In the Field

Lafayette’s Global Cuisine

By: Hannah Lee Leidy

Acadiana has been a melting pot of cultures since its early beginnings. French-Canadians immigrated here in the mid-1700s, and the Old Spanish Trail ran right through Louisiana, bringing together settlers and traders of all nationalities. Acadiana’s multicultural heritage has made Lafayette one of the top foodie destinations in the country today. Come sample and savor food inspired from around the world—without traveling too far from home.

Brasserie at Renaissance Market

Tucked into a fabulous antique and clothing store is a charming lunch spot with Lebanese flair. The Lebanese sampler includes three grape leaves, tabbouleh, kibbeh (seasoned ground meat), and hummus. The Hashwit Salad is another good choice. It features kibbeh stuffing, lettuce, tabouleh, tomato, cucumber, carrots, roasted red bell pepper, purple onions, and feta cheese.

Patacon

This cute little Venezuelan cafe might be small, but its following is big. Don’t miss specialties like the empanadas (meat pie), flan (baked custard), hallacas (tamales), and the restaurant’s namesake, the patacón, a fried plantain sandwich, stuffed with meat and cheese.

Cafe Habana City

Lafayette’s first Cuban restaurant and mojito bar opened 18 years ago by a Cuban family. All the food is cooked by Cuban mothers and grandmothers, so you know it’s going to be good. Feast on black beans, plantains, rice, beef croquettes, Sopa de Moriscos (seafood soup), Ropa Vieja (shredded beef), and roasted pork.

Pamplona

This European-style cafe is located in the heart of Downtown Lafayette. Order Spanish tapas to share like the marinated olives, ceviche, and escargot. If you’re still hungry, their paella and filets are hard to top, especially when paired with Spanish wine. The bartenders are among the best in town and even make their own tonic.

For more global cuisine from the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country,
click here. 

Date Published: 10.19.20
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About The Author

Hannah Lee Leidy

Hannah Lee Leidy is a food writer and editor based in the Carolinas. She is currently the digital content editor for Our State magazine, a position she came into following her time at The Local Palate. Her contributions have appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Bon Appétit, Epicurious, Culture, and Eater. She’s spent time working in restaurants in both front and back of house positions, doing everything from burning gateaux to expediting to shaking a Manhattan (don’t worry, this only happened once). An avid curd nerd, her favorite beat is reporting on boutique cheese makers; she’ll sniff out every creamery near and far whenever traveling. When not parenting a Bernese mountain pup named Ava, you’ll find her running or working on her lamination technique.

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