New Orleans stands as America’s undisputed culinary capital, where centuries of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences have created a distinctive food scene. While gumbo rightfully earns its reputation as the city’s signature dish, focusing solely on this iconic stew means missing out on countless other delectable offerings that locals treasure.
Crescent City’s food landscape is as diverse and soulful as its legendary music scene. Here are 17 must-try local dishes that showcase the true depth of New Orleans cuisine beyond the familiar bowl of gumbo.
Crawfish Étouffée
This rich, flavorful staple features plump crawfish tails smothered in a thick sauce made from a blonde roux, the holy trinity of vegetables (bell peppers, onions, and celery), and Cajun seasonings.
The name ‘étouffée’ comes from the French word for ‘smothered,’ perfectly describing how the crawfish are cooked in this luxurious, spice-infused sauce typically served over rice.
Muffuletta Sandwich
Created by Sicilian immigrants at Central Grocery in 1906, this massive sandwich features layers of mortadella, salami, ham, provolone, and Swiss cheese on a round sesame loaf…