A Flavorful Journey

Louisiana’s cuisine is influenced by a myriad of cultures, including French, Spanish and African traditions. Dishes such as étouffée, boudin, andouille, maque choux and jambalaya derive both their namesakes — and their flavors — from culinary practices across the globe. Not to mention, dishes with crawfish and alligator, rooted in the state’s own unique heritage, draws epicureans from across the globe. 

The two most iconic types of Louisiana cuisine are Creole and Cajun. Telling them apart can be difficult, because you can often find both variations of the same dish — there is Creole gumbo and Cajun gumbo, and Creole jambalaya and Cajun jambalaya. Creole cooking, which blends European, African and Caribbean techniques, rose to prevalence in New Orleans in the early 1800s. Cajun cuisine was developed by 18th Century French-Acadian exiles who settled in the swamps and prairies of Southwest Louisiana.

A common denominator of Louisiana cuisine is local seafood. The state has thousands of miles of coastline along the Gulf, making it one of North America’s most productive shrimp, oyster and crab fisheries.

Meanwhile, inland marshes and swamps contribute catfish (a white freshwater fish), crawfish (akin to miniature freshwater lobsters) and alligator. 

Louisiana’s eight Culinary Trails help guests sample the very best flavors the state has to offer. Each regional trail celebrates its cuisine, from world-famous meat pies in Natchitoches and Cajun boudin in Lafayette. Find out how you can travel the trail and experience the flavors of Louisiana's culinary scene. 

In Louisiana, we don’t stop with our unique culinary creations. The state is also home to craft breweries, distilleries and wineries. All across the state, sample fresh brews and wines that showcase local ingredients like blueberries, strawberries, roasted coffee and honey. In some cases, these libations are crafted to pair with Louisiana cuisine. And in South Louisiana, distilleries are utilizing the state’s sugarcane and rice to create spirits like vodka, rum, gin and whiskey. Learn more about the spirits of Louisiana at Louisiana Libations. 

In addition to the tasting experiences available in the state, Louisiana offers visitors a chance to get their hands dirty and learn how these flavors are made. Cooking demonstrations and schools will teach the basics of Louisiana cuisine with favorites like jambalaya, gumbo and pralines. Smokehouse tours will teach the history of andouille before you settle down for a taste. Many Louisiana farms offer “pick-your-own” opportunities, supplying guests buckets to harvest fresh blueberries, strawberries, pecans, herbs and more from the farm or orchard. No matter their individual tastes, visitors to Louisiana always leave with a new favorite food or drink — and exciting stories to go with it.