From its inception, New Orleans has been a city of cultural fusion. Centuries of being a key trading port made the city a high-traffic zone, where many different peoples intersected. People brought with them their own culinary traditions, which then made a mark on the local cuisine. 

New Orleans is well known for Creole food. This style has West African, Spanish, French, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Together, these diverse cultures made an impact on the culinary culture. Along with Creole cuisine, Sicilian cuisine is also an influential part of New Orleans food history. One of the city's signature dishes, the muffuletta sandwich, has Sicilian roots.