Possibly the most distinctive regional American cuisine, New Orleans cuisine encompasses Creole cuisine, Cajun cuisine and Soul Food. Creole cuisine is a sort of sophisticated fusion of French, Spanish, West African and Native American cuisines and is completely unique to New Orleans. Cajun cuisine is similar, yet a little more down to earth and with a heavy focus on spices and seasonings. Soul Food is an African American cuisine with Western African origins that is very popular in New Orleans and the Southern U.S..
Some of the most popular ingredients found in New Orleans cooking are bell peppers, celery, tomatoes, okra, garlic, chilli peppers, pork and seafood. Seafood is an extremely important part of New Orleans cuisine with fresh and saltwater fish and shellfish in abundance.
Some noteworthy New Orleans dishes include blackened seafood (heavily seasoned fish which is cooked in a sizzling skillet until blackened); crumbed, fried or baked oysters cooked in a variety of rich sauces; Andouille or Cajun Sausage, boiled seafood such as crayfish (or Crawfish to New Orleans natives!), shrimp and crab, and Jambalaya – a rice and meat dish cooked with Creole spices and vegetables.
Experience the incredible flavors of New Orleans with these participating Delicious USA restaurants: