Introduction
New Orleans. The name alone conjures images of vibrant music, historic architecture, and, most importantly, incredible food. But experiencing the culinary delights of the Crescent City doesn’t have to break the bank. Think you can’t experience New Orleans’ food scene on a budget? Think again! This article uncovers the treasures that make New Orleans a true food city. We’re here to show you how to explore the city’s unique flavors without emptying your wallet. The Big Easy is renowned for its rich culinary heritage and diverse offerings, from iconic Creole dishes to innovative modern cuisine. The beauty of New Orleans is that world-class flavors are often found in unassuming places, making it perfectly possible to enjoy exceptional meals without spending a fortune. Forget the fancy restaurants and celebrity chef hotspots – we’re diving into the heart of New Orleans’ affordable eats.
This guide showcases five must-try dishes in New Orleans, each offering a unique taste of the city’s culinary landscape, all for under twenty dollars. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the streets of New Orleans, where every corner holds a new culinary adventure waiting to be discovered. Let’s prove that New Orleans truly is a food city 5 for 20.
Beignets at Cafe Du Monde
No trip to New Orleans is complete without indulging in the city’s most iconic sweet treat: beignets at Cafe Du Monde. These square-shaped doughnuts, deep-fried to golden perfection and generously coated in powdered sugar, are a true New Orleans staple. Served hot and fresh, they’re the perfect accompaniment to a cup of cafe au lait, a blend of chicory coffee and hot milk.
Cafe Du Monde, a New Orleans institution since the early eighteen hundreds, is open twenty-four hours a day (except for Christmas Day), making it the perfect spot for a late-night snack or an early-morning sugar rush. The open-air cafe, located in the heart of the French Quarter, buzzes with energy day and night. From tourists capturing the perfect Instagram shot to locals enjoying their daily ritual, Cafe Du Monde is a place where everyone comes together to share in the joy of beignets. It’s a true taste of New Orleans tradition and a prime example of why New Orleans is a celebrated food city.
What makes Cafe Du Monde beignets such a great value? For around three dollars, you get an order of three beignets, more than enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. The experience is about more than just the food; it’s about soaking in the atmosphere of the French Quarter, people-watching, and becoming part of New Orleans’ culinary history. Beignets at Cafe Du Monde offer an authentic taste of New Orleans and a truly unforgettable experience, all without breaking the bank.
Find this New Orleans staple at Decatur Street in the French Quarter. Just follow the scent of fried dough and powdered sugar!
Po’boys at Johnny’s Po-Boys
The po’boy, a New Orleans institution, is a sandwich piled high with your choice of fillings and dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise. Johnny’s Po-Boys, a no-frills eatery in the French Quarter, has been serving up some of the city’s best po’boys since the nineteen sixties.
From classic roast beef and fried shrimp to more adventurous options like alligator sausage and oyster loaf, Johnny’s Po-Boys has a po’boy for every taste. The bread, a crucial element of any good po’boy, is perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. The fillings are fresh and flavorful, and the portions are generous. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that will fuel your exploration of the city. Johnny’s truly offers a po’boy perfect for any palate in this food city.
Johnny’s Po-Boys is a local favorite, known for its quick service, reasonable prices, and authentic New Orleans atmosphere. The walls are adorned with vintage posters and local memorabilia, creating a sense of history and tradition. It’s a place where you can feel like a true New Orleanian, even if you’re just visiting.
A fully-loaded po’boy for around fifteen dollars represents a phenomenal value. You’re getting a large, filling meal packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for a budget-conscious traveler. You’ll experience the authentic and traditional flavours that truly make New Orleans a memorable food city.
Johnny’s Po-Boys is located on St. Louis Street in the French Quarter. Look for the long line of locals and tourists eager to get their hands on a delicious po’boy!
Red Beans and Rice at Mother’s Restaurant
Red beans and rice is a quintessential New Orleans dish, traditionally served on Mondays, but enjoyed every day of the week. Mother’s Restaurant, a classic New Orleans diner, has been serving up their famous red beans and rice since nineteen thirty-seven.
This humble dish is made with red kidney beans simmered with onions, peppers, garlic, and spices, served over a bed of fluffy white rice. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cold day or any time you’re craving some comfort food. Mother’s Restaurant adds a touch of ham to their red beans and rice, giving it an extra layer of flavor. It’s a simple dish, but it’s executed perfectly at Mother’s, making it a true New Orleans classic.
Mother’s Restaurant is a New Orleans institution, known for its no-frills atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious, home-style cooking. The restaurant is always bustling with locals and tourists, all eager to sample the city’s culinary heritage. It’s a place where you can feel the pulse of New Orleans and experience the city’s authentic charm.
A plate of Mother’s famous red beans and rice will cost you under fifteen dollars, a price that’s hard to beat for such a satisfying and authentic meal. It’s a true taste of New Orleans history and tradition, making it a must-try for any visitor. Truly, to experience New Orleans is to experience its food city reputation.
Find Mother’s Restaurant on Poydras Street, not far from the French Quarter. Be prepared for a line, but it’s well worth the wait!
Muffuletta at Central Grocery
The muffuletta, a Sicilian-inspired sandwich, is another New Orleans staple. Central Grocery, a historic Italian grocery store in the French Quarter, is credited with inventing the muffuletta in nineteen oh six.
The muffuletta consists of a large, round sesame seed loaf filled with layers of mortadella, salami, provolone cheese, and a tangy olive salad. The olive salad, made with chopped olives, celery, cauliflower, carrots, and spices, is the key ingredient that gives the muffuletta its unique flavor. The sandwich is pressed and served cold, allowing the flavors to meld together. It’s a hearty and flavorful sandwich that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying over a few meals.
Central Grocery is a New Orleans landmark, known for its old-world charm and authentic Italian ingredients. The store is packed with imported cheeses, meats, olives, and other delicacies. It’s a place where you can step back in time and experience the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans.
A half muffuletta at Central Grocery costs around fifteen dollars. A whole muffuletta can feed two to four people and costs just under thirty. Even though it costs a little over twenty, splitting this meal with a friend is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and authentic New Orleans experience without overspending. It’s no wonder New Orleans is known as a food city when it offers such delicious options.
Central Grocery is located on Decatur Street in the French Quarter. Look for the awning and the bustling crowds inside!
Jambalaya at Coop’s Place
Jambalaya, a Creole rice dish, is a flavorful and filling meal that’s perfect for a taste of Louisiana’s culinary heritage. Coop’s Place, a dive bar and restaurant in the French Quarter, serves up some of the city’s best jambalaya.
Coop’s Place offers a few different kinds of Jambalaya, each a flavourful twist on the original. It features rice cooked with chicken, sausage, shrimp, vegetables, and Creole spices. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm you from the inside out. Coop’s is a place to sample local culinary specialties and is a good representation of what makes New Orleans such a celebrated food city.
Coop’s Place is a popular spot with locals and tourists alike, known for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious, affordable food. The bar is open late, making it the perfect place to grab a bite after a night out on the town. Be prepared for a wait, as Coop’s Place is often crowded, but it’s well worth it for a taste of their famous jambalaya.
A bowl of Jambalaya at Coop’s Place will cost you under twenty dollars. It’s a generous portion that’s packed with flavor, making it an excellent value for the price.
Coop’s Place is located on Decatur Street in the French Quarter. Look for the neon sign and the lively atmosphere inside!
Conclusion
So there you have it: five must-try dishes in New Orleans that you can enjoy for under twenty dollars. From the iconic beignets at Cafe Du Monde to the hearty jambalaya at Coop’s Place, these dishes offer a delicious and affordable taste of the city’s culinary landscape. New Orleans truly is a food city 5 for 20, and more!
Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the tourist hotspots and discover the hidden gems that New Orleans has to offer. From neighborhood po’boy shops to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, there are plenty of delicious and affordable eats to be found. Venture beyond the French Quarter to experience a deeper dive into the local scene.
What are your favorite cheap eats in New Orleans? Share your recommendations in the comments below! Ready to taste New Orleans without breaking the bank? Let us know which of these dishes you’re most excited to try! We hope this guide has inspired you to embark on your own culinary adventure in the Big Easy. Bon appétit!
