All about beignets

Many imitators of iconic New Orleans treats claim to be “just as good” or “exactly the same.” But these are imposters. A giant cinnamon roll is not a king cake. A snowcone (or—shudder—shaved ice) is not a snowball. And funnel cake or fried dough is not a beignet. 

Beignets may reign as the most iconic treat of all. Who hasn’t seen Cafe du Monde on every single New Orleans travel guide? The happy reality is that beignets are definitely, absolutely, gloriously worth the hype. Plus, in the treat economy, beignets offer huge bang for your buck.

Here’s what beignets are, why they matter to New Orleans, where to find the best ones, how to eat them, and (maybe most urgently) how to pronounce them.

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How to pronounce “beignets” in New Orleans 

Let’s start with how to pronounce “beignet.” You can’t really suggest a beignet run, order them, or talk about them while you’re eating them unless you can name them. Don’t be fooled by all the prissy vowels of French. Simply say: “ben-yay.”  It’s not perfect French, but in New Orleans we pluralize them “ben-yays.” I’ve heard egregious violations from NFL announcers and national forecasters anytime New Orleans is featured—crazy stuff like “bag-net” or “bon-yez.” But you’re an insider now. Practice if necessary on your streetcar ride. Here’s a video if you need more help.

What is a beignet?

When you gaze lovingly at them on a plate, beignets look like square, puffy pillows heaped with powdered sugar. They are often defined as a French doughnut, which is fair given that “beignet” is French for “fritter.” But beignets do not have holes like most doughnuts. Instead, beignets are cut into squares from a sweet, yeasted dough that is fried. The puffy texture comes from the steam that keeps the dough wet during frying. 

History of beignets 

Do you want facts or the story everyone in New Orleans tells? The local legend is that the Ursulines brought beignets when they came from France to found the first women’s religious order and Catholic girls school in the United States. The more-vetted facts suggest that beignets descended from Roman scriblita by way of Spanish sopapillas. The Spanish brought them when they took over governing New Orleans in 1762.

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In New Orleans, beignets quickly became inseparable from the strong, chicory-laced coffee sold at early street coffee stands near the river and public markets. These humble stands served dockworkers, market women, and morning Mass-goers who didn't have time or resources to linger in upscale cafés. Beignets represent a practical morning ritual of the city’s Catholic, Creole, and working-port communities.

How to eat beignets  

As often as possible, ha. Practically: beignets are nothing unless they’re buried under small mountains of powdered sugar. They’ll come with more than enough already heaped on, but don’t let that stop you from adding more from the shaker. Order a classic New Orleans cafe au lait to enjoy the platonic ideal: the sharp chicory plus steamed milk pairs perfectly with beignets.  

What to wear when you eat beignets 

Did you know that beignets have a dress code? It’s not about the degree of sophistication or coverage; it’s about color. With all that powdered sugar balancing on top of each beignet, if you wear black everyone will know what you’ve been eating. And do not underestimate the lurking danger of your companions blowing puffs of sugar at you. Beignet sugar is basically Louisiana snow and it’s almost impossible to resist a little mischief. 

Where to get the best beignets in New Orleans 

Cafe du Monde remains the most-famous beignet stand in the city. Even though the original French Quarter stand is usually crowded with tourists, the line moves fast so it’s worth a visit if you’ve never been. But if you have already enjoyed the historic experience at Cafe du Monde, you can find beignets anywhere. There’s not a great difference between various outposts, so choose one you like for ambience and location. 

Some of my favorite places to get beignets:

• Cafe Beignet on Royal Street is my top choice for French Quarter beignets. I love the tiny streetcar-shaped interior with mirrors, historic tile, and white iron chairs. It’s set in a former carriage house among lush tropical gardens. 

• Cafe du Monde in City Park is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. There are few tourists at this location. Enjoy your beignets and cafe au lait inside the vintage brasserie-style cafe or outside under glorious live oaks, then go walk the storybook bridges over the lagoons. 

• Morning Call on the end of the Canal Street streetcar line descends from another historic, family-run coffee and beignet stand. A hidden gem. 

• If you're exploring the endless delights of Magazine Street, The Vintage is great beignet stop. You can order a traditional three-beignet plate, beignet bites, or (as the menu reads) "one simple beignet" for $1.75.

• Yes, beignets can be a fancy upscale experience! Windsor Court’s Polo Club Lounge or Grill Room serve beignets in gorgeous dining rooms. The powdered sugar still comes precariously high, so: wear designer black at your own risk. 

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