Louisiana’s cuisine is influenced by a myriad of cultures including French, Spanish, African, and more, with names to suit those cultures like gumbo, étouffée, boudin, andouille, maque choux, and jambalaya. It also includes some of Louisiana’s fresh seafood that visitors may never have sampled like crawfish or alligator. It’s no wonder that Louisiana food draws such interest and curiosity from outsiders.

The two most iconic types of Louisiana cuisine are Creole and Cajun. Creole is a fusion of European, African and Caribbean cooking techniques using Louisiana ingredients that rose to prevalence in New Orleans in the early 1800s. Cajun is the cuisine of 18th Century French-Acadian exiles who settled in the swamps and prairies of southwest Louisiana. One insider tip to help you tell the difference is that tomatoes are fairly common in Creole and somewhat rare in Cajun.

Across the state, Louisiana has a variety of food trails celebrating local delicacies from crawfish to andouille and hot sauce.

Boudin is so popular that there are two trails that honor it – the SWLA Boudin Trail in the Lake Charles area and the Cajun Boudin Trail in the Lafayette area. A staple in the southern regions of Louisiana, boudin is uncomplicated on its surface – pork, rice and seasonings stuffed into an edible casing.

Over in Louisiana’s River Parishes, get a taste of the Andouille Trail where this spicy, smoky delicacy is celebrated in both traditional and inventive ways. Andouille is traditionally found in jambalaya and gumbo, and along the trail you can try it as well as see how it’s made.

In the Houma-Terrebonne area, spice things up with the Bayou Country Crawfish Trail. Here, you’ll see the diverse ways to enjoy crawfish – from boiled, to fried, to stewed in an étouffée and served over rice and more.

Along the southeastern coastline you’ll find Jefferson Parish, which boasts the Louisiana Oyster Trail. Visitors can savour fresh Louisiana oysters prepared every way imaginable and see a decorative oyster statue at each stop.

Along the Cajun Coast you’ll find the Shrimply Delicious Food Trail – featuring restaurants that serve local Gulf shrimp in mouthwatering concoctions. There’s shrimp étouffée, shrimp and sausage bread pudding, shrimp and grits, shrimp po’boys and everything in between.

More of a soul food fan? Head north and taste the official meal of northern Louisiana – the plate lunch. Main dishes include fried catfish or chicken and barbecue chicken or ribs. Sides include everything from collard or mustard greens to black-eyed peas, baked sweet potatoes and of course rice with gravy. Homemade biscuits or cornbread round out the meal. Accepted desserts include pecan pie and peach cobbler. And to wash it all down – sweet tea, naturally! If you’re looking for a delicious handheld treat, the iconic Natchitoches meat pie is a must-have.

Whether you’re a die-hard spice lover or simply testing the waters when it comes to bold flavours, the Louisiana Hot Sauce Trail is a surefire way to sample the culinary traditions weaving their way through the soul of Louisiana.

With stops at legendary producers, artisan sauce makers and local restaurants across the state, you’ll get to taste, tour and learn — from small-batch hot sauces to iconic names — and discover how Louisiana locals use heat to bring their food to life.

These are just some of the unique flavours you can find in Louisiana, where a diverse culture has created an ideal culinary tour!

Learn more about Louisiana’s regional food trails at https://www.explorelouisiana.com/articles/louisianas-scrumptious-food-trails