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New Orleans Gumbo Tour: Explore Culinary History

5.0

20 Ratings

New Orleans

Embark on a flavorful journey through New Orleans and explore the history and cultural influences behind the iconic gumbo dish. Discover the best gumbo spots and indulge in various styles while immersing yourself in the city's rich culinary heritage.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Jackson Square - Known as the location where Louisiana was officially recognized as a U.S. territory, Jackson Square features an equestrian statue of President Andrew Jackson and is ringed by many famous New Orleans institutions including Cafe du Monde and the Pontalba Buildings.
French Quarter - Your food tour will take place in the charming French Quarter, one of NOLA’s most historic neighborhoods, filled with excellent restaurants, bars, and a mix of beautiful architectural styles. We’ll be visiting businesses who have long enjoyed a reputation for some of the best gumbo you’ll have in the city!
St. Louis Cathedral - On this New Orleans walking and food tasting tour, you’ll be passing by the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States and known as the iconic, triple-steepled backdrop to Jackson Square.
Cabildo - Formerly home to the Spanish municipal government before the Louisiana Purchase, this neighbor to St. Louis Cathedral can be seen from the tour’s starting point in Jackson Square
The Presbytere - A neighbor to the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, this is one of the nation’s best examples of formal colonial Spanish architecture. We’ll see this beautiful building from the tour’s starting point in Jackson Square, before heading into the French Quarter.
Pontalba Buildings - On your New Orleans walking tour, you’ll be sure to spot the wrought iron–wrapped balconies that have long been associated with the elegant architecture found in New Orleans and affixed to these handsome brick buildings built between 1849 and 1851.
Gumbo Shop - We may pass by this enormously popular spot for Creole cuisine on our French Quarter food tour and where hearty gumbo, jambalaya, and classic New Orleans dishes have been served up for many years.
Napoleon House - This building has some stories to tell! Your guide may stop or regal you with tales of the Napoleon House as you taste your way through the French Quarter. All the traditional New Orleans dishes are served here, along with the famous Pimm’s Cup cocktail!
Muriel’s Jackson Square - This beautiful restored restaurant, once a private residence with roots in mid-1800’s New Orleans. During our gumbo food tour, we may pass by this luxurious building, one with a fascinating history and a paranormal past.
Café Du Monde Mail Order - Your walking tour begins not far from this famous beignet-slinging cafe offering up chicory coffee since 1862. While this venue isn’t on our list of tour stops, we encourage our guests to visit or ask their tour guide the best places to enjoy classic New Orleans pastries and drinks!
Washington Artillery Park - You might be able to spy from our food tour meeting point this raised park overlooking the great Mississippi and is a reminder of the complicated history and legacy of the American Civil War.
Decatur Street - A short distance from our meeting point, this street is constantly alive with street musicians, artists, and horse-drawn carriages. We may pass through on our tour or you’ll certainly be heading this direction if you’re heading to famous Cafe du Monde or any of the other great restaurants and bars along the street!

What's Included

Local English-speaking guide
4-5 tastings equivalent to a full meal

What's Not Included

Additional food and drink, souvenirs, tips and gratuities for the guide
Not all locations listed are guaranteed stops

Additional Information

New Orleans is recognised as one of America’s most distinct gastronomic hubs, particularly famous for a meal that epitomizes the city and its inhabitants: gumbo. This excursion through the French Quarter will tantalize your palate with distinctive types of gumbo and delve into how this robust meal encapsulates the spirit of the Crescent City.

Escorted by a local guide, you’ll traverse popular and under-the-radar food joints serving top-notch gumbo, unraveling the components that contribute to the Creole, Cajun, Native American, and African influences that have grown as migrants molded the city’s culinary landscape.

This expedition will leave you immersing in the vibrant history of New Orleans and scraping the last from your bowl with a piece of French bread, wrapping up with a traditional dessert with its own tale.

On your journey, your guide will highlight structures that demonstrate the city’s cultural melting pot just as gumbo does, comprising the Parisian-modeled Pontalba edifices and the emblematic St. Louis Cathedral.

Allergies and food restrictions or sensitivities may not be able to be accommodated.

Location

700 Decatur St

Decatur Street

Jackson Square, next to Andrew Jackson statue

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(20 Ratings)

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1 star

Edward_m

Jun 12, 2024

Great tour with a great guide - We had a terrific time on this tour. Neil brought the history of gumbo, creole and Cajun, to life. We learned so much more about New Orleans history at the same time. I would highly recommend this tour. Oh yeah, the gumbo was delicious too.

Review provided by Viator

942marjs

Sep 25, 2023

"Good for the body, good for the soul!" - Jimmy Buffett - Full disclosure: only thing I knew about gumbo beforehand was that Jimmy Buffett was a fan, and now I see why! If you're looking to do a deep-dive on one of New Orleans' most famous dishes, this is the tour for you. Our tour guide was Lauren and she answered all of my questions, including one I won't repeat about whether or not tomatoes go in the roux. I had a great time! Five stars and a fully belly. :)