Top 5 Exotic New Orleans Foods

While traveling to a strange land, a wise man once told me, “remember, the way things are here isn’t wrong, they’re just different.” With that much more open minded approach to life, I’ve expanded my horizons more than I ever thought I would. I’ve done things I otherwise wouldn’t, been places I never thought I’d see, and most importantly eaten things I definitely never would have before. So while some of you may call this the Top Five Weirdest Foods in New Orleans, just remember “it isn’t weird, it’s just exotic!” Without further delay, here are our Top Five Exotic New Orleans Foods (in no particular order as always).

1. Raw Oysters

The Gulf of Mexico gives us plenty of amazing food, but most of it isn’t even worthy of discussion as an exotic food. The raw oyster, on the other hand, gives a few people pause. What they don’t know, is what they’re missing out on. A little horseradish and a little cocktail sauce, with possibly a little squeeze of lemon and you’re looking at a great start to any meal. Add the oyster’s legendary reputation as a natural aphrodisiac and your evening is sure to go well.

2. Pralines

The praline makes this list for one reason, looks. On paper, the praline is an unstoppable force, but it’s not the most beautiful Southern dessert. Made from sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, and pecans, there is noting but pure deliciousness in a praline. If you don’t need your sweets to be pretty, the praline is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth you may have, and then some. For my money, Southern Candymakers has some of the best in the city.

3. Alligator (any way it comes)

You’re not likely to find alligator on the menu in most places outside of southern Louisiana. Even if you do, it is likely put there as a curiosity. That’s not the case here! Alligator can be found on menus across New Orleans because the meat is fantastically versatile. It’s perfect for making sausage, dropping into a gumbo or frying up. Just the other day I had a knock out spicy alligator sausage from Parkway Bakery and Tavern. Definitely something to write home about.

4. Beignets

French foods have a reputation (often well deserved) for being fancy, elegant and tasty. The beignet is a French doughnut, and they are the most elegant a doughnut can be. The light, delicious square of fried dough and its powdered sugar topping make for a great way to start the day or fabulous close to the evening. Like I have since I was a kid, I take mine with a side of chocolate milk. If you’re feeling a little more adult, a little cafe au lait is a great complement. Cafe Du Monde is the classic home for these tasty treats.

 

5. Muffaletta

Local legend promises that the muffaletta was first served at Central Grocery Co. right on Decatur Street in the French Quarter, although others argue they were the first shop to hawk the massive sandwiches of marinated olive salad, capicola, salami, pepperoni, emmentaler, ham and provolone. I’m not about to start deciding who was first, but I don’t mind giving you my opinion on who is delicious. While you can’t go wrong with Central Grocery, if you aren’t crazy about olives or like your cheese a little melty, head on over to Napoleon House for my favorite muffaletta in town!

What’s your favorite exotic New Orleans food? Let us know in the comments!

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Tagged as: alligator, beignets, Cafe au lait, Cafe Du Monde, Central Grocery Co., Louisiana seafood, muffaletta, Napoleon House, Oysters, Parkway Bakery and Tavern, Pralines, Southern Candymakers