Cuisine
New Orleans Tours
The Accidental Cajun does Creole
The Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase, was an advocate for both African-American art and Creole cooking.
By: JamesAC
Experience the Flavor of New Orleans Tours with The Accidental Cajun
When you think of New Orleans cuisine, you might picture spicy dishes and blackened fish. This misconception stems from the 1980s when Chef Paul Prudhomme popularized Cajun cuisine, making it synonymous with Louisiana. However, the heart of New Orleans lies in its Creole cuisine, a rich tapestry woven from generations of diverse cultural influences. But what does Creole really mean? How have waves of immigrants shaped the food of New Orleans, and what are the stories behind the city’s iconic and lesser-known dishes?
These are the questions we’ll explore on our New Orleans tours, a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure that takes you into the neighborhoods, introduces you to the people, culture, and serves up the cuisine that define this extraordinary city.
What Makes These New Orleans Tours Unique?
Every tour booked is completely customized to your preferences and interests, as well as to the unique experiences happening in New Orleans during your visit. Whether it’s a seasonal highlight, a vibrant second line parade, or the flavors of Mardi Gras, no two tours will ever be the same. Your experience is crafted just for you, ensuring you see the city in a way that resonates personally.
A Culinary Journey Through New Orleans
Dive into the stories, history, and flavors of New Orleans cuisine:
The Calas Ladies: Learn how enslaved African women leveraged their culinary talents to create calas, a dish that played a key role in securing their freedom.
Sicilian Sandwiches: Sample an iconic creation brought to the city by Sicilian immigrants.
The Po’boy’s History: Hear the real story behind this classic sandwich and taste one of the best examples in the city.
Vietnamese and Croatian Influences: Discover how these communities helped shape the flavors of modern New Orleans.
Old Sober: Experience a soul food classic that doubles as a street food legend.
Generational Craftsmanship: Visit a 7th Ward sausage maker whose family has been in business for over a century.
And this is just the beginning. Your tour will be tailored to the unique culinary and cultural treasures of New Orleans, ensuring every bite and every stop is unforgettable.
"I’m James Cullen, a professional chef, food and culture journalist, and award-winning photographer. As The Accidental Cajun, I offer more than just tours—I create immersive experiences that connect you to the essence of New Orleans. I know this city and its people intimately, and I’m excited to share their stories, flavors, and traditions with you."
What to Expect from Your Tour
Custom-Curated Experiences: Your tour will be shaped by your preferences and what’s happening in New Orleans at the time of your visit. Seasonal foods, local events, and cultural highlights are all part of the mix.
Duration: Experiences typically last six hours, sometimes stretching to eight for bespoke options.
Walking and Transportation: While primarily a walking tour, we’ll use public and private transportation to explore beyond the tourist areas and get deeper into the neighborhoods.
Seasonal Focus: From crawfish and oysters in their prime to king cake during Mardi Gras, the flavors of New Orleans will be at their freshest and most authentic.
Dietary Considerations: While New Orleans cuisine is rich in pork, seafood, and gluten, I take food allergies seriously and will do my best to accommodate your needs.
Cocktails Along the Way: Because no culinary journey in New Orleans is complete without a cocktail or two.
Discover New Orleans Through Food
Food is more than sustenance in New Orleans—it’s a story of survival, adaptation, and community. On these New Orleans tours, you’ll taste the hands that crafted it, feel the neighborhoods that defined it, and understand the history that shaped it.
Every tour is a celebration of the city’s ever-evolving culture and culinary tradition. Whether you’re sampling a freshly fried po’boy or sipping a cocktail at a historic bar, you’ll leave with a deeper connection to New Orleans and its people.
Are you ready to explore New Orleans like never before? Book your customized experience today and let The Accidental Cajun guide you through the flavors and stories that make this city one of the most unique in the world.
About The Accidental Cajun
James Cullen is a longtime chef, journalist, photographer, and proud New Orleans resident with a deep and abiding love for the city, its people, and its rich culture. A Boston College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English, James further honed his culinary passion at the prestigious French Culinary Institute, graduating in 2007.
Since moving to New Orleans in 2012, James has cooked and consulted in some of the city’s most renowned kitchens, immersing himself in the vibrant food culture that defines the Crescent City. His photography and writing have been featured in leading New Orleans publications and beyond, showcasing his dedication to telling the city’s stories through words and images.
Spiritually moved by the people of New Orleans—their culture, resilience, and heritage—James founded Accidental Cajun Experiences to share the magic of the city in a way that’s as personal and authentic as the community that welcomed him. Through these experiences, he invites you to explore the heart and soul of New Orleans, just as it was shown and shared with him.
