Essence Festival Foodie Finds: The Best Dishes to Try During Your First Time

Are you planning on attending the Essence Festival this year? If so, make sure to indulge in the local cuisine that New Orleans is famous for gumbo, barbequed shrimp, crawfish etouffee, and pralines. With hundreds of food vendors and restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go to try. That's why we've compiled a list of the best dishes (and some of our favorites) to try during your first time at the festival.

Food Vendors at the Essence Festival

There are many popular food vendors at the Essence Festival, but some stand out above the rest. One of them is Ms. Linda's Catering. Their signature dish is the shrimp and okra gumbo, which is a must-try. Another popular vendor is the Praline Connection, which offers delicious dishes such as fried catfish and red beans and rice. 

During the day, food is available at the Convention Center, where a good portion of the daytime activities take place, and at Essence Eats (which was across the street from the Convention Center last year). At night, vendors set up in the Super Lounges at the Superdome, where they compete with the more visible concession stand fare on the main floor.

Famous New Orleans Dishes to Try During the Festival

You can't visit New Orleans without trying some of its famous dishes. First on the list is the po' boy sandwich (roast beef or your favorite seafood). Ask any local where to get the best one in the city and almost everyone will tell you to go to a different place. There is one important thing to remember about po-boys – it’s hard to find a bad po-boy anywhere in this city and it's nearly impossible not to stumble upon an amazing one. Another iconic dish is Gumbo. Whether it is Gumbo YA-YA from Mr. B's Bistro in the French Quarter or Seafood & Okra Gumbo at The Gumbo Shop also in the French Quarter, you can’t go wrong. Then there is the barbequed shrimp. BBQ Shrimp is a beloved local dish. Despite the name, it is not actually barbecued and does not have barbecue sauce. Mr. B’s has a great version of this dish, as does one of our favorite restaurants, GW Fins. We make it a point to enjoy drinks and a lovely meal there when we visit New Orleans.  Now we are seafood fanatics and I love me some oysters. Charbroiled oysters are an otherworldly experience. Drago’s, located in the Hilton Riverside Hotel, created this dish of butter, cheese, garlic, and herbs combined to season the oysters, then grilled on the half-shell. Looking for a less formal place to stop after the daily events to fortify you for a great Essence Fest evening, head over to Acme Oyster House or Felix’s Oyster Bar. We like to walk over there from the hotel. We can’t forget about the crawfish.  It will be the end of the season, but many places will be able to serve up a plate of those delectable little crustaceans. Additional personal favorites are Muffaletta from Central Grocery and the Crawfish Cheesecake at Palace Café (don’t make a face until you try it).  You will find versions of many of these dishes at Essence Eats during the festival.

Desserts and Sweet Treats to Indulge In

Don't forget to save room for dessert! Creole Creamery offers delicious ice cream flavors such as praline and Creole cream cheese. The signature sweet of New Orleans is pralines, a unique candied treat. A trip to New Orleans and the Essence Festival would not be complete without a stop at Cafe du Monde for an order of beignets and café au lait.  When you have overdone it a bit, there is no better pick me up.  These fried doughnuts covered in powdered sugar are a must-try.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options at the Essence Festival

For those who prefer plant-based options, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available. One vendor to check out is Three Potato Four, which offers a vegan sloppy joe made with lentils and sweet potatoes. Another option is Sweet Soul Food, which has a vegan jambalaya made with vegan sausage and veggies.

Healthier Options for Festival-Goers

With so much indulgent food, it's important to also have some healthier options. One vendor to check out is JuiceNOLA, which offers cold-pressed juices and smoothies made with fresh, organic ingredients. Another option is the Green Fork, which offers salads and wraps with locally sourced ingredients.

Attending the Essence Festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture, including its food. With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide what to try. We hope our list of the best dishes to try during your first time at the festival helps you make the most of your foodie experience. Don't forget to share your food finds with us on social media using the hashtag #EssenceFestFoodie.

Crawfish Cheesecake from Palace Cafe

Charbroiled Oysters from Felix's

L & L

Your Frugal and Fly team