Louis Armstrong’s Top 10 Favorite Foods

Rice & Beans

As a born and bred New Orleans-native, Louis Armstrong had such a love affair with rice and beans that he often concluded his handwritten letters with “Red Beans and Rice-ly Yours.” The phrase would also become the title of one of his final albums.

Chinese Food

Armstrong lived out his final days in Corona, Queens, an NYC suburb tucked in the shadow of LaGuardia Airport. That’s where he was often tempted by Chinese food, a cornerstone of the New York food scene, and even released an ode to his love of the stuff called “Cornet Chop Suey.”

Spaghetti

The jazz trumpeter never met a bowl of spaghetti that he didn’t like! In one iconic photo, he tackles a cascade of ‘ghetti with a spoon and fork while inhaling a mouthful.

Gumbo

Nothing says N’awlins like gumbo. Armstrong couldn’t resist the spicy stew that often features seafood, meat or chicken slow-cooked in a thickened roux.

Matzos

As a little boy, Armstrong was the hired help for a Jewish family who paid him in cash—and Jewish cuisine. He developed such a love of matzos that Armstrong’s wife, Lucille, always kept some in the cupboard. You can snack on the crackers or use the crumbs to make this matzo ball soup.

Hamburgers

The legend loved a good hamburger. He often told a joke about ordering one so often that a waitress tried to deter him by crossing it off a menu!

Louisiana Caviar

Who doesn’t love a good dip? The “Struttin’ with Some Barbecue” singer fancied himself Louisiana caviar, which is a mix of black-eyed peas, jalapeno and bell peppers splashed with Italian dressing. You can try a similar recipe from the Lone Star State.

Po'Boy

Po’boys are to Louisiana what pizza is to New York City, and Satchmo couldn’t resist the down-home street food. Po’ boys are humble sandwiches, often a crusty French bread with fried seafood, like shrimp, crawfish, fish, oysters or crab. You can sink your teeth into this spicy recipe!

Fried Chicken

Crunchy, salty, searing-hot fried chicken was also a favorite of Louis Armstrong. But to be fair, isn’t it everyone’s favorite?

Chartres Street Trout

A filleted, buttery trout sprinkled with parsley and dotted with capers was also high on Armstrong’s list of favorite foods. While Chartres Street is located in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, you don’t have to hop on a flight to try the dish. Just whip up this similar oven-baked tilapia.