The city of New Orleans, or NOLA, as it is commonly called, is known for its cuisine worldwide. The well-known Creole cuisine has been influenced by different cultures over the years. From France, Spain, Vietnam, Mexico, and Africa to Native America, immigration, colonization, and natural disasters have led to these individual cultures marking their presence in NOLA cuisine.
Even today, people from across the world opt for handcrafted NOLA food tours to experience the different dishes and take a look back at history. If you are planning something similar, take a look at the top dishes you must try in New Orleans presented in this blog.
A Hearty Bowl of Gumbo
Gumbo is a soulful stew that is served with steaming rice. It is one of the most popular dishes in New Orleans and, in fact, Louisiana at large. Gumbo is made from different vegetables, meat, and seafood. The history of gumbo dates back to the time when West Africans were enslaved and brought to the continent. With them, they brought okra, the key ingredient in gumbo.
In fact, gumbo comes from ‘gombo,’ the West African word for okra. Later, the dish was influenced by French cuisine to make a thicker roux. It reflects the flavor of the meats and vegetables, the sweetness of onions, the tartness of tomatoes, and the warmth of the aromatics.
A Filling Po’boy Sandwich
A po’boy is a type of sandwich made of fried seafood or roast meat. The seafood can include oysters and shrimp. The meat can include roast beef. French bread is used, and there is a thick layer of sauce. The toppings used are lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. The term po’boy comes from poor boy sandwich and has its origins in 1929.
It was made by the Martin Brothers, who wanted to make a tasty yet filling sandwich during the streetcar strike. In New Orleans, it found its place in the French Market Restaurant and Coffee Stand of the Martin Brothers.
A Soulful Plate of Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a storied dish and a staple in New Orleans. It is another must-have during a NOLA food tour. It is a savory dish with rice as the base. It is a pot dish with influences of French, African, and Spanish cuisines.
It has shrimp, chicken, and sausages, and traditional Creole jambalaya is made from tomatoes. Key aromatics include the holy combination of celery, onions, and peppers. Jambalaya came into being when the Spanish colonizers attempted to remake their paella with local ingredients.
Beignets for the Sweet Tooth
Beignets are pieces of dough shaped into pillowy squares. These are deep-fried and then topped with sprinkled confectioners’ sugar. Beignets were introduced in the 18th century by the French Acadians.
In 1986, it was named the official doughnut for the state of Louisiana. It is best served hot and is the perfect dessert. Beignets are light and airy, and they also pair well with a steaming cup of coffee.
Conclusion
There are too many dishes in New Orleans to try. This blog highlights the top four that you cannot miss on your NOLA food tour. Besides, you should also try dishes like the crawfish étouffée, which is very similar to the gumbo, muffuletta, a close cousin of the po’boy, and red beans and rice. Any of these dishes is sure to send you on a memorable journey of flavors and history.
