Hands-On New Orleans Cooking Class: Master Gumbo, Jambalaya & Bananas Foster
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness required; must be able to stand for the class length and handle light kitchen work.
Overview
Roll up your sleeves in the French Quarter and learn to make gumbo, jambalaya, and Bananas Foster in a lively three-hour class. Small groups, local beer and wine, and recipes to take home make this a practical, flavorful way to taste New Orleans culture.
Hands-On New Orleans Cooking Class: Master Gumbo, Jambalaya & Bananas Foster
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Push open the door at 524 St. Louis Street and the city greets you with warm spice and louder voices: a chef’s laugh, a pot’s steady simmer, and the low thrum of jazz drifting in from the street. In this three-hour, hands-on class in the French Quarter you don’t watch— you cook. Paired on five cooktops with no more than nine other people, you chop, stir, season and build an authentic Louisiana meal from starter to dessert under an experienced local chef’s direction.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Check in 10–15 minutes before start time at 524 St. Louis Street to get settled and meet your chef.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes—kitchen floors can be slick and you’ll be on your feet for most of the class.
Note Dietary Needs
Declare allergies or restrictions when booking—there’s a $5 onsite fee for special requests and advance notice helps the chef adapt recipes.
Capture Process Photos
Bring a phone or small camera for step-by-step photos; you’ll get printed recipes but images help with technique later.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelican (along the river and nearby wetlands)
- Great egret (seen in city parks and waterfront areas)
History
The dishes taught reflect New Orleans’ Creole and Cajun roots—recipes evolved from French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences arriving through the port.
Conservation
Local chefs emphasize sustainable Gulf seafood and suggest swaps for overfished species; sourcing choices matter in preserving the delta’s fisheries.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe shoes
Protects your feet and keeps you comfortable during long periods of standing.
Notebook or phone for photos
Helps you record steps and timing for recipes you want to recreate at home.
Light layers
Kitchens can be warm while the streets outside are cool—layers keep you comfortable.
fall specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated between tastings and after cooking in humid New Orleans weather.
summer specific