New Orleans is a food lover’s dream come true. Its culinary scene is a rich mix of French, African, Spanish, and Creole influences, making every bite an adventure in flavor. From breakfast to dinner, and even dessert, the city’s iconic dishes and unique flavors are a perfect way to dive deeper into the culture of the Big Easy. This guide highlights the must try food in New Orleans—perfectly paired with our curated 3 Days in New Orleans Itinerary to help you experience the best of the Big Easy in just a few days.

Beignets & Café au Lait – The Perfect Start to Your Day

What better way to start your day than with a hot, crispy beignet and a Café au Lait? Beignets are deep-fried French pastries, covered in powdered sugar, and served warm—crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside. Just a word of advice – remember to breathe before taking a bite, or you might end up with a cloud of powdered sugar in your nose!

Pair this sweet treat with a classic Café au Lait—a French coffee drink made with equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk. Head to Cafe Beignet or Café du Monde, where this iconic combo is served all day long.

Raw or Char-Grilled Oysters

New Orleans is famous for its fresh seafood, and oysters are the highlight. Whether you prefer them raw, served on the half shell with a splash of lemon and cocktail sauce, or char-grilled, topped with garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, you’re in for a treat. Oysters are often enjoyed with a cold drink, making them a perfect snack or appetizer. Visit Acme Oyster House for some of the freshest and tastiest oysters in the city.

Po’ Boy Sandwich

The Po’ Boy is a true New Orleans classic—an iconic sandwich that packs a ton of flavor. Traditionally made with fried seafood like shrimp, or even fried chicken or roast beef, the sandwich is served in a crunchy French baguette with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a tangy remoulade sauce. You can’t leave New Orleans without trying one!

For an unforgettable Po’ Boy experience, make sure to visit Parkway Bakery & Tavern, a legendary spot known for its perfect take on this New Orleans classic. Or, for a slightly more modern twist, Killer Po’Boys in the French Quarter offers mouthwatering Seared Gulf Shrimp Po’Boys that will have you coming back for more.

Fried Chicken – A Southern Staple

You can’t leave New Orleans without trying its famous fried chicken. Crispy, golden on the outside and juicy on the inside, this dish is a true Southern comfort food. It’s typically seasoned with a blend of spices and fried to perfection. If you want to taste some of the best fried chicken in the city, head to Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, which has earned a reputation for its out-of-this-world fried chicken.

Gumbo – A Rich, Hearty Stew

Nothing says New Orleans like a bowl of gumbo. This savory stew is made with a rich, dark roux, and usually features a combination of meats like sausage, chicken, seafood, or even duck. The stew is packed with spices and served over rice, making it hearty and comforting. It’s a dish that tells the story of New Orleans’ diverse cultures. Whether you try seafood gumbo or chicken and sausage gumbo, you can’t go wrong. Head to Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe or Dooky Chase’s for some of the city’s best gumbo.

Jambalaya – A Flavor-Packed Rice Dish

Another must-try dish is Jambalaya, a Creole rice dish loaded with proteins like chicken, sausage, shrimp, or duck. The rice is cooked with vegetables, herbs, and spices, making it a flavorful one-pot dish. Whether you opt for a classic red (Creole) jambalaya or a Cajun-style jambalaya, this dish is a perfect representation of New Orleans’ rich culinary tradition. Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop or Lil’ Dizzy’s is a great spot to sample this dish.

Seafood Boil – A True Cajun Feast

For a fun and flavorful experience, try a seafood boil. This classic dish features fresh shrimp, crab, crawfish, all other types of seafood, potatoes, and corn, all boiled together in a spicy Cajun seasoning. It’s served by the pound, and usually spread out on a table covered with newspaper.

You can pick and choose your favorite seafood and sides to create your own custom dish, or select from one of their signature creations crafted for you. The fun is in the mess—just dig in and enjoy! For one of the best boils in town, head to Boil Seafood House and be sure to try it with their signature in-house boil flavor. You won’t be disappointed!

Red Beans and Rice – A New Orleans Tradition

Red Beans and Rice is a classic dish in New Orleans, traditionally made with red beans, sausage (often andouille), and vegetables, all cooked together in a flavorful stew and served over rice. The dish has its roots in Creole culture and is one of the city’s favorite comfort foods. Try it at Dooky Chase’s or Lil’ Dizzy’s for an authentic experience.

Pralines – Sweet Southern Delight

New Orleans is home to the praline, a candy made of sugar, butter, cream, and pecans. These sweet, rich, and creamy confections are a perfect souvenir or treat to enjoy while strolling through the city. Pralines are typically found in candy shops and are a beloved part of New Orleans’ food culture.

I found it a bit too sweet for my taste buds and couldn’t finish it all on my own—so if you’re not a fan of overly sweet treats, it’s best shared among a group. That said, it’s definitely worth trying at least once! For the best pralines, visit Loretta’s Authentic Pralines.

Sazerac – The Signature Cocktail

 Sazerac is the city’s signature cocktail. It’s made with rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, a hint of absinthe, and a lemon twist. This cocktail has been a part of New Orleans’ drinking culture since the 1800s and is perfect for kicking back and enjoying the unique vibe of the city. You can find a great Sazerac at The Roosevelt New Orleans or The Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone.

King Cake – A Sweet Slice of Mardi Gras Magic

No list of must try food in New Orleans is complete without the iconic King Cake. This vibrant pastry is more than just dessert—it’s a deep-rooted Mardi Gras tradition. Decorated with purple, green, and gold sugar (the official colors of the season), King Cake is typically enjoyed from January 6 (Epiphany) through Fat Tuesday.

We had the chance to try this delicious cake at Mardi Gras World, but you can find this famous treat at many bakeries throughout the city. For a truly standout slice of New Orleans flavor, head to Manny Randazzo’s King Cakes or Gambino’s Bakery.

Fun Fact: Each King Cake traditionally contains a small plastic baby hidden inside. The lucky person who finds it is said to have good fortune—and the honor of providing the next cake!

Conclusion

New Orleans isn’t just a city—it’s one of the best food cities in the USA, and a true feast for the senses. From powdered sugar-dusted beignets to bold, flavorful gumbo and fiery seafood boils, every dish reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious to try something new, New Orleans offers a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. So grab your appetite and dive in—because in the Big Easy, every bite tells a story.

Planning a trip? Don’t forget to pin this guide and save it for your next delicious journey through New Orleans!