10 Must-Try Foods in Lafayette, LA
Get ready to sink your teeth into some pretty great Southern fare.
Hungry? Well, it’s time to head South. Tucked away in Southern Louisiana in the heart of Acadiana, the charming city of Lafayette embodies everything that is Cajun and Creole — from the music and culture to the food.
“The food scene here, at its core, to me represents so much of the past — more so than most food cities,” says local foodie Gerald Gruenig. “You look at Lafayette and the history of Cajun and Creole people is rich, and so much of what the region is known for started here.”
From hearty gumbo to a scrumptious plate lunch that will stick to your ribs, it’s no wonder Lafayette is a culinary destination. But if you only have a couple days in the Happiest City in America, it can be hard to choose from its plethora of options. To make things a little easier, we sat down with Gruenig to come up with a guide. Here are 10 must-try dishes to get you started.
In This Article
1. A Plate Lunch at Cafe Coachella
Dished up hot and cafeteria style, plate lunches are a Southern Louisiana staple that are not only delicious, but also low cost and filling. At Cafe Coachella, hungry patrons pile up their plates with meat, such as baked chicken, barbecue sausage and stuffed turkey wings, nestled next to classic Southern vegetable sides.
2. Boudin on The Cajun Boudin Trail
Lafayette is known for its boudin, a hand-held treat made of a blend of pork, rice and seasonings that’s packed in an edible casing. You can get boudin almost anywhere in the region – and everyone has their own recipe. The best of the best can be found on The Cajun Boudin Trail, where stops like Billy’s Boudin & Cracklins and Don’s Specialty Meats shouldn’t be missed, though you can’t really go wrong on the trail, according to Gruenig.
3. Chicken and Sausage Gumbo at Chris’ Poboys
Since 1978, Chris’ Poboys has been serving up a variety of poboys, ranging from fried shrimp and pork roast to Chris’ special: ham, Swiss cheese, roast beef in gravy, mayo and shredded cabbage. The chicken and sausage gumbo here is also a winner — you’ll definitely want to order a large.
4. Boiled Crawfish from a Drive-Thru
You don’t even have to get out of your car to try one of Lafayette’s specialties – boiled crawfish. Crawfish are a freshwater crustacean and a popular seafood option in Louisiana with too many recipe varieties to name. With too many spots to choose from, you may just have to make a day of it trying some of the region’s best boiled seafood.
5. Crawfish Etouffee at The Cajun Table
Crawfish etouffee is a must when you’re in Lafayette, and The Cajun Table does this Cajun dish right. Fried crawfish tails and green onions in a rich gravy over rice — there’s really nothing better.
6. Catfish, Egg and Cheese Biscuit at Edie’s Biscuits
Edie’s Biscuits features melt-in-your-mouth biscuits that come in both sweet and meat varieties. Try the classic honey biscuit, if you have a sweet tooth, or sink your teeth into the catfish, egg and cheese biscuit (because you can never have enough seafood in Lafayette!) All their biscuits can be purchased by the half dozen or dozen. No one is judging.
7. Sunday Brunch at Market Eatz
Every neighborhood needs a good brunch joint, and Market Eatz fills this role in Lafayette. This fast, casual eatery features a brunch menu studded with twists on Lafayette favorites, like boudin eggrolls and pan pan deaux, a griddled brioche bread soaked in an egg custard.
8. Beignets at The Coffee Depot
Located in a unique vintage train depot in Scott, a Lafayette suburb, The Coffee Depot is a go-to spot for beignets and a good cup of joe. Indulge in a powdery beignet (or two) while enjoying the shop’s friendly small-town service.
9. Vestal’s Seasonal Fish Topped with Lump Crab Meat
For a fine dining experience, the cool, upscale Vestal is a great place for any occasion. The daily fresh catch topped with lump crab meat is the move, especially if you’re a seafood lover. Of course, with it being a steakhouse, you can’t go wrong ordering the ribeye, either.
10. Dean-O’s Marie LeVeaux Blue Point Crab Pizza
Lafayette’s pizza culture is special, as many pizzerias offer thin, crispy crusts with unique toppings. Dean-O’s is a popular pizza spot that piles on the toppings. Many locals swear by the Marie LeVeaux pizza, which features Blue Point crabs, mushrooms and onions.
This article was sponsored by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and One Acadiana.
