Asian Flavors Take Center Stage at French Quarter Festival

      

 How Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Korean, and Indian Cuisine Are Reshaping the City's Most Iconic Festival

If there’s one thing New Orleans does better than any city in America — it’s food.But what happens when crawfish bread and jambalaya share the stage with bánh mì, bulgogi fries, and sushi nachos?

Welcome to the new French Quarter Festival.

Over the past few years, Asian cuisine has quietly become one of the fastest-growing food trends at New Orleans' beloved French Quarter Fest. Long known for its rich Creole and Cajun traditions, the festival has embraced a new generation of food vendors — and they’re bringing bold Asian flavors with a NOLA twist.

And let me tell you — festivalgoers are loving every bite.

The Rise of Asian Cuisine at French Quarter Fest

It wasn’t always like this.

For years, the food lineup at French Quarter Fest leaned heavily into Louisiana classics — gumbo, po’boys, shrimp and grits. But in 2023 and 2024, something exciting started happening.

Asian restaurants like 9 Roses (Vietnamese), Bao Mi (Vietnamese/Korean fusion), Ajun Cajun (Japanese-Cajun), and Thai Nola began popping up in the festival’s vendor lineup — alongside iconic Creole institutions.

In 2024, that growth exploded.

Festival menus featured everything from Vietnamese eggrolls and pandan funnel cakes to sushi nachos and chicken tikka tacos. The food scene at FQF has officially gone global — and it’s delicious.

Must-Try Asian Vendors at FQF

Here’s a taste of the Asian culinary wave that’s changing the festival food game:

9 Roses (Vietnamese)

Beef & Pork Bánh Mì

Shrimp & Pork Vermicelli Bowls

Crab Rangoon & Egg Rolls

A Westbank legend — now feeding the French Quarter Festival crowds with authentic Vietnamese street food.

Bao Mi (Vietnamese / Korean Fusion)

Korean Fried Chicken Bao

Bulgogi Beef Fries

Shrimp Bao

Bao Mi has mastered festival-friendly Asian fusion — serving bold flavors in bao buns and loaded fries that turn heads and win hearts.

Nori Guys (Japanese Fusion)

Sushi Nachos (Spicy Tuna & Crab on Wonton Chips)

Sushi Tacos

This one’s for the Instagram crowd — playful, creative, and perfect for snacking between music stages.

Thai Nola (Thai Cuisine)

Chicken Satay

Pad Thai

Gumbo Ramen

Yes, you read that right — gumbo ramen. A NOLA-Thai crossover dish that embodies the melting pot spirit of the city.

Lufu NOLA (Indian Fusion)

Chicken Tikka Tacos

Aloo Tikki Chaat

Garlic Naan

Indian street food meets festival eats — bringing spicy, crispy, and tangy flavors to life

Why It Matters

The growth of Asian cuisine at French Quarter Festival isn’t just about adding variety.

It’s a reflection of New Orleans itself.

The city has long been a cultural crossroads — and today’s Asian-American chefs are bringing their heritage, their stories, and their flavors to the forefront. They’re blending traditions. Creating fusion dishes. And finding their place at the table — right alongside beignets and crawfish étouffée.

And festivalgoers are loving it.

Lines are long at these booths. Reviews are glowing. Social media is buzzing.

This is the future of New Orleans food — global flavors, local soul.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re at French Quarter Fest, don’t just stick to what you know.Try that bao bun. Order that gumbo ramen. Snack on those sushi nachos.New Orleans has always been a city of stories — and food is one of its greatest storytellers.

Right now, Asian cuisine is writing a new chapter at French Quarter Festival.

And trust me — it tastes amazing.

Follow Nola Asian Eats for more local Asian food guides, restaurant reviews, and culinary stories from the heart of New Orleans.