History is repeating itself with this year’s Super Bowl. Excitement is building as New Orleans hosts for the 11th time, and things are feeling familiar this February as fans gear up to watch another Chiefs-Eagles matchup. The big game will take place this Sunday, February 9 at Caesars Superdome, and beyond the buzz of sports fans, New Orleans is a city rich in culture. From traditional dishes to endless jazz clubs, the “city that care forgot” has cultural aspects you certainly can’t forget to experience while visiting. It may be tempting to stick to your roots with Buffalo wings and other common Super Bowl apps, but I’d recommend taking the utmost advantage of the Big Easy’s traditional culinary experience. Use this guide where to eat in New Orleans to learn more about the must-try plates of the city and the best local spots to find them.
Many of the classic dishes in New Orleans represent the cultural hodgepodge that makes up the city. Derived from French, Spanish, West African, and Native American influence, Creole cooking is famous for its use of seafood and spicy seasonings. More generally, a subgroup of the Creoles, called the Cajuns, influenced Louisiana cooking as a whole with their equally spicy dishes and focus on smoked meats over seafood. The greatest distinction between the two groups is the differing flavor profile in spices used in their dishes. Cajun seasoning typically blends a mix of ground peppers, while Creole seasoning is made of oregano, paprika, and other herbal spices. These groups’ influence on the cultural makeup of New Orleans makes the food scene irresistible and one of a kind. Almost every local dish can be argued as a must-try when making the trip, even if you’re only there for the football.
Beignets From Cafe du Monde
Originally introduced in the 18th century, French-Creole colonists invented a method for frying dough that gives the most surface area for powdered sugar. Known as the “doughnut with no hole,” beignets are the iconic sweet treat of New Orleans, and Super Bowl watchers can indulge in this snack all day everyday at multiple famous spots. Locals typically enjoy them for breakfast or dessert and have even adapted the recipe into a version that you can make at home. The oldest and most famous spot for beignets is Cafe du Monde, located in the city’s French Quarter. The chill atmosphere and open-air seating makes it the perfect place to indulge in this treat and take in the traditional French influence of the city.
Fried Chicken From Willie Mae’s
You may be thinking, “Enough with the sweets, Molly! Let’s get to the savory stuff.” Enter fried chicken, an American classic with an even richer twist in New Orleans. Louisiana knows how to do fried chicken right, and due to Creole influence, New Orleans offers especially good fried chicken. Noted for the unique spice blend, juicy meat, and crispy crust, this dish is a must-order when watching the big game from the home of fried chicken. I’d even say it’s a respectable football appetizer on its own – fear not picky eaters. For fried chicken in New Orleans, the best of the best is the famous Willie Mae’s, which is so good it even opened an LA location in 2022. If anyone knows Louisiana cooking, it’s Willie Mae Seaton, and clearly there’s a reason why her restaurant is the hottest chicken joint in the Big Easy!
Gumbo From Gumbo Shop
This traditional stew is arguably the most famous local dish of New Orleans. Referred to as Louisiana cooking’s melting pot by the Southern Foodways Alliance, gumbo’s varying recipes in different regions of the state make it popular among all class statuses. The dish today is typically made with meat (usually seafood, chicken, or sausage) cooked in roux, okra and other vegetables, which is what actually gave the stew its name. The term “gumbo” comes from West Africa, and the combination of these roots with French cuisine makes it a staple for New Orleans culture. Many Crescent City restaurants serve their own version of gumbo, but you must find your favorite by comparing different recipes! Try it for yourself at Gumbo Shop or Mr. B’s Bistro in the French Quarter, or at Neyow’s Creole Cafe near Caesars Superdome.
Jambalaya From Napoleon House
New Orleans really has it all when it comes to cultural eats. Jambalaya was first introduced to the city when Spanish colonists tried to make paella using local crops in place of what they had back home. Made with the chef’s choice of rice, meat, vegetables, and spices, this Big Easy staple is a must-try when visiting for the Super Bowl. I like to think of jambalaya as a “jumble” of all its ingredients, as it’s typically prepared in one pot; it’s also a jumble of all the cultural elements that make New Orleans unique! You must hit up Napoleon House or Coop’s Place for the city’s best jambalaya, but most New Orleans natives would argue it’s best enjoyed when made at home.
Po’ Boys From Mother’s Restaurant
Po’ boys are one of the most classic favorites in New Orleans, and I can promise they will have your mouth-watering during Super Bowl weekend. These sandwiches are comprised of roast beef, fried shrimp, or oysters served on French bread. The toppings are up to the enjoyer, as the iconic po’ boy is extremely customizable. I’d recommend mixing and matching your favorite “fixins” to create the ultimate Super Bowl sandwich! According to the New Orleans tourism site, the name “po’ boy” originated during a streetcar strike in 1929 when baker John Gendusa was tasked with creating a cheap yet filling sandwich for workers. Strikers would visit his shop through the backdoor, and when asking for a sandwich, someone would holler to the kitchen, “Here comes another poor boy!” If you’re dying to try one, but want to stay closer to the game, Mother’s Restaurant and Johnny’s Po-Boys are two popular spots within walking distance of the Superdome. If you want to pregame your beignets or other French Quarter endeavors with this hearty lunch, visit Killer PoBoys to optimize your time when visiting the city.