Acadiana's Favorite Rice and Gravy Plate Lunches

ACADIANA - If you were born and raised in South Louisiana, chances are you grew up with someone in your family cooking the best rice and gravy imaginable. Like, award-winning kind of goodness.

What Makes South Louisiana Rice and Gravy So Good?

Louisiana rice and gravy is a foundational comfort food in Cajun and Creole cuisine. Of course, it’s relatively easy and affordable to make.

What Ingredients Go Into Rice & Gravy

But what makes it authentic? Here are some basics for a traditional rice and gravy dish:

• No flour needed: Rice and gravy gets its rich color and thickness not from flour or cornstarch, but from browning the meat and cooking down the vegetables until they melt into a concentrated reduction.
• The "Gravy Base": Cajun cooks build the flavor using the grâh-doo -- the sticky, dark brown goodies left at the bottom of a heavy cast-iron or Magnalite pot after searing the meat.
• The Holy Trinity: The base relies heavily on the classic trifecta of diced onions, bell peppers, and celery, sautéed low and slow.
• The Meats: Just about any protein works, from beef chuck roast, round steaks, meatballs, pork steaks, smoked sausage, or even rabbit.

Of course, some of us don't always feel like taking the time to stand at the stove and make rice and gravy. We'd rather just pick some up at one of the many great places across Acadiana.

Where Does Acadiana Go for Rice and Gravy?

We were curious as to your favorite spots around the area to get a good rice and gravy plate lunch. Below are the top 10 responses, but keep in mind that this is very unscientific, and there's a good chance your favorite didn't make the list.

Feel free to hit us up and let us know about other places that serve a great rice and gravy plate lunch. (We may just make a much bigger "master list" soon with your suggestions.)