the airport! Beignets are deep-fried pieces of dough, and I had the pleasure of trying many during my visit. Here are my favorites!

Loretta's

My favorite beignets came from Loretta's. They offer a wide variety, including praline-filled, chocolate-filled, peanut butter, and the classic beignet. Occasionally, they even have savory options like crab-filled beignets! Plus, they sell pralines, another popular dessert in NOLA. The only downside? You can’t mix and match; you have to order one kind with three in each order. I rated Loretta's as my top choice because of the variety, great price, and I love supporting a mom-and-pop shop.

Café Du Monde

This shop is undoubtedly the most famous beignet spot in NOLA. Established in the 1800s, they only sell the classic beignet. I have to admit, their beignets are a bit skinnier and smaller than others I've tried. But I can see why it's so popular—it feels healthier and has a rich history. There are multiple Café Du Monde locations, and you can even catch them at the airport!

Café Beignet

Another popular option is Café Beignet. What I love about this place is that they offer more than just beignets and coffee. It’s a real café with breakfast and lunch options. You can order NOLA staples like red beans or jambalaya alongside your beignets. However, I found the beignets to be quite dense and lacking flavor. The one I had was a bit hard, which made me think it wasn’t made fresh.

Hot Bennys

This small coffee shop offers traditional beignets at a higher price. I didn’t get a chance to try them, but I’ve heard mixed reviews. If I go back, I’ll definitely have to give them a shot!

Jambalaya: A Flavorful Mix

Jambalaya is a Creole and Cajun dish that beautifully blends Spanish, French, and African flavors. This long-grain rice dish is packed with seafood, sausage, and vegetables like celery, onions, and green peppers, all simmered in chicken broth. It quickly became my favorite traditional dish!

Seafood Boil: A Communal Feast

A seafood boil is a delightful communal dish that features shellfish like lobster, crab, and shrimp, mixed with corn, potatoes, and sausage, all cooked together with spices. It’s meant to be eaten with your hands, which adds to the fun! I was thoroughly impressed by the seafood boils in NOLA. The shrimp were deveined, which is a rarity compared to places I've been to in California.

Shrimp and Grits: A Southern Classic

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that features coarsely ground corn (grits) paired with shrimp. It’s typically enjoyed for breakfast, but you can find grits served with various proteins if you’re not in the mood for shrimp. Personally, I think grits are a bit odd on their own, so I definitely recommend pairing them with some type of protein.

Muffaletta: A Surprising Delight

The muffaletta is a Southern sandwich filled with Italian-style meats like salami, ham, and mortadella, along with provolone cheese, olives, pickled veggies, and oil, all nestled inside a sesame loaf. I didn’t expect to love this sandwich as much as I did, but it was a delightful surprise!

Vietnamese Food: A Cultural Blend

After the Vietnam War, many refugees settled in New Orleans, leading to a vibrant Vietnamese community. If you’re craving Asian food, I highly recommend supporting a local Vietnamese restaurant and ordering a banh mi. I’ve heard it’s the Vietnamese version of a po'boy, and I can’t wait to try it!

Po-Boy: A Must-Try Sandwich

A po-boy is a sandwich filled with fried seafood (like shrimp, oysters, or catfish) or roast beef, topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, all served in a French bread. If you’re looking for the best po-boys, seek out small corner stores rather than established ones. For first-timers, I recommend trying Verti Marte!

Gumbo: A Hearty Stew

Gumbo is a thick stew with a robust broth, filled with meat or shellfish, celery, bell peppers, and onions. To thicken the broth, it often includes sassafras leaves and okra, and it’s always served with rice. This is another must-try dish in NOLA!

Bananas Foster: A Sweet Ending

Bananas Foster is a classic NOLA dessert where bananas are caramelized in a rich sauce made of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and dark rum. The restaurant that originated this delicious dessert is Brennan's, which is a bit upscale and may require reservations.

Oysters: A Local Favorite

Oysters are abundant in NOLA due to the high quality and supply. There are countless ways to enjoy oysters in the city. I had the most amazing oysters at Antoine's. If you order the sampler, you can try different varieties and then order more of your favorites!

So there you have it! New Orleans is a treasure trove of delicious Southern food waiting for you to explore. Whether you're indulging in beignets or savoring a hearty gumbo, each bite is a celebration of the city's rich culinary heritage. Happy eating!