No visit to Lake Charles is complete without sampling everyone’s favorite finger food—boudin! The mouthwatering delicacy is served throughout Southwest Louisiana at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants found on the Boudin Trail. Each location is a little different, from unique decorations to various flavor combinations and prep styles. No two bites are the same, but are guaranteed to satisfy!
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ABOUT THE EPISODE Guest Glenn Daigle, the owner/operator of Rabideaux's Sausage Kitchen, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss the delicious world of boudin. Daigle…
What is Boudin?
Back to Top of ListBoudin is one of several staple appetizers in Southwest Louisiana. The mouthwatering finger food consists of various amounts of pork meat, liver, rice, onions, and parsley in a casing. Dry seasoning combinations like salt, red pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder elevate the flavor and level of spice. Enjoy it by the pound for breakfast, a midnight snack, or anytime in between!
Boudin Types
Back to Top of ListThe best thing about boudin is the variety of flavors! From boudin blanc, a lighter-colored link to smoked boudin with meats prepared in cast-iron pots or in a smokehouse—the options are endless.
Southwest Louisiana’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico allows many locations to incorporate fresh seafood like shrimp and crawfish into their mixtures when in season.
If you’re a fan of spice, try a hotter blend with jalapeño peppers and pepper jack cheese or seasoned with cayenne and paprika. If spicy isn’t your preference there’s still plenty of flavor in a mild blend.
Mardi Gras is the season of indulgence and Louisianans often treat themselves to endless amounts of King Cake! While usually enjoyed with powdered sugar, sprinkles, and a flavored filling, many opt for a more savory style. These non-traditional boudin stuffed cakes include everything from bacon and cheese to green onions and crawfish!
For fried food lovers, boudin balls and boudin eggrolls are a MUST try! These yummy snacks are made of all the tasty meats, herbs, and spices in traditional boudin then rolled or formed into a ball and deep-fried for a crispy finish!
How Do I Cook It?
Back to Top of ListWhile most locations serve boudin hot and ready, you can also purchase pre-cooked links, and they should be heated thoroughly.
Uncooked links can be placed in a pot of boiling water for five minutes. For a smoky flavor with a crisp casing, grill your links on a barbeque pit or heat them in a 300˚ oven.
If you just can’t wait—understandably so, you can pop them in the microwave for a few minutes and dig in!
How Many Stops are Along the Trail?
Back to Top of ListThere are a total of 28 stops along the Boudin Trail. It traverses Calcasieu and Cameron Parish and has several locations in Iowa, Sulphur, Vinton, Westlake, Moss Bluff, Lake Charles, and Hackberry.
Lake Charles Locations and Attractions
BeauxDines'
- 3013 Ryan St.
- (337) 240-8728
Beauxdines' is a family-owned gem that offers a true Louisiana experience! Their boiled crawfish – purged for perfect flavor…
Famous Foods
- 1475 Gerstner Memorial Dr
- (337) 508-2833
Famous Foods in Lake Charles is a crossroads where local flavors and global influences intertwine. With each dish, a narrative of…
Hebert's Specialty Meats
- 1140 Country Club Rd.
- (337) 602-6198
Browse a wide selection of specialty meats ready for you next meal! Picture the joy of biting into a juicy, tender piece of meat…
Homsi's Deli
- 2124 Broad Street
- (337) 439-8789
Located in the heart of the Charpentier Historic District, you can take a link with you on the road! Stop by Homsi's Deli and…
Homsi's Tobacco & Beer
- 2612 Kirkman St.
- 337-439-2323
Located near the Historic Charpentier District and downtown Lake Charles, you can stop in this local store and pick up some…
Leonard's Food Quarters
- 1708 Gerstner Memorial Dr
- (337) 494-0618
Leonard's Food Quarters opened in 1986 and has remained a local staple. The restaurant's extensive menu has nods to the New…
Market Basket #18 - Nelson Rd.
- 4431 Nelson Rd.
- 337-477-4868
Shopping at Market Basket on Nelson Rd. is an experience beyond regular old shopping for groceries because you can find specialty…
Market Basket #36 - Lake St.
- 4950 Lake St.
- (337) 474-9806
Shopping at Market Basket on Lake St. is an experience beyond regular old shopping for groceries because you can find specialty…
Sonnier's Sausage & Boudin
- 1217 Mill St.
- (337) 656-2876
Awesome boudin available in spicy, regular and smoked. If you are craving more, check out the homemade spicy hotlink sandwiches…
1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
- 1001 Ryan Street
- 337-491-9147
After extensive restoration, the 1911 Historic City Hall opened its doors as the City of Lake Charles' public art gallery and…
Charpentier Historic District
- Downtown Lake Charles
The Charpentier Historic District in Lake Charles offers a unique glimpse into the architectural history of Southwest Louisiana…
Contraband Bayou Golf Club- L'Auberge
- 777 Ave. L'Auberge
- (337) 395-7220
The Contraband Bayou Golf Club, designed by world-renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, emphasizes the marsh and lowland features of…
Country Club- Golden Nugget
- 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd
- (337) 508-4653
The Country Club at Golden Nugget is designed by the award winning Todd Eckenrode and Todd Eckenrode-Origins Golf Design. The…
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
- 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd
- (337) 508-7777
The Golden Nugget Lake Charles has a brand ethos that speaks for itself, so you can expect top-notch service, 1,094 chic guest…
Imperial Calcasieu Museum
- 204 W. Sallier Street
- 337-439-3797
For nearly 60 years, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum has sat in the shade of the mighty Sallier Oak offering guests to experience…
L'Auberge Casino Resort
- 777 Avenue L'Auberge
- 337-395-7777
Go ahead, let your hair down. Spend an afternoon and call it a vacation. Play a hand of blackjack, followed by a round of golf…
Mallard Golf Club
- 3470 Morganfield Dr
- (337) 491-1400
Featured on the Louisiana Audubon Golf Trail, Mallard Golf Club is a Scottish links-inspired golf course designed by Jeff Blume…
Sulphur Locations and Attractions
B&O Kitchen & Grocery
- 3011 E. Burton St
- (337) 625-4637
B&O Kitchen & Grocery is a three-generation family-owned and operated establishment that opened its doors in 1983 by the Benoit…
The Boiling Point
- 1730 S. Beglis Pkwy
- (337) 625-9282
The Boiling Point is just one of those places that never has an empty parking lot. There are always people hopping in and out…
Hollier's Cajun Kitchen
- 1709 Ruth St.
- (337) 527-0061
Hollier's Cajun Kitchen in Sulphur embodies the essence of Louisiana's culinary heritage. With each bite, savor the robust flavors…
Market Basket #41 - Maplewood Dr.
- 2227 Maplewood Dr.
- (337) 625-7578
Shopping at Market Basket is an experience beyond regular old shopping for groceries because you can find specialty meats and…
Richard's Boudin and Seafood Mart
- 2250 E. Napoleon St.
- 337-625-8474
Look for the big crawfish! Richard's in Sulphur, has that small town feel. When you walk in, you know that you will be treated…
Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point
- 2740 Ruth Street
- (337) 502-4358
Kick off your Creole Nature Trail journey at Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point—a free, fun attraction that immerses you in…
Henning Cultural Center
- 923 S. Ruth St.
- (337) 527-0357
Local artists’ works and traveling exhibits are displayed.
SPAR Waterpark
- 933 West Parish Road
- (337) 721-3040
Sulphur Parks & Recreation (SPAR) Waterpark offers fun in the sun for all ages. This wild wet destination has been expanded…
Westlake & Moss Bluff Locations and Attractions
Gillis Grocery & Cafe
- 4199 Hwy 171
- (337) 855-4805
Gillis Grocery & Cafe / Gillis Meat Market is a full service market offering regular and smoked boudin and 16 different types of…
Market Basket #27 - Sam Houston Jones Pkwy
- 362 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy
- (337) 855-7739
Shopping at Market Basket is an experience beyond regular old shopping for groceries because you can find specialty meats and…
Market Basket #39 - Sampson St.
- 2013 Sampson St.
- (337) 433-1546
Horseshoe Lake Charles
- 100 Westlake Ave.
- (337) 430-2300
The all-new 60,000-square-foot property showcases the ultimate gaming experience for guests, including new rooms, unmatched…
National Golf Club of Louisiana
- 1400 National Dr.
- 337-433-2255
The National Golf Club of Louisiana is a fun and challenging track for golfers of all levels. Five sets of tees allow everyone…
Pinederosa Park
- 2901 Westwood Rd
- (337) 436-1124
Baseball: 8 lighted fields, each field 360 seating, 300 parking, concessions are available Softball: 8 lighted fields, each field…
Sam Houston Jones State Park
- 107 Sutherland Rd
- 337-855-2665
Originally named for the Texas folk hero who traveled extensively in the western reaches of Louisiana, Sam Houston Jones was given…
Iowa Locations and Attractions
In-Laws Cajun Specialties - Iowa
- 1121 Lowe Grout Rd. (Hwy 383)
- (337) 391-7004
Authentic quality boudin, cracklins, sausage, BBQ and specialty meats. Located next to the Pilot Travel Center, Exit 43 off…
Rabideaux's Sausage Kitchen
- 105 U.S. 165
- 337-582-3184
In the quaint town of Iowa, you can find Rabideaux's Sausage Kitchen, filled with specialty meat products and, you guessed it…
Roy's Meat Market & Restaurant
- 401 S. Thompson Ave. B
- (337) 582-2220
Come check out the great selection of meats and meat products here at Roy's Meat Market! Our meat market features a wide variety…
Bayou Rum - Louisiana Spirits Distillery
- 20909 South I-10 Frontage Road
- (337) 588-5800
TASTE THE FLAVOR OF LOUISIANA Bayou® Rum is craft distilled from locally grown fresh Louisiana sugarcane. Our signature recipe…
Vinton Locations and Attractions
Glenn's Mart Grill & Deli
- 1312 Gum Cove Road
- (337) 589-3520
Glenn's Mart Grill & Deli is a family owned station specializing in customer service. Stop in and get your snacks and drinks for…
Insane Sausages - Vinton
- 2255 Highway 109
- (337) 409-0313
Insane Sausages is a quick-service eatery that serves classic Cajun offerings and some of the most unique sausage creations and is…
Market Basket #26 - Hwy 90
- 1717 Hwy 90 E
- (337) 589-6025
Shopping at Market Basket is an experience beyond regular old shopping for groceries because you can find specialty meats and…
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel/Vinton
- 2717 Delta Downs Drive
- (337) 589-9001
Delta Downs offers fast-pace casino action with more than 1,600 of the hottest slots. Live races or races from the best tracks…
Cameron Parish Locations and Attractions
Brown's Food Center
- 620 Main St.
- 337-762-4632
Nestled in the quaint town of Hackberry, Brown's Grocery has been a cornerstone for local residents for over 30 years. It's a…
Brown's Neighborhood Market
- 10051 Gulf Highway
- (337) 905-3013
Brown's Neighborhood Market has a wide selection of not only specialty meat products but Louisiana coffee, spices, roux mix, and…
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road
- LA Hwy. 27
Exit off Interstate 10 (exit 20) to LA 27 South. Contact: Southwest LA Lake Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau. Admission: Free…
For maps and hours of operation download our Boudin Trail brochure. Still hungry? Check out the Creole & Cajun page to discover more restaurants, recipes, and podcast episodes highlighting places to dine and festivals in Southwest Louisiana.