A Foodie’s Guide to New Orleans: Exploring Louisiana’s Culinary Delights

We love to eat—and trying new foods is one of our favorite parts of traveling! So, when we stumbled upon the book 50 States, 1,000 Eats by National Geographic, we knew it was the perfect companion for our adventures. This beautifully illustrated guide features 1,000 must-try dishes and drinks across all 50 states and Canada, complete with travel tips and mouthwatering images. From diner breakfasts and food trucks to fine dining and U-pick farms, it’s a foodie road trip dream!

(Photo from Amazon)

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Naturally, since we’re heading to New Orleans, we flipped straight to Louisiana to see what made the cut. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot to explore, so we’ve got some research to do over the next few days. But let’s start with the big picture:

Founded in 1812, Louisiana is home to 4.59 million people and a rich culinary heritage influenced by French (Creole/Cajun), Spanish, and African cultures. Fun fact: Louisiana’s official state doughnut is the beignet! (Yes, states have official doughnuts!) Beyond the beignet, Louisiana’s claim to fame includes Raising Cane’s, gumbo, fried catfish, and po’boys.

Here’s a breakdown of the must-try foods on our list so far:

(Photo from Raising Cane’s)

1. Raising Cane’s

We’ve heard of Raising Cane’s but didn’t realize it started in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Founded in 1996 by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey, this fast-casual chain specializes in chicken fingers paired with their famous Cane’s Sauce. It’s a cult favorite with an intriguing history—you can dive into it more here. We can’t wait to give it a try and see what the hype is all about!

GMVozd/Getty Images

2. Gumbo

Gumbo is a must when in Louisiana. This hearty, flavorful stew is typically served over rice and made with a mix of sausage, meat, seafood, and/or vegetables. Its origins are just as rich as its flavor, with influences from West African, French, and Native American cooking. According to historian Toni Tipton-Martin, the word “gumbo” comes from the West African word gombo for okra, a key ingredient in early recipes. French-inspired roux is another common thickening agent. No matter how it’s made, one thing is clear: gumbo is a true symbol of Louisiana cuisine.

(Photo from Laura Fuentes)

3. Fried Catfish

We’ve tried catfish before, but never fried! Southern fried catfish is legendary, thanks to its seasoned cornmeal coating that gives it that perfect crunch. According to Laura Fuentes, it’s a staple of Southern cooking—and we’re ready to find out why!

(Photo from lafayettetravel)

4. Po’boys

The po’boy sandwich is iconic in New Orleans and Southern Louisiana. Whether stuffed with roast beef and gravy or fried seafood like shrimp, oysters, or catfish, the po’boy is as versatile as it is delicious. We’ve heard the French loaf is key to its perfection. Luckily, we’ve found a list of the best po’boy spots to guide us in our sandwich quest.

Of course, we can’t forget the beignets! With so many incredible dishes to try, we’re diving into the flavors of New Orleans one bite at a time. Let us know if you have any recommendations for must-try spots or hidden gems—we’re always hungry for more!

Stay tuned as we eat our way through New Orleans—this is going to be delicious!