As a true Southwest Louisiana girl at heart, there’s nothing quite like a piping hot pot of boiled crawfish to satisfy my cravings. However, as much as I love my Louisiana cuisine, I’m always eager to try new flavors and dishes when I travel. And as it turns out, there are plenty of places around the world where you can indulge in some delicious crawfish dishes, even if they may not be prepared the same way we do it back home in most cases.
One of the most interesting international crawfish experiences was in London, of all places. I stumbled upon a sandwich shop called “Pret A Manager” that serves cold crawfish prepared with avocado, french dressing, and mixed lettuce leaves.The dish known as “Crayfish & Avocado” is essentially a salad that features chilled crayfish as a topping or could be enjoyed as a crayfish sandwich when paired with a bagel.
But London isn’t the only place where you can find crawfish around the world. In France, for example, crawfish (or écrevisses) are a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes, particularly in the Burgundy region. You might find them in a hearty étouffée which resonates with dishes from home or paired with creamy risotto, which is a yummy twist. And in Spain, crawfish (or cangrejos de río) can be found in some rivers and streams, and are sometimes used in classic dishes like paella.
If you’re traveling to China, be sure to try some xiǎolóngxiā – the Chinese version of crawfish that’s a popular street food in the Sichuan province. And in Australia, there are several species of freshwater crayfish that are often used in dishes like pasta or served with garlic butter.
Of course, in my opinion, there’s nothing quite like the experience of a true South Louisiana crawfish boil, with all the fixings like corn, potatoes, and even sausage for some. But if you’re traveling internationally and find yourself craving some crawfish, don’t be afraid to seek out local dishes that feature this tasty crustacean. Who knows… You just might find a new style of crawfish to add to your must-try list!
March 9, 2021
