Beignets may be one of the least complicated pleasures in New Orleans: hot pieces of fried dough buried under enough powdered sugar to guarantee that at least some of it ends up on your clothes.
What is a beignet?
The New Orleans version is typically a square piece of fried dough served hot and generously dusted with powdered sugar. The contrast between the warm pastry and sweet topping is the whole point.
Add coffee
Beignets are commonly paired with coffee, and café au lait is a classic companion. Chicory coffee is also closely associated with the city’s coffee tradition.
Not just one famous café
New Orleans has a particularly famous historic beignet destination, but you do not have to limit yourself to one address. Trying beignets at different cafés can be part of the fun.
Accept the mess
There is no elegant way to eat a heavily sugared beignet outdoors when a breeze arrives. Do not wear your most precious black shirt and expect to keep it spotless.
I like beignets as a morning stop or an afternoon break rather than dessert after a huge New Orleans dinner.
They are inexpensive in concept, deeply connected to the visitor experience and ridiculously satisfying when served fresh. Sometimes a city icon deserves its reputation.