There’s a reason people travel from all over the world to get a sample of what’s cooking in our kitchen. New Orleans has the lockdown when it comes to delicious food, and we are lucky enough to be able to enjoy these dishes whenever we’d like. Sure, some tend to get the reputation for being “tourist food,” but long before tourists, these nine iconic dishes were (and still are) enjoyed by New Orleanians for centuries. Here are nine iconic New Orleans dishes that still hold up to the hype.
- Beignets
aussieboy126/Trip Advisor Before it attracted thousands of tourists, beignets were (and still are) the start of many New Orleanian’s day. There’s a reason these tasty treats attract people from all over the globe, and one bite into a hot beignet and you’re hooked.
- Coffee with chicory
heyahheyy/Trip Advisor What else would you drink with your beignet? Coffee with chicory is a tried and true classic for New Orleans.
- Po’boys
Carol Hutchison/Google No matter what you put in it, just make sure it’s on some of that good Leidendeimer bread.
- Gumbo
Lara Hata/Getty Images Every year when the first cold front sweeps through the Crescent City, New Orleanians fire up the stove and begin the time-consuming process of making a roux. While gumbo is certainly enjoyed year-round, there’s nothing like that first winter gumbo to ease into the season.
- Oysters Rockefeller
Antone’s Restaurant/Facebook Invented in 1889 at the famous Antoine’s restaurant in the French Quarter, many have tried to duplicate this iconic dish. Named for the richness of the sauce, these tend to go fast when served at the table.
- Roman Candy
Infrogmation of New Orleans/Flickr No matter how old you are, stepping up to this old-fashioned candy cart and getting your favorite flavor will always be a nostalgic treat. What’s your flavor: strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla?
- Bananas Foster
Brennan’s Restaurant/Facebook This delicious dessert was actually invented right here in the Brennan’s kitchen in 1951 after Paul Brennan challenged his head chef to create a dish centered around bananas, which were readily available at the time. Watching your waiter make this flaming dish table side at Brennan’s should be on everyone bucket list.
- Jambalaya
Fudio/Getty Images When you need to feed a small army, jambalaya is your go-to dish. Not only is it filling and delicious, but it’s so versatile, you can constantly be tinkering with your recipe to fit anyone’s dietary restrictions.
- Muffalettas
SueInClearwater/Trip Advisor A muffuletta from Central Grocery might just be one of the most iconic dishes in New Orleans, it’s certainly one of the biggest. Unless you’re really hungry, even half a sandwich is more than enough.
What’s your favorite iconic New Orleans dish? Do you have a restaurant you visit, or do you prefer to make it on your own? Let us know in the comments below!
aussieboy126/Trip Advisor
Before it attracted thousands of tourists, beignets were (and still are) the start of many New Orleanian’s day. There’s a reason these tasty treats attract people from all over the globe, and one bite into a hot beignet and you’re hooked.
heyahheyy/Trip Advisor
What else would you drink with your beignet? Coffee with chicory is a tried and true classic for New Orleans.
Carol Hutchison/Google
No matter what you put in it, just make sure it’s on some of that good Leidendeimer bread.
Lara Hata/Getty Images
Every year when the first cold front sweeps through the Crescent City, New Orleanians fire up the stove and begin the time-consuming process of making a roux. While gumbo is certainly enjoyed year-round, there’s nothing like that first winter gumbo to ease into the season.
Antone’s Restaurant/Facebook
Invented in 1889 at the famous Antoine’s restaurant in the French Quarter, many have tried to duplicate this iconic dish. Named for the richness of the sauce, these tend to go fast when served at the table.
Infrogmation of New Orleans/Flickr
No matter how old you are, stepping up to this old-fashioned candy cart and getting your favorite flavor will always be a nostalgic treat. What’s your flavor: strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla?
Brennan’s Restaurant/Facebook
This delicious dessert was actually invented right here in the Brennan’s kitchen in 1951 after Paul Brennan challenged his head chef to create a dish centered around bananas, which were readily available at the time. Watching your waiter make this flaming dish table side at Brennan’s should be on everyone bucket list.
Fudio/Getty Images
When you need to feed a small army, jambalaya is your go-to dish. Not only is it filling and delicious, but it’s so versatile, you can constantly be tinkering with your recipe to fit anyone’s dietary restrictions.
SueInClearwater/Trip Advisor
A muffuletta from Central Grocery might just be one of the most iconic dishes in New Orleans, it’s certainly one of the biggest. Unless you’re really hungry, even half a sandwich is more than enough.
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Address: New Orleans, LA, USA
