A person is peeling a lobster with their hands.

Taste Louisiana Cuisine

Louisiana is famous for its distinctive food. The cuisine is a combination of many influences, including Creole, French, Cuban, European, Native American and more. Below are some Louisiana foods to experience which you will find all throughout the state.

A close-up of numerous red crawfish piled together.

Crawfish

No visit to Louisiana is complete without sampling crawfish which can be prepared in many ways. You will likely see crawfish ponds when you visit Cajun County.

A large pile of cooked, red crawfish.

Boiled Crawfish

A plate of shrimp in creamy sauce served over white rice.

Crawfish Etouffee

A platter of stuffed bread and a crawfish, garnished with herbs.

Crawfish Bread

A partially eaten shrimp omelette on a white plate with a fork.

Crawfish Omelette

A shrimp cocktail garnished with olives and greens served in a glass.

Seafood

A close-up of orange cooked shrimp on ice.

Shrimp

Plate of oysters on ice with a lemon wedge and cocktail sauce.

Oysters

A close-up of multiple orange crabs stacked on ice.

Crabs

A platter of crispy fried chicken tenders surrounded by lettuce and served with a dipping sauce.

Catfish

Other Foods Popular in Louisiana

Most of these can be found throughout the state and different areas will have different ways of preparation. Enjoy!

A toasted sandwich filled with fried oysters, lettuce, and tomato, garnished with a lemon wedge.

Poboy

A bowl of rice in a flavorful brown broth, garnished with green herbs.

Gumbo

A coiled piece of sausage with a speckled exterior.

Boudin

A colorful King Cake decorated with frosting and sprinkles, surrounded by Mardi Gras beads.

King Cake

A cup of black coffee, a glass of water, and powdered sugar-dusted pastries on a plate.

Beignet

A glass dish filled with chocolate-covered treats.

Praline

A bowl of rice topped with red beans in a flavorful sauce.

Red Beans & Rice

A serving of dumplings in a creamy sauce.

Bananas Foster

(Photo courtesy of Brennan's Restaurant)

A cut sandwich with layers of meat, cheese, and greens on toasted bread.

Muffuletta

A smiling musician plays an accordion in a vibrant street setting, promoting Louisiana tourism.