New Orleans is a culinary geek’s dream destination. The cultural melting pot of Spanish, French, Italian, Caribbean, Creole and Cajun influences engendered a slew of dishes you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world. (And if you do, they’re likely to be much less authentic than if you’d eaten them in the place they were first created.) While you’re in town, try:
Jambalaya
This Creole rice-based dish originated in the Caribbean. It’s spicy and is usually loaded with chicken and sausage, though if it’s served to you by a Cajun, it may contain alligator or seafood. It’s a staple at restaurants across the city. Try it at Mother’s Restaurant, if you don’t mind standing in line.
Étouffée
Pronounced ay-too-fay, this Cajun-Creole dish consists of shellfish served over rice. The best version — with a healthy dose of local flavor — includes crawfish. Try it at the Bon Ton Café.
Gumbo
Slow-cooked chicken, sausage, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and okra are served over rice (if you’re seeing a pattern, don’t worry; I promise these dishes are all very different). Gumbo is complex and earthy, and famously served at New Orleans institution Dooky Chase’s Restaurant.
Beignets
Fluffy squares of dough are deep-fried, but maintain their pillowy interior. They’re topped with a heap of powdered sugar, so don’t inhale when you go to take a bite. And don’t wear black pants. Head to another institution, Café Du Monde for the best anywhere.
Po-Boys
These over-stuffed sandwiches are served on delicate French bread and crammed with various ingredients, including fried seafood, roast beef, meatballs, you name it. Order it “dressed,” with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato. Among many excellent places to scarf a po-boy, Parkway Bakery is among the most famous.
Bonus: Unhinge your jaw for a muffuletta at Central Grocery, which is packed with salami, ham, mozzarella and a heap of salty olive salad with pickled vegetables.
Read This Next
Top 5: Places for a Po-Boy in New Orleans
North America
Sep 22, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedKeep Your Road Trip Smelling Good with Purggo
The last thing you want during a road trip? A stinky car. Luckily, Purggo is here to help —without filling your car with a bunch of nasty chemicals that really only just make you cough and cover up the stench for a short time.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips.
Hotel
Apr 22, 2024Fairfield by Marriott Brand Debuts in Copenhagen
Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn recently debuted in Denmark. The opening marks the European debut of Marriott’s Fairfield by Marriott brand. The design prototype from OCCA Design Studio will be used as the blueprint for future Fairfield by Marriott properties throughout Europe.
Airline
Apr 22, 2024You Can Now Pool Your Points with United Airlines
Earlier this month, United Airlines announced MileagePlus members can pool points. Up to five friends and family members can now combine frequent-flyer miles to redeem for travel.
Sponsored Content
United Continues Its Global Expansion
United Airlines keeps soaring to new heights, recently announcing another expansion of its leading global route network. The airline added new non-stop flights between Newark (EWR) and Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco; Tokyo (NRT) and Cebu (CEB), Philippines; and Houston (IAH) and Medellin (MDE), Colombia. That’s not all: United also plans to increase flights to popular worldwide destinations including Hong Kong (HKG); Seoul (INC), South Korea; and Porto (OPO), Portugal. Following the recent agreement to increase flights between the U.S. and Chinese governments, the airline now adds four weekly flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG).
Hotel
Apr 19, 2024Regent Santa Monica Beach to Debut This Summer
Located steps away from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Regent Santa Monica Beach is set to welcome travelers this summer. The highly anticipated opening represents the first destination in America for the reimagined Regent Hotel & Resorts brand, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio.
ShareThis