Visit the South to immerse yourself in the laid-back, mellow vibe of Cajun culture when savoring in the food, music and the beautiful bayou that influence the way of life of Cajun people. New Orleans has both Cajun food and Cajun music, perfect for visitors who are only in the city for a few days. But if you have time, it is definitely worth a trip to drive west of New Orleans to Lafayette, the true land of Acadiana where visitors can see more and dig deeper into the Cajun history and culture. Explore the bayou nature when boarding on a New Orleans airboat and learn the most about the beauty of the swamp when partaking in New Orleans swamp tours.
Savor the Bayou Flavor of Cajun Food
Cajun cuisine and its food are rooted in French cuisine and the term is used to describe the cuisine of the Acadian people. Unlike French cuisine in France, which is known for refined tastes, Cajun meals are often more filling, much more flavorful, but don’t look as polished as French dishes. The Cajun people were forcibly expelled by the British in the mid-1700s and migrated South. Their cuisine evolved as a direct result of the natural environment and resources at hand. Without refrigeration, Cajuns had to learn to utilize the whole animal (sausage is a specialty), and one-pot meals were the norm. Some dishes that belong to Cajun cuisine are gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and boiled crawfish. The Cajun cuisine utilizes something known as the “holy trinity” to describe the use of celery, green peppers, and onions along with a combination of different peppers such as black pepper or cayenne. On the other hand, Creole cuisine heavily uses tomato in its dishes, Cajun dishes hardly have any tomatoes in its dishes. Creole cuisine is also French based, it is strongly influenced by West African, Native American, Caribbean and Spanish seasonings. Authentic Cajun cuisine restaurants in New Orleans include Atchafalaya located on Louisiana Ave in the Garden District, Ray’s Uptown – a home cooked Cajun kitchen, and Cochon Restaurant – a charming, historic spot specializing in pork dishes & imaginative Cajun eats in downtown New Orleans. For a tasty and filling meal of boiled crawfish, check out Cajun Seafood in Boardmoor. Visit the French Market in the French Quarter to acquire spices and ingredients to cook Cajun meals.
Listen to the Rhythm of Cajun Music
Similar to the Cajun cuisine, Cajun music has its origin from French-speaking Acadian settlers with a blend of Creole, African, and Native American influences, giving it unique syncopation, minor keys, and call-and-response elements. Key instruments in Cajun music are the accordion, the fiddle, also known formally as violin, and washboards. The washboard (frottoir) is played with thimbles or spoons to add a percussive rhythm. The accordion’s naturally sharp sound drives melody and gives Cajun music its lively, easy to dance to character. Together, these two instruments create a distinct regional flavor, and dance drive to Cajun music.
New Orleans offers a wide variety of places that showcase Cajun music such as Tipitina’s, Malte’s, and Mid-City Lane Rock’n’Bowl. Tipitina’s in the Uptown area hosts a Cajun fais-do-do, every other sunday in which usually features the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band or another worthy group takes his place when Bruce is on tour; “fais-do-do” describes dance halls that focus on showcasing Cajun music. Located near Convention Center and the French Quarter, Mulate’s features to-the-bone Cajun music, every night. Lee Benoit & the Bayou Stompers and La Touché are the usual weeknight groups, and the wonderful Jonno & Bayou Deville usually make their appearance on weekends. Mid-City Lane Rock’n’Bowl ensures that Cajun and zydeco both make the roster at least once a week, and the bands on the stage are among the biggest names in the scene including Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Chubby Carrier, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, and so on.
Immerse in the Nature & Beauty of the Louisiana Bayou
The bayou is more than a landscape, the bayou nature has woven into the soul of Louisiana. Living in the bayou creates a unique lifestyle of the people here reflected in their easygoing and hospitable attitude yet self-reliance and a deep connection to nature. With its slow-moving water, often shallow and brackish water bordered by thick vegetation, the bayou is the natural habitat of cypress, moss, alligator, crawfish, catfish and shrimp. The mystique element of the bayou from its misty water, thick layers of cypress trees, and hidden creatures is often echoed in Cajun legends, songs, and superstitions. Spring and fall are ideal times to explore the Louisiana bayou due to the fair weather. For fewer crowds, visit in fall time. Spring time is filled with blooming wildflowers and active wildlife, French Quarter fest and Jazz fest also take place throughout April and the first week of May. However, summer is when wildlife stays the most active. If you want to challenge yourself in the hot and humidity of Louisiana, come and explore the bayou beauty at its peak during the summer months
FAQ
What is the origin of Cajun culture and its people?
Originating from the French-speaking Acadian people who were exiled from Canada in the 1700s by the British, these people moved to the south and settled in Louisiana. Cajun culture is a blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American influences; it is known for bold flavored foods, music and deep connection of its people to the bayou nature.
What is the difference between Cajun cuisine and Creole cuisine?
While both Cajun and Creole cuisine utilize the “holy trinity” of onion, celery, and bell pepper, the addition and use of different kinds of peppers distinguish Cajun cuisine from Creole cuisine. Not that Creole dishes do not have any spiciness in them, just not as much as Cajun dishes, Creole dishes often have the presence of tomatoes.
What instruments are unique to Cajun music?
Accordion and washboard are instruments that make Cajun music special and stand out as its own genre.
What are some Cajun dishes?
Gumbo, crawfish étouffée, boudin and boiled crawfish are some worldwide famous Cajun dishes.