News

If you were stationed here in Louisiana, you may have noticed that the people in The Bayou State take food pretty seriously here. Rather than a strict “meat and potatoes” diet, you were probably exposed to gumbo, etouffee, and dishes incorporating our bounty of fresh fish and seafood, a perk that comes from being so close to the Gulf of Mexico. However, as a full-time resident of the state, you are free to embark on your own culinary journey. So what food can you expect to discover in Lafayette and the surrounding regions? We’ll break it down. 

Local Restaurants

You’ll find a variety of local restaurants in the area and no matter what type of meal you choose, you’ll notice the food is just a cut above what you’re likely to get outside of Louisiana. Of course, there are excellent Cajun and seafood establishments ranging from more upscale to way casual, many of which have been serving the area for generations. However, you’ll also find delicious Italian, Mexican, Asian and even a Spanish tapas bar and grill. There are a variety of meat markets and butcher shops serving up delicious cuts of meat and homemade specialty items. Some of the best food around the area can be found at mom & pop establishments that serve simple plate lunches (commonly known as a meat and three) that elevate downhome cooking to another level. You may also be surprised to find outstanding fried chicken, sausage and boudin (seasoned rice and meat in a sausage casing) served at local convenience stores and gas stations. 

Festivals

In addition to festivals solely dedicated to specific foods like crawfish, shrimp, boudin, duck, beer (yes, we’ll consider it a “food”), and more, you’ll find delicious cuisine at every fest you attend. Look for sweet potato beignets, alligator sausage, crab cakes, crawfish nachos, bread pudding, shrimp and grits, duck quesadillas, and more. It may sound like a lot, but trust us, you’ll need sustenance for all the dancing. 

Trucks and Tours

Lafayette has its fair share of food trucks that pop up around the city slinging mobile fare that keeps locals searching for their whereabouts. Want to sample a variety of local specialties without committing to a full meal? Lafayette has numerous food tours that stop at area favorites to taste everything from shrimp po-boys to king cake. Feeling hungry and adventurous, you can embark upon the Cajun Boudin Trail to judge which, out of the 11 establishments, offers the best of this southwest Louisiana delicacy. 

Home Cooking

In Acadiana, people do not live by restaurants and festival food alone, just about everyone knows how to cook. Friends and family routinely assemble for summer barbeques, spring crawfish boils, and backyard fall tailgates, all of which are furnished with fare that rivals what you find at restaurants and festivals. 

Live in Lafayette and you won’t go hungry.