What is a Natchitoches Meat Pie and Where Can I Eat It?

Like boudin and slug burgers, the Natchitoches meat pie might be unfamiliar to those who haven’t been to the place known for them. The pie comes from the namesake city in North Louisiana, which hosts an annual meat pie festival in its honor.

The empanada-style treat is so significant that a 2003 bill made the Natchitoches meat pie the official meat pie of Louisiana. But what exactly is it?

The History of the Natchitoches Meat Pie

The dish comes from the oldest city in the state, combining influences from the Spanish, French, and Creole people who called it home. Around the 1700s, a dish like this meat pie began appearing around town, and within the following century, it was a popular menu item at the Cane River plantations.

The African American community also sold them on street corners from carts for around five cents. They gained popularity at church fairs and entertainment venues for their ease of walking and eatin,g and eventually arrived on restaurant menus.

The official Natchitoches meat pie describes the filling as beef, pork, garlic, bell pepper, and onion with a flaky crust deep fried to crunchy perfection. But you’ll also find versions like crawfish.

Where Can I Find a Natchitoches Meat Pie?

As the name implies, they’re mostly found in Natchitoches and Louisiana in general, with a few exceptions. But the most popular place to get them is Lasyone’s Restaurant, which has been open since 1967 after starting as a butcher shop. It was even a favorite of the cast of Steel Magnolias while they were in town filming the movie.

Other restaurants include offer the pies include Maglieaux’s, which has a patio that overlooks the Cane River, and Merci Beaucoup, with Cajun-influenced dishes plus offerings of traditional meat and crawfish pies.

French Market Express has regular meat pies, spicy versions, and craw meat pies, and Front Street Marketplace is another option for a quick bite. They can also be purchased online and shipped to your door.