The Best Cajun Food in French Quarter: A Culinary Adventure

If you’re looking for a taste of New Orleans, there’s no better place to start your culinary journey than the French Quarter. Known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and mouth-watering cuisine, the French Quarter is a foodie’s paradise. From gumbo to jambalaya to po’boys, there’s no shortage of classic Cajun dishes to sample. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of the best Cajun food in French Quarter, exploring the history and flavor of each dish along the way.

The History of Cajun Food in French Quarter

Before we dive into the best Cajun food in French Quarter, let’s take a quick look at the history of this unique and delicious cuisine. Cajun food originated in Louisiana, and is a blend of French, Spanish, and African-American culinary traditions. The word Cajun comes from the French word Acadien, which refers to the French colonists who settled in Canada in the 17th century. When the British took over Canada in 1763, many Acadians were forced to leave and ended up in Louisiana, where they brought their unique cuisine with them.

Over time, Cajun food evolved to include a variety of different flavors and ingredients, such as crawfish, shrimp, and sausage. Today, Cajun cuisine is a beloved part of Louisiana’s cultural heritage, and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

The Best Cajun Food in French Quarter: Our Top Picks

Gumbo 🍲

Gumbo is a thick stew that’s made with a roux (a mixture of flour and oil), vegetables, and meat or seafood. It’s typically served over rice and is a staple of Louisiana cuisine. Some of the best places to try gumbo in French Quarter include Coop’s Place, Gumbo Shop, and The Court of Two Sisters.

Jambalaya 🍛

Jambalaya is a rice dish that’s similar to Spanish paella, but with a Cajun twist. It’s made with meat (usually chicken and sausage), vegetables, and spices, and is a hearty and flavorful dish. Some of the best places to try jambalaya in French Quarter include K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, Mother’s Restaurant, and Commander’s Palace.

Po’boys 🥪

Po’boys are a New Orleans favorite, and are essentially sandwiches made with French bread and a variety of fillings, such as shrimp, oysters, or roast beef. They’re typically dressed with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickles, and are a delicious and filling meal. Some of the best places to try po’boys in French Quarter include Johnny’s Po-Boys, Verti Marte, and Parkway Bakery & Tavern.

Crawfish Etouffee 🦞

Crawfish etouffee is a classic Cajun dish that’s made with crawfish, a roux, and vegetables. It’s typically served over rice and is a flavorful and comforting meal. Some of the best places to try crawfish etouffee in French Quarter include Bourbon House, Antoine’s Restaurant, and Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar.

Red Beans and Rice 🍚

Red beans and rice is a classic Louisiana dish that’s made with red beans, rice, and a variety of spices and seasonings. It’s a filling and delicious meal that’s perfect for a cold winter day. Some of the best places to try red beans and rice in French Quarter include Camellia Grill, Galatoire’s Restaurant, and Cafe Du Monde.

Muffuletta 🥪

Muffuletta is a sandwich that’s made with a round loaf of bread, meat, cheese, and a variety of vegetables and condiments. It’s a hearty and flavorful sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or a quick snack. Some of the best places to try muffuletta in French Quarter include Central Grocery, Napoleon House, and Cochon Butcher.

Boudin 🌭

Boudin is a type of sausage that’s made with pork, rice, and a variety of spices and seasonings. It’s a popular snack in Louisiana, and is often served with crackers or bread. Some of the best places to try boudin in French Quarter include Cochon Butcher, Mulate’s, and Boucherie.

Crawfish Boil 🦞

A crawfish boil is a festive meal that’s typically served in the spring and early summer, when crawfish are in season. It’s a social event that involves cooking crawfish in a large pot with spices and vegetables, and then serving them up with corn, potatoes, and sausage. Some of the best places to try a crawfish boil in French Quarter include The Joint, Cajun Seafood, and Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar.

Cajun Fried Chicken 🍗

Cajun fried chicken is a Southern classic that’s made with a crispy coating of seasoned flour and spices. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Some of the best places to try Cajun fried chicken in French Quarter include Willie Mae’s Scotch House, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, and McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin’.

Beignets 🍩

Beignets are a classic New Orleans treat that consist of deep-fried dough that’s covered in powdered sugar. They’re a popular breakfast food and are often served with cafe au lait. Some of the best places to try beignets in French Quarter include Cafe Du Monde, Cafe Beignet, and Morning Call Coffee Stand.

Bananas Foster 🍌

Bananas Foster is a dessert that was invented in New Orleans in the 1950s. It’s made by sauteing bananas in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and then adding rum and setting it on fire. The dessert is typically served over vanilla ice cream and is a decadent and delicious treat. Some of the best places to try Bananas Foster in French Quarter include Brennan’s Restaurant, Commander’s Palace, and Domenica.

Andouille Sausage 🌭

Andouille sausage is a spicy Cajun sausage that’s made with pork, garlic, and spices. It’s a flavorful addition to any gumbo or jambalaya, and is also delicious on its own. Some of the best places to try andouille sausage in French Quarter include Cochon, Butcher, and Trenasse.

Seafood Platter 🍤

A seafood platter is a classic Louisiana meal that’s made with an assortment of seafood, such as shrimp, oysters, and crawfish. It’s typically served with hushpuppies, fries, and coleslaw, and is a delicious and filling meal. Some of the best places to try a seafood platter in French Quarter include Acme Oyster House, Deanie’s Seafood, and Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar.

FAQs

What is Cajun food?

Cajun food is a blend of French, Spanish, and African-American culinary traditions that originated in Louisiana. It’s known for its bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and spicy seasonings.

What are some classic Cajun dishes?

Some classic Cajun dishes include gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, crawfish etouffee, and boudin.

What are po’boys?

Po’boys are sandwiches made with French bread and a variety of fillings, such as shrimp, oysters, or roast beef. They’re typically dressed with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickles.

What is a crawfish boil?

A crawfish boil is a social event that involves cooking crawfish in a large pot with spices and vegetables, and then serving them up with corn, potatoes, and sausage.

What are beignets?

Beignets are a classic New Orleans treat that consist of deep-fried dough that’s covered in powdered sugar. They’re often served for breakfast with cafe au lait.

What is Bananas Foster?

Bananas Foster is a dessert that was invented in New Orleans in the 1950s. It’s made by sauteing bananas in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and then adding rum and setting it on fire. The dessert is typically served over vanilla ice cream.

What is andouille sausage?

Andouille sausage is a spicy Cajun sausage that’s made with pork, garlic, and spices. It’s a flavorful addition to any gumbo or jambalaya, and is also delicious on its own.

Where can I try Cajun food in French Quarter?

Some of the best places to try Cajun food in French Quarter include Coop’s Place, Gumbo Shop, K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, Johnny’s Po-Boys, Bourbon House, Willie Mae’s Scotch House, Cafe Du Monde, Brennan’s