Gumbo is very personal dish. Every self-respecting Louisianan can name their favorite gumbo on the spot. Not only that, but most likely they can name the cook of their favorite gumbo too. And you best bet it’s made by one of their family members (I recommend starting with Grannys and MiMis then work your way down.) That is also why you won’t find a lot of Louisianans sourcing a restaurant as their favorite. Gumbo is the official dish of Louisiana, and it was originally created inside the homes of Louisiana families, so it only makes sense that it varies from home to home. It can also evolve and change over time as it’s passed down through generations. But that’s the beauty of gumbo: every pot tells a different story.
