Locations | Cafe Beignet (2024)

FAQs

What is the famous beignet place in New Orleans? ›

Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter is the oldest and most iconic beignet shop, but several other cafes have become local favorites such as Cafe Beignet and Loretta's Authentic Pralines for their praline-filled beignets. See a full list of place to grab New Orleans beignets below.

Variations of fried dough can be found across cuisines internationally; however, the origin of the term beignet is specifically French. They were brought to New Orleans in the 18th century by French colonists, from "the old mother country", also brought by Acadians, and became a large part of home-style Creole cooking.

Cafe Beignet on Royal Street – the one that started it all! Located in a converted 1800s carriage house, Royal St. offers a European cafe setting with a lush, tropical courtyard.

The difference between classic French beignets and the New Orleans-style fritters seen can be found in the preparation of the dough. The former is made from pâte à choux, while those from the Big Easy are made from leavened dough that's cut into squares and fried until crispy on the outside and airy within.

Similar to Café Beignet, you will likely encounter a line to get into Cafe Du Monde. Depending on the time of day you arrive, the line might be down the block so come prepared for at least a 30 minute wait.

The Original Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. The Cafe is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It closes only on Christmas Day and on the day an occasional Hurricane passes too close to New Orleans.

“You know I wouldn't come to New Orleans without getting beignets from Café Du Monde — or six bags of beignets,” Kardashian wrote via her Instagram Story in November 2017. Commander's Place is equally as popular among A-listers. The landmark restaurant is known for its must-try turtle soup.

The history of the beloved beignet dates back to the 17th century. We can trace the consumption of fried dough back to the times of ancient Rome. Beignets are thought to have migrated with French settlers and were introduced to Louisiana when settlers made their home there.

Beignets. Sometimes called a "French donut," these decadent treats were brought to Louisiana by the Cajuns. A beignet is a square piece of dough that, once fried, forms a slightly doughy, slightly crispy pillow that is then the perfect canvas for a coat of powdered sugar.

You might be wondering, why are beignets served in threes? This tradition varies from place to place, but many believe it's simply because three is the perfect number for a satisfying treat!

Are beignets better warm or cold? ›

Make sure to fry the Beignets in batches and don't overcrowd the pan or the oil will cool down too much. Beignets are best served hot or warm straight after frying they don't taste nearly as good the next day.

Both cafes offer a distinctly different take on the classic pastry, the main difference being the shape and texture; Café Du Monde offers a "crispy" beignet, while Café Beignet offers a "fluffy" version. Café Du Monde's "crispy" beignet has a very even ratio of fried outer crust to light, airy interior.

The kitchen at Cafe Du Monde. I believe Cafe Du Monde sells around 30,000 beignets a day, give or take.

Yes, cash is necessary for Café du Monde, the famous tourist spot known for its dough and sugar-dusted beignets.

November 16, 2024

16, 2024 at the Festival Grounds at New Orleans City Park. One of New Orleans' premier fall festivals, Beignet Fest celebrates the city's most iconic treat: the beignet – a fried, square donut traditionally topped with powdered sugar.