New Orleans: French Quarter Food Tour & Creole Tastings

Summary

French Quarter food walk with Creole jambalaya gumbo & stories

You’ll wander through the French Quarter tasting Creole jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and more—each stop comes with stories from your local guide. Expect laughter over muffulettas, Sicilian sweets on Royal Street, and maybe a praline for later. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve tasted New Orleans’ history as much as its food.

What’s the experience like?

We’d just finished our first bite of shrimp remoulade when our guide, Marcus, leaned in and asked if we could taste the difference between Cajun and Creole. I honestly couldn’t — not at first. The air outside was thick with that sweet gardenia smell you only get in New Orleans after a rain, but inside it was all spice and chatter. People at the next table were laughing about something in that slow Louisiana way, and Marcus grinned like he knew every secret in these old walls. He probably does.

The French Quarter is smaller than I expected, but somehow feels endless when you’re walking from one kitchen to another. We stopped under a wrought-iron balcony (the kind with ferns spilling over) to try beef brisket with horseradish sauce at Tujague’s — apparently they’ve been serving it for over a century. It was tender enough to eat without thinking, but I kept thinking anyway. There was this moment where someone’s jazz sax drifted out of nowhere and mixed with the smell of roux from the next spot. I know that sounds dramatic, but it happened.

I tried to say “muffuletta” right — Li laughed when I butchered it — and then we got cannoli and gelato on Royal Street. The guide told us about Sicilian families who shaped the city’s food, which made me look at every bakery window differently after that. My favorite part wasn’t even a dish; it was Leah’s praline melting in my pocket hours later while we wandered past painted shutters and peeling paint. You don’t really leave hungry, but you do leave wanting more time here, if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — French Quarter food and history tour

• Start in French Quarter
• Walk through historic neighborhood
• Learn about Creole cuisine origins
• Sample Seafood Gumbo and Shrimp Remoulade
• Taste Turtle Soup and Red Beans and Rice
• Enjoy Muffuletta Sandwich with Cannoli and Gelato
• Try Beef Brisket with Creole Horseradish Sauce
• Save Praline from Leah's for later

Top questions

How long does the New Orleans food tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours through the French Quarter.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated on this French Quarter food tour?

Yes, dietary restrictions are accommodated if you add them during checkout or contact after booking.

What foods are included on this New Orleans food tour?

You’ll sample dishes like Creole jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, gumbo, shrimp remoulade, muffuletta sandwich with cannoli and gelato, beef brisket with horseradish sauce, and pralines.

Is lunch included in this French Quarter culinary tour?

All food tastings are included throughout the walking tour; there is no separate sit-down lunch.

Does this New Orleans food tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; tours start in the heart of the French Quarter.

Is this walking tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What happens if it rains during the New Orleans food tour?

Tours run rain or shine; severe weather may cause cancellation with two hours’ notice.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all tastings along a guided walk through the historic French Quarter—think jambalaya, gumbo, muffuletta sandwiches (with cannoli), beef brisket at Tujague’s—and ends with a praline for later. Local professional guides lead every group. Dietary needs? Just let them know when booking or after.