Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter of New Orleans. (photo by Tui Snider)
New Orleans’ Cafe du Monde: A Taste of History
When you enjoy a cup of chicory-laced coffee and a plate of beignets at New Orleans’ famous Cafe du Monde (800 Decatur St, New Orleans), you’re ingesting a bit of history along with your sugar and caffeine. Coffee played a big role in New Orleans’ history, and at one point in the 1800′s there were nearly 500 coffeehouses in the French Quarter. Cafe du Monde is the sole survivor from that era, with a menu that is virtually unchanged since it first opened in 1862.
Coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde. (photo by Tui Snider)
Why do they put chicory in their coffee?
During the Civil War, when coffee supplies grew low, the people of New Orleans experimented with all sorts of fillers (such as peanuts and pecan shells) to stretch their dwindling coffee supply.
Adding the roasted root of wild endive (a.k.a. chicory) to coffee is an idea the Acadians from Nova Scotia introduced. To this day, chicory remains a popular coffee additive in New Orleans because, unlike the other supplements, it imparts an enjoyable flavor to coffee, and tones down its bitter notes. Chicory is also purported to have many health benefits, such as: lowering bad cholesterol, balancing blood sugar, supporting healthy liver function, and increasing bone density.
Tray of coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde. (photo by Tui Snider)
What is a beignet?
A beignet (pronounced ben-yay) is a deep-fried dough ball doused with powdered sugar. They are reminiscent of an Italian zeppole, and just a little bit like an American donut hole – only different. The cafe sells beignet mix, but I think they are best enjoyed in context, sitting at the bustling open-air Cafe du Monde and enjoying the ambiance of the French Quarter.
Cafe du Monde kitchen. (photo by Tui Snider)
When to visit Cafe du Monde?
Cafe du Monde is open 24/7, so if you’ve been barhopping, it’s a great place to wind down before heading back to your hotel. Even waiting in line for the bathroom is entertaining, since you have to stand right in the kitchen. It’s a hive of activity with the sizzle of frying dough and the wait staff dashing around in their paper hats. For a truly magical experience, head to Cafe du Monde shortly before sunrise, when the place is nearly empty, then listen to the birds, watch the sun come up and sip your coffee as the city shakes itself awake.
Coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde. (photo by Tui Snider)
What about the long lines at Cafe du Monde?
As I mentioned in Stretching Your Travel Dollar in New Orleans, you shouldn’t let the long lines at Cafe du Monde scare you off. Not only is the place teeming with waitstaff, but they are used to crowds and the line moves quickly. Plus, they only serve a few items here (beignets, coffee, orange juice, milk, hot chocolate and soda), so it doesn’t take long for your order to arrive. There are three other locations in town, as well. One is located in the Riverwalk Mall and offers great views of the Mississippi and a laid back vibe for those times when you really want your beignet fix, but you also want to relax and maybe write a postcard or two.
ABOUT ME
I <3 Cafe du Monde. It's been quite a few years since I visited, but I still clearly remember the experience!!
Stacey recently posted..A Girl’s Dream Closet
Hi Stacey,
I was hesitant to visit, thinking it would be too touristy, but it’s actually quite a historical place and oh-so-worthwhile.
~Tui
Cafe du Monde is a must see, must do, and an absolute MUST EXPERIENCE while in the French Quarter in New Orleans!
Hi Denise,
Yes – I was hesitant to check it out… Y’know, thinking it would be some sort of tourist trap,
or it was cliche, or something like that. But, long story short, it’s not! I love it there.
Thanks for dropping by my blog.
~Tui
I am so hungry after reading this. Plus I want to take a trip to New Orleans now
Visiting from #commenthour
Michael recently posted..How We Met – The Next Generation
Hi Michael!
Thanks for swinging by. Wish we could hold our next #commenthour at Cafe du Monde. Wouldn’t that be cool? Of course, we’d be covered in powdered sugar by the end of it, but it would be worth it. :)
~Tui
I love stopping by your blog Tui. You have so enticed me with this post. I don’t even like coffee but I want to go to New Orleans just to go to this Cafe. Of course I will be drinking hot chocolate with my beignet. Thanks for painting such a wonderful picture with your words!
Peace,
Morgan
Morgan Dragonwillow recently posted..Writing Fears – When Writers Stop Writing
Hi Morgan,
Glad you enjoyed this post! Even if you don’t like coffee, coffeehouses can be a lot of fun, and hey – I love a good hot chocolate, myself! :)
~Tui
Hi Tui,
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I’m glad you found it interesting. I was sitting in Cafe Du Monde a few weeks ago, strumming my guitar, drinking chickory-laced coffee, and eating, well, the powdered beignets and guitar didn’t play nicely together; but I put the strumstick to rest for awhile to try them out. Happy travels!
-Johnny Snelgrove
The Saltiest Minstrel recently posted..In Memory of Andy Mackie
Hey there!
Thanks for swinging by and saying hi. You were just in Nola, too, eh? Where are you now?
Happy travels to you, too! :)
Tui
OMG! Yummo! *drooling* <~Now look what you've done! :)
#CommentHour
Falanya recently posted..Singing Vlog Post #1 – "Good Morning Migraine"
Falanya,
If it’s any consolation, the photos have the same effect on me, too!
Thanks for visiting.
~Tui
I went to New Orleans quite a few years ago and my friends and I found Cafe Du Monde during our travels of the first day there….we had breakfast every single day for the duration of our trip… and sometimes again for the afternoon! They should open one up in NY. Can’t wait to go back to NO. Thanks for sharing!
Hi djrelat7,
I can definitely see how Cafe du Monde could become habit forming!
Thanks for stopping by!
~Tui
This sounds delicious! visiting from comment hour!
Caroline recently posted..Half Marathon Week 1 Training Recap
Hi Caroline,
It sure was! I really want to go back to NOLA. Our visit was way too brief.
Thanks for popping by from #commenthour. I’ll swing by your blog on my next blog hop!
~Tui
YUM! I need to visit!
Kimberly recently posted..my heart is full
HI Kimberly,
Do you live near New Orleans? Cafe du Monde is a definite must-see if you visit.
Speaking of, thanks for dropping by my blog. :)
~Tui