city Essentials · 10 foods
New Orleans Essentials
A considered first route through New Orleans: the foods that carry its everyday habits, celebrations, ingredients, and memory.
Explore all United States foods →THE
ESSENTIALS
The complete shortlist
10 foods to know.
Each selection includes the reason it belongs here—so this is a guide, not just a pile of names.
New Orleans, United States
Beignets
Look for square yeast dough pieces fried until puffed and served warm under powdered sugar, often with coffee.
New Orleans, United States
Gumbo
Look for a seasoned roux- or okra-thickened stew with seafood, poultry, or sausage, served over rice.
New Orleans, United States
Jambalaya
Look for rice cooked in one pot with stock, aromatics, and seafood, chicken, sausage, or a combination of these.
New Orleans, United States
Po' Boy
Look for a crusty French loaf filled with fried seafood or roast meat and dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise.
New Orleans, United States
Muffuletta
Look for a round sesame loaf layered with cured meats, cheese, and olive salad; it is served as a pressed sandwich.
New Orleans, United States
Shrimp Creole
Look for shrimp simmered in tomato sauce with onion, celery, bell pepper, and Creole seasoning, served over rice.
New Orleans, United States
New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp
Look for shell-on shrimp cooked in a buttery, peppery sauce with lemon and Worcestershire, often served with bread for dipping.
New Orleans, United States
Chicory Coffee
Look for dark coffee blended with roasted chicory, served black or with steamed milk alongside a pastry or breakfast.
New Orleans, United States
Pecan Praline
Pecan pralines
Look for a soft candy made from pecans, sugar, butter, and cream, with a grainy or fudgy texture.
New Orleans, United States
Café au lait (New Orleans)
Look for dark coffee mixed with hot milk in roughly equal parts, traditionally served with a pastry or breakfast.