A Beginner’s Guide to Cajun and Creole Cooking Classes in New Orleans

BY TPS STAFF

New Orleans is a city that lives and breathes food. Cajun and Creole dishes are not just meals—they’re cultural experiences that tell the story of Louisiana’s history. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, taking a cooking class is one of the best ways to get a true taste of NOLA’s culinary traditions. Here are four top-notch, real cooking schools that offer beginner-friendly classes in Cajun and Creole cuisine.

1. New Orleans School of Cooking

Located in the historic French Quarter, the New Orleans School of Cooking is a must-visit for anyone eager to learn the basics of Cajun and Creole cooking. Their hands-on and demonstration classes are perfect for beginners, offering a fun and relaxed environment. Learn how to make iconic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines while also getting a history lesson on how these foods became central to New Orleans culture.

Must-try class: Hands-on Cajun/Creole Cooking Class
You’ll get step-by-step guidance from expert chefs as you whip up classics such as crawfish étouffée, shrimp creole, and pecan pie. The class ends with a feast of your creations!

Location: 524 St. Louis Street, New Orleans, LA
Website: neworleansschoolofcooking.com

2. Langlois

Langlois offers a unique and immersive cooking experience in the heart of the Marigny neighborhood. Specializing in interactive, chef-led classes, Langlois is perfect for anyone looking to learn Cajun and Creole cooking in a small, intimate setting. You’ll prepare your dishes from scratch, using local ingredients, all while learning the cultural and historical significance behind each recipe. The chefs at Langlois make it easy for beginners to get involved and comfortable in the kitchen.

Must-try class: Louisiana Comfort Foods
This hands-on class focuses on comfort dishes like shrimp and grits, jambalaya, and bananas foster, perfect for anyone wanting to learn soul-warming meals.

Location: 1710 Pauger Street, New Orleans, LA
Website: langloisnola.com

3. Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SoFAB)

For those who want to combine a history lesson with their cooking class, the Southern Food & Beverage Museum offers classes that dive deep into the origins of Creole and Cajun cuisine. Their cooking classes are held in the Rouses Culinary Innovation Center inside the museum, allowing participants to learn from experienced chefs while surrounded by the rich culinary history of the South. Classes are beginner-friendly and designed to help you understand the techniques behind iconic dishes.

Must-try class: Creole Cooking Class
Learn how to make New Orleans favorites like gumbo, red beans and rice, and shrimp remoulade, with a focus on the flavors that define Creole cuisine.

Location: 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA
Website: southernfood.org

4. Crescent City Cooks

Located near the famous French Market, Crescent City Cooks offers a mix of hands-on and demonstration-style classes for beginners looking to dive into Creole and Cajun cooking. The chefs here create a laid-back environment where you can learn to make everything from crab cakes to bread pudding. Their classes are great for first-timers, and the small class sizes allow for plenty of one-on-one instruction.

Must-try class: Creole Favorites
This class walks you through the preparation of some of New Orleans’ most beloved dishes, including shrimp and grits, chicken and sausage gumbo, and bananas foster.

Location: 201 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA
Website: crescentcitycooks.com

Whether you want to master gumbo or perfect your pralines, these classes offer a delicious introduction to Cajun and Creole cooking. Dive into the heart of New Orleans’ food scene, learn from expert chefs, and bring the taste of Louisiana home with you!