Louisiana Junk Food--Sweets, Part 1

We’ve eaten at more great restaurants in New Orleans than I can count. But I’ve also been scouring supermarkets, corner gas station convenience stores, and everything in between for Louisiana junk food. Why? Because in the end, junk food is a more accurate reflection of culture than the restaurant food that wins awards. But if there was a Lifetime Achievement Award for Best Junk Food in New Orleans (Sweets Category), Hubig’s Pies would crush all competitors.

So many pie flavors, so little time...

My experience with pre-packaged, portable pies has been limited to Hostess Fruit Pies. So you’ll understand why my expectations were low when I took my first bite of a Hubig’s peach pie. Though the pie is deep fried, it’s not at all greasy. The paper thin layer of white icing adds a slight sweetness to the crust and breaks off in tissue-like pieces. The fillings are nicely balanced with subtle spice notes, not overtly sweet like Hostess pies. The fruit pies contain the right amount of fruit rather than just a mass of gelatinous jelly. Most importantly, the pies are not overstuffed, so you can eat them on the go without creating a huge mess.

Hubig’s Pies are intimately tied to New Orleans, and they have been churning out pies since 1922. Their plant is located just a few blocks from our Marigny digs, and J took this picture on our first day here. 

Just three blocks from our where we live, but too far away to smell the delicious pies.

Unfortunately, they don’t offer tours of their facility to the public, but some enterprising journalists were able to film the process from start to finish.

They make 25,000 pies each day, and apple and lemon are the most popular flavors.  However, J is partial to their coconut flavor, and I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite.  Hubig’s Pies is still a family-run operation, and they’ve never moved from their original location in the Marigny.  Not just a humble snack, Hubig’s pies have been used from Mardi Gras throws to wedding favors. And Hubig’s Pies pretty much blanket the city—you can find them in hardware stores, in national chains like Walgreens & Winn Dixie, at both convenience marts and gourmet grocery stores—they are even served at the county jail.

Doesn't that look delectable? Fortunately, you can now order them direct from Hubig's Pies Dauphine Street factory.