Is Beignet the Louisiana State Style Doughnut?

Beignets without sugar

Beignet is a French word for “fried fritter,” brought to Louisiana by the France nuns to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1727.

I search through internet, yes, there are beignets in Paris, France equivalent to beignets found in Louisiana now days.

Pronounce for beignet are:

- BEN-yay

- bayn-YAY

- ben-YAY

- beɪnˈjeɪ

- bɛnˈjeɪ

I don’t know whether other states in the USA have their own beignet. Since, the pastry is typical in Louisiana, its designated as official state of doughnut in 1986, around 35 years ago. 

Finger beignets

Generally, beignets are covered with sugar (powdered sugar) on top or without sugar, I saw two forms of beignets:

- a square pieces

- finger pieces

Beignets covered with sugar are ready to consume

Both forms could be found in most cities in Louisiana. In my city, Baton Rouge, I almost come to coffee shop near by my house almost every weeks.

The oldest shop to sell beignets is “Cafe du Monde,” located in French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Frying beignets in the hot cooking oil.

The shop has sold beignets since 1862, more than 150 years ago. Very long time ago, and to be iconic cafe for “café au laits.”

The most popular coffee shop to sell beignets in Baton Rouge is Coffee Call (You may read my previous post: What is the Best Coffeehouse in My City, Baton Rouge?

Based on internet searching, in addition to Louisiana, USA and France, other countries consume beignets (kinds of beignets) are Canada, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Have you tried beignets? What it called in your countries?