15 Must-Try Foods and Drinks in New Orleans
One of the best ways to experience New Orleans is through its local foods. On my first visit, I quickly realized that eating in New Orleans is an experience in itself. New Orleans cuisine is a flavorful blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. From powdered sugar-dusted beignets to spicy crawfish étouffée, the flavors are as bold and unforgettable as The Big Easy itself. Whether you’re sipping a purple voodoo daiquiri while wandering down Bourbon Street or savoring a bowl of gumbo at a Creole cookery, these are the essential foods and drinks you absolutely must try while you’re in NOLA!
15 Must-Try Foods and Drinks in New Orleans
Beignets
These deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar are a New Orleans staple. Grab a plate of them at Café Beignet and enjoy them with a hot cup of café au lait.
Po’boys
A true Louisiana classic, the po’boy is a hearty sandwich typically stuffed with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef, served on French bread with all the fixings. NOLA PoBoys is a great spot on Bourbon Street to try one at!
Oysters
Fresh Gulf oysters are everywhere in NOLA, whether served raw, chargrilled, or baked with butter and herbs as Oysters Rockefeller. I’m not usually the biggest fan of oysters, but I even enjoyed them in NOLA.
Crawfish
Whether you try them boiled by the pound or smothered in a buttery étouffée, crawfish are a seasonal delicacy that locals love.
Book a Lunch Crawl with a Seafood boil
Jambalaya
This one-pot dish is a flavorful mix of rice, sausage, chicken, and sometimes seafood, seasoned with bold Creole spices. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Chicory Coffee
New Orleans coffee is often blended with roasted chicory root for a smooth, slightly earthy flavor. Pair it with steamed milk for a traditional café au lait from Café du Monde. It’s best enjoyed alongside beignets!
Voodoo Daiquiri
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest bars in the United States, is a dimly lit, historic haunt on Bourbon Street known for its ghost stories and famous Voodoo Daiquiri. Served frozen, this purple-colored drink is a must-try if you’re looking for something fun, but be careful – they’re strong!
Hurricane
Bright red and very sweet, this fruity rum-based cocktail is a Bourbon Street staple. You can find it at just about any bar you go to!
Book a Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans
Absinthe
Absinthe – at one time an illegal spirit – has long been part of New Orleans’ cocktail culture, and the Sazerac (made with rye, sugar, bitters, and a rinse of absinthe) is the city’s official drink. You can also try an Absinthe Frappe (an icy cocktail made with absinthe, mint, and sugar) at the historic Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street
Muffuletta
This massive Italian sandwich is layered with cold cuts, cheese, and olive salad on round sesame bread. Try one from Central Grocery & Deli in the French Quarter.
Book a top-rated food walking tour in New Orleans
Pralines
Sweet, buttery, and delicious, these Southern candies are a delicious snack or souvenir to bring home with you. Grab a few from Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, and enjoy how they just melt in your mouth!
Gumbo
A rich, hearty stew that’s thick and loaded with meat or seafood, gumbo is the definition of soul food. Take a cooking class to learn how it’s made the authentic way.
Take a New Orleans cooking class
Bananas Foster
This flambéed dessert of bananas, butter, sugar, and rum is served over vanilla ice cream. It was invented in New Orleans and remains a favorite sweet treat.
Can’t get enough NOLA Food?
Try New Orleans Recipes at Home
Bring the flavors of New Orleans into your own kitchen with this cookbook filled with classic recipes like gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and more. It’s the perfect way to relive your trip or get a taste of the Big Easy from home!
King Cake
Colorful and sweet, king cake is traditionally served during Mardi Gras season, but it’s worth trying any time you visit. Don’t be surprised if you find a tiny plastic baby inside!
Read More
Whether you’re in town for Mardi Gras or visiting any time of the year, there is no shortage of things to do in NOLA! Check out this list of 17 Must-Do Activities in New Orleans.
Red Beans and Rice
This rice dish is typically made with slow-cooked beans, sausage, and spices. It’s another great comfort food and one of my favorite NOLA-inspired meals to make at home!
Learn about the history of NOLA food on a walking tour
Top Tours in New Orleans
Shop My New Orleans Essentials
Pin this for later!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!
