New Orleans Food: 16 Traditional Dishes to Try in NOLA or at Home

New Orleans food is something else. In fact, going out to eat in New Orleans is one of the best things to do there. We have visited NOLA several times and have always found that New Orleans cuisine has no boundaries with its out-of-the-box recipes creating an infectious and loveable quality for adventurous eaters. New Orleans is known for its delicious cuisine which is a blend of soul, creole, and cajun food. When it comes to visiting the city, sampling the New Orleans culinary landscape deserves a top spot on any itinerary.

Top 16 Must-Eat Foods In New Orleans

So, what is the best traditional New Orleans food to try? Whether you are planning a visit to New Orleans or just want the taste of a New Orleans menu from the comfort of your home, we’ve got plenty of inspiration lined up. These New Orleans dishes are sure to get your mouth watering – let’s start immediately.

1. Gumbo

Gumbo is a delicious soup cooked across Louisiana and is a must-try when visiting New Orleans. Seriously, you cannot visit New Orleans and not eat gumbo – it is akin to sacrilege. The dish contains the ‘Holy Trinity’ of Creole cooking; bell peppers, celery, and onions. And the traditional recipe is held together with thick meat or shellfish stock. Apart from these basic requirements, gumbo can vary quite a bit. There are lots of variations, including hugely popular seafood gumbo.

Gumbo is said to originate from West African cuisine. The West African sister dish typically contains okra, called ‘ki ngombo’. The name stuck and transitioned to gumbo as the dish was introduced into the New Orleans food scene. Gumbo has a strong flavor, and the stock is the most prominent flavor of the dish.

It is hearty and warm – ideal for a light meal on a cold day. It is prepared much like a stew and is stirred over medium-low heat for a prolonged period. Gumbo could take up to 45 minutes to cook and requires real patience, which many say is the dish’s secret ingredient for success.

You shouldn’t have any issues finding somewhere to try gumbo. It is sold all over New Orleans. If you want to cook it yourself, you can head to any central grocery to pick up the necessary ingredients and follow this recipe. Gumbo is low maintenance and a dream to cook and eat – what more could you ask for?

2. Po’ Boy

A po’ boy is a classic, traditional New Orleans food. The sandwich is simple to look at yet…