When you visit New Orleans, you’ll hear the terms Cajun and Creole thrown around a lot.
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Cajun refers to the descendants of French Acadians, who settled in areas in Canada before heading all the way down the Mississippi into New Orleans. Cajun traditions blend French European, French Canadian, and American cultures into one.
(Creole, on the other hand, refers to a blend of African, Indigenous, Spanish, French, Caribbean, and other cultures. These traditions are descended from enslaved groups, along with free people living in the city of New Orleans.)
If you want to dive into the distinctions, I recommend sticking to official NOLA sources. Crescent City is home to a complex layering of cultures, traditions, and belief systems.
You can also take a bite out of Cajun culture when you visit the Big Easy, which is—hands down—the most delicious way to get to know the Cajun way of life. While you can find Cajun restaurants around southern Louisiana, New Orleans is home to some of the best eats.
Here’s where to find them on the city’s most mouthwatering Cajun food tours. (And don’t forget to set aside some time to savor a Creole meal, too—both are required eating in NOLA!)
Top Cajun food tours in New Orleans
New Orleans Boat Cruise and Cajun Seafood Boil Experience
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Is it a walking tour? No, you start with a short boat excursion, then enjoy your own seafood boil
- The Cajun factor: You’ll learn about nature in Bayou Bienvenue on a short cruise, which includes a quick lesson on seafood. Then you’ll create your own seafood boil in Cajun fashion with a master chef in the lead. After, it’s time to chow down on the Cajun specialty.
Hands-on Cajun Traditions Cooking Class
- Duration: 3 hours
- Is it a walking tour? No, you’ll stay in one place for this cooking lesson
- The Cajun factor: A Cajun chef teaches you the basics of Cajun specialties, like jambalaya and barbecue shrimp. As you learn pro techniques from a seasoned chef, you’ll also get the low-down on Louisiana’s unique cultural history—Cajun tales included.
Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class in New Orleans
- Duration: 3 hours
- Is it a walking tour? No, it’s a cooking class
- The Cajun factor: The same company as above (The Mardi Gras School of Cooking) also runs a Cajun roux cooking class. Roux is the base for those delicious sauces that compose many NOLA dishes. It’s so important that it’s called the Cajun Holy Trinity. Learn about that, plus more, on this hands-on cooking class.
New Orleans Street Food Tour With A Local Guide
- Duration: 3 hours
- Is it a walking tour? Yes, come ready to wander
- The Cajun factor: As you explore the hugely popular French Quarter, your guide shows you the very best, from Bourbon Street to St. Louis Cathedral. As you venture, you’ll stop for beloved local bites—including Cajun hits like gumbo.
French Quarter Food Tour: 5 Classic Bites and NOLA Stories
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Is it a walking tour? Yes, wear your comfy shoes
- The Cajun factor: This is another French Quarter food tour that incorporates Cajun elements. If you’re looking for the chance to learn about and differentiate Cajun food from Creole food, and even from general Southern favorites, this tour will teach you the basics.
New Orleans Private Food Tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Is it a walking tour? Partly—you’ll sit for meals a lot, as well
- The Cajun factor: This private tour lets you take on Cajun dishes at your own pace. The local guide who runs this tour specializes in introducing picky eaters to NOLA’s favorite dishes, indulging Cajun specialties. If you’re a little worried about all the seafood, book this tour—the host knows which dishes you can handle.
New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl
- Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Is it a walking tour? Yes, you’ll walk from bar to bar
- The Cajun factor: There’s no direct Cajun factor at play—but you’ll get to sample some of New Orleans’ most celebrated bar bites like locals would. In other words, you’re eating like a Cajun on this tour.
French Quarter Food Walking Tour with Tastings
- Duration: Not listed
- Is it a walking tour? Yes, come hungry with your walking shoes on
- The Cajun factor: Delve into the French Quarter to sample some of the city’s favorite Cajun and Creole dishes. Once again, if you want to learn the basics of differentiating Cajun and Creole foods, it’s a great introduction.
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