NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — New Orleans is known far and wide, as perhaps its most standout feature, for the unique and flavorful cuisine developed here. With such a wide breadth of options for visitors to try when they visit the state, it can be difficult for them to know where to start. This article aims to solve that problem by offering opinions and suggestions from Greater New Orleans area natives who have tried them all. 1. Seafood gumbo As you may have expected, gumbo must head off the list due to its nearly inseparable relationship with Louisiana's culinary tradition. GNO native Tettis Holmes suggests specifically seafood gumbo, a classic that has become associated specifically with New Orleans. For those unacquainted with the dish, seafood gumbo is a very rich, salty and spicy soup, typically served over rice, containing fundamental ingredients such as roux and "the trinity," which is a blend of onion, celery and bell peppers. Seafood gumbos will often also contain okra or filé for thickening. Chicken and Andouille Gumbo For the "meat" of the meal, visitors can expect things like shrimp and crab. For a more Cajun style, prospective foodies should also consider trying chicken and sausage gumbo, which may be made a bit thicker, like a stew. Taylor Swift doughnuts a big hit at New Orleans donut shop 2. Po-boys As suggested by GNO native Matthew Olivier, po-boy sandwiches are a simple-yet-delicious lunch staple throughout the region. The sandwiches can have one of any number of base ingredients. Common choices are fried shrimp and smothered roast beef on a bed of fluffy, flaky French bread. Po-boys are often served "dressed," or in other words, with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. (Facebook) An interesting and unique feature of the dish is where it can be purchased. Living up to its name, originally meaning "poor-boy," po-boys can be purchased just about anywhere that serves food. The sandwich is found everywhere from the most noteworthy local restaurants, such as Drago's in Metairie, to the average neighborhood gas station. 3. Jambalaya A dish further suggested by both Holmes and Olivier is Jambalaya. A meaty, rich, comforting rice-based side-dish, common to get-togethers in southeast Louisiana. Jambalaya, like gumbo, utilizes "the trinity," and may have Louisiana specialty meats like andouille sausage and, especially in Cajun areas, tasso ham. Some varieties feature tomato prominently, while others might stick to more consistently savory tastes. Regardless of kind, however, Olivier insists that this New Orleans classic is one dish he just can't get enough of. If you're wondering where to find it, much like with po-boys, jambalaya seems to be just about anywhere, from a gas station, to a restaurant to a big pot of food at a pot-luck Christmas party. Covington’s Boo Fest for ‘spooktacular’ fun 4. Beignets For the last two dishes, we want to offer some sweets to follow up the main course, and beignets are a treat that is so synonymous with New Orleans, local, Marisela Chiasson, believes that it couldn't fail to have a mention. Beignets can be found at plenty of Greater New Orleans-area restaurants and are, conceptually, simple squares of deep-fried, powdered-sugar-sprinkled dough. What could be more appealing than that? Monday Restaurant and Bar's sweet potato beignets (Courtesy: Kaelin Bass) It's not uncommon to see folks indulging in the pastry throughout the city, but one common place to find them might be at Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans City Park. Chiasson recommends that those new to the city give the confection a try, but they should eat it slowly and carefully, otherwise, she says, they could end up wearing the powdered sugar! 5. Doberge Cake Perhaps a bit more obscure of a dessert option, doberge cakes are a New Orleans original, based around several thin layers of cake, divided by delicious custard. GNO local Alicia Schmitt recommends them to anyone who likes rich, decadent foods. Schmitt says doberge cakes are often built around flavors like chocolate or lemon, but as one can see with local bakery "Debbie Does Doberge," it doesn't stop there. Due to the simple concept behind them, doberge cakes can feature many variations to try. (WGNO/Rachel Hernandez) Schmitt went on in our conversation, insisting that, if you're going to try doberge cake in New Orleans, you should shop around for a good quality from a well-known bakery, as that can make all the difference for this classic, local cake. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Victim of St. Martinville homecoming shooting identified, more arrests expected Couple marries in Austin hospital after wedding day ER visit Locals name 5 must-try foods for New Orleans visitors Terminally ill Illinois woman meets her idol, Jelly Roll Mensah, Hughes carry the offense and Tulane outlasts North Texas 45-37