Although Cajun food originated in Southern Louisiana, restaurants all over the country now offer their own spin on the unique cuisine—and foodies love it. How did a cuisine that began out of necessity over two centuries ago rise to such popularity today? It started with the Acadians in the 18^th century, and then went global in the 1980s with help from a celebrity chef.

Origins

The Acadians first immigrated to North America and settled in Canada in the early 1600s. In 1755, however, when many objected to British rule, they were deported. The Acadians made Southern Louisiana their new home and continued their tradition of living off the land. They used staples like rice and beans in their dishes, which were readily available in the hot climate. They turned to the bayou for sources of protein. As a result, traditional Cajun food includes a variety of different meats, from crawfish and shrimp to alligator and Andouille sausages.

Popularity Today

In the 1980s, when celebrity chef Paul Prudhomme made famous his blackened redfish, Cajun food took off across the country. Unfortunately, Prudhomme’s and many other dishes outside of lower Louisiana are overly spicy. While the cuisine certainly uses warm and aromatic spices in its most popular dishes like gumbo, traditional Cajun food won’t send you running for a drink of water. Instead, it will simply leave you with a warm feeling at the back of your throat. Spicy or not, this unique cuisine’s popularity persists across the country because of the mixture of flavors and textures and the heartiness of the meals.

If you’re looking for authentic Cajun food outside Louisiana, you can’t go wrong with shrimp creole or gumbo from Buzzard Billy’s. This Lincoln, NE, restaurant, situated in the Historic Haymarket, features the perfect blend of Cajun and American foods, so there’s something to satisfy everyone’s appetites. Whether you want wings or a burger and fries or a hearty jambalaya, you’re sure to find something delicious on the menu. Peruse their online menu before you go, and don’t miss out on their happy hour specials. Call them at (402) 475-8822 with any questions or to inquire about reserving their banquet room for your next party.