Louisiana cuisine, it’s not just gumbo and Po’ boys. French, Italian, German, African-American and American-Indian influences run deep in the food scene of the state. Well-seasoned grub, spiced with a lil’ bayou heat and a pinch of “ain’t nobody’s cooking better than mine” attitude makes Louisiana a go-to state for some of the best food I have ever put in my mouth.
When I think of Louisiana cuisine, the first things that spring up in my mind are crawfish, gumbos, deep fried foods, and lots of chicory coffee. On our latest visit to the state, we consumed all of these delicacies happily, but were shocked to see that Louisiana cuisine, REAL Louisiana cuisine was so much more than what we expected.
French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Native American, and African influences all make the Creole food of Louisiana unforgettable. The state’s Creole style of cooking is something that is worth traveling thousands of miles for. An well-blended array of spices and seasonings mixed with some extreme culinary skills had me drooling over the tasty delights.
Louisiana’s fine dining scene is rapidly gaining a name for itself and people are flocking here for more than Po’ Boys and gumbo. The fine and extremely fresh seafood from the Gulf makes up so many exciting dishes. You just can’t beat the seafood you get here in Louisiana.
Even this shrimp salad was amazing. Fresh seafood is found everywhere and prepared with style and panache. The love and attention that the folks in Louisiana put into their dishes make for mouth-watering works of art.
With influences from all corners of the world and a bit of Southern charm, it’s easy to see why people (self-included) have started planning their trips around the state’s grub. From amazing seafood to thick-cut slabs of perfectly prepared meat, there is something for every palette.
And what meal would be complete without a lil’ smidge of dessert? The bread puddings are to die for. Beignets and pralines are everywhere. Take a trip to Louisiana and branch out with your tastebuds. Just make sure to leave some room for dessert.
Looks delicious!! The local cuisine certainly is a mix of many tasty styles and more than just gumbo, which you prove just with your pictures! Thanks for sharing your culinary trip!
Lovely article the photos look lovely especially would love to try the duck nachos
Debra, come on in! The Duck Nachos are one of the favorites at The Pelican House. We hope you come by soon and enjoy for yourself!
I grew up in Louisiana, and it’s still my favorite type of food. It’s hard to find LA food outside of the state as well. You just made me so homesick for bread pudding!!
Well obviously I shouldn’t have read this right before lunch! Awesome photos. I need those duck nachos ASAP
Every last thing looks so good! I have family in NOLA and you’d think I would have gone already. But, if there’s anything I do know about Lousiana it’s that they have amazing food and they party hard!
Ok first: it should be noted that I’m legitimately starving (having not eaten since three bites of a salad LAST NIGHT) so reading and viewing this post classifies as darn near torture.
That being said: this state’s cooking absolutely IS worth traveling thousands of miles for! I do it all the time. It is my favorite food region because it is so unique, so varied, and often so very fresh.
Yum.
Caution! Don’t read this blog when you are hungry.
Great photos of those gastronomic delights…and I’m dying for some of that bread pudding.
I need a plane ticket right now! I should also know better then to read this post while hungry. Everything looks amazing but I’m always drawn to the fresh seafood.
OK, you just made me super hungry! Everything looks amazing and absolutely delicious, especially the fresh seafood! I really want to head to Louisiana sometime soon–great photos!
Nachos and bread pudding are two of my favourite things in the world!! I love getting to know a new place through food!