A Taste of a Louisiana Favorite: Beignets

No visit to Louisiana is complete without tasting warm, airy beignets fresh from a bakery or café. Typically beignets are fried, fluffy pieces of dough, served hot and doused with powdered sugar — but some bakers stuff the pastry with chocolate or fruit jams, or with savory delights like seafood and Cajun spices. As a staple of Louisiana’s culinary scene, these indulgent treats can be found at eateries throughout the state.

North Louisiana 

Stop into one of the bustling local cafes in a region that’s carving out its own foodie identity with fresh beignets made with regional flavors. 

Marilynn’s Place

Head over to this casual Cajun and Creole restaurant where beignets and coffee are served all day. This spot is rated the #1 place to get beignets in Shreveport on both Yelp and TripAdvisor. Aside from the sweets, savor delicious Louisiana cuisine like jambalaya, étouffée, gumbo and a large selection of po-boys. Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating. 

Caster and Chicory 

The aroma of rich café au lait and sweet beignets draws customers walking by to this family-owned food truck. Get a beignet slider with fries for lunch or stick to the sweet with beignets filled with Nutella, fruit preserves, cinnamon sugar and more. Check their social pages to see where in West Monroe they will be that day. 

Central Louisiana 

From weekend brunch spots to roadside bakeries, try the simple, soulful treat in charming communities. 

French Market Express 

This treasure proves not to judge a book by its cover. Located off I-94 in Natchitoches, what looks like a roadside gas station with a convenience store is a local-favorite Cajun restaurant and bakery. Aside from the fluffy sweets, they also offer tasty po-boy sandwiches, their famous Louisiana yam cake and an exceptional wine selection. 

PJ’s Coffee 

What started as a single shop in the Carrollton neighborhood of New Orleans has now exploded to over 100 locations in Louisiana alone. Order beignets, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and lunch options at these grab-and-go eateries. Find two locales of this franchise in Central Louisiana, one in Alexandria and the other in nearby Pineville. 

South Louisiana 

Find freshly fried beignets that blend the strong tradition of the delightful sweet with the creativity of local chefs. 

Coffee Call 

Founded in 1976, this Baton Rouge gem has made a name for itself as a contender for the best beignets in the state. You will often find students from nearby Louisiana State University studying while enjoying fresh coffee and beignets. If you’re not a coffee drinker, beignets pair well with their hot chocolate — often referred to as the best in Louisiana. 

Nina P’s Cafe 

The mother-daughter duo behind this staple in Lake Charles has been cooking Louisiana favorites for over 20 years. Enjoy delicious seafood dishes, po-boys piled high and a gumbo that’s been named the best in Southwest Louisiana for over a decade. Save room for dessert — several different flavors of beignets are available, as well as a king-cake cheesecake. 

T-Coon’s Restaurant 

This cozy eatery in Lafayette has been serving home-cooked breakfast classics, Cajun-Creole dishes and Southern comfort foods for four generations. During that time, the family has perfected their beignets, which serve as a perfect sweet treat after a meal like the crawfish étouffée, catfish sliders, gumbo (served on cold days) or fried shrimp. 

New Orleans Area 

New Orleans celebrates beignets as more than just a pastry, but a culinary icon that flaunts the city’s French influence. 

Café du Monde 

When thinking about beignets, Café du Monde is most likely the first spot that comes to mind. The original store, with its iconic green-and-white striped awning, opened in 1862 in New Orleans’ French Market. Visit other New Orleans locations in City Park, Riverwalk and the airport, or at five other area locations, including on the Northshore. 

Café Beignet 

Locals and travelers alike enjoy the family-oriented restaurants that have been cooking up the sweet delights for decades. Find five brick-and-mortar locations spread out in New Orleans’ French Quarter and Central Business District, while the food truck can be found popping around the Crescent City, especially during festivals and events. 

At Home 

You don’t need to be in Louisiana to try one of these iconic doughnut-like treats. Order Café du Monde’s beignet mix and coffee grounds online. Cajun Grocer also offers mixes and ingredient boxes to cook the pillowy doughnuts at home.