One of the best aspects of Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is the amazing New Orleans-style food. Sure the parades are fun, the entertainers are great and the concerts are top-notch, but without the alluring aromas of Cajun classics wafting through the air – it just wouldn't be Mardi Gras! Here are some of the incredible eats you'll find this side of Bourbon Street.

If you're looking for Cajun classics, look no further than the French Quarter Courtyard, located in the heart of the New York area inside Universal Studios Florida. From spicy jambalaya and shrimp po’ boys to crawfish étouffée, you'll find all of the great tastes of The Big Easy here. Try the Cajun Platter Trio for a little bit of everything. It includes Cajun shrimp with rice and beans, jambalaya with Andouille sausage, a piece of bread, and it's even served with a crawfish on top. 

The Courtyard also offers New Orleans-inspired twists on your old favorites, like the returning Voodoo chicken tenders, loaded fries and Cajun chicken sandwich. Feeling a little adventurous? Try the brand new Cajun-stuffed pockets. They're fried empanada-like pockets stuffed with gooey fillings and Cajun spices – simply to die for. One of the most popular snacks is the Twisted Tater, a crazy-looking delicious masterpiece in which a whole potato is sliced into one long twisted ribbon, stuck on a stick and deep fried. It tastes like a long homemade potato chip and is great for when you're on the go.

One of the new additions to this year's event are food specials at some of the park's restaurants. Now you can get a taste of Mardi Gras in other areas of the park. Grab a spicy bite from Mel’s Drive-In with the Bourbon Street Stinger Burger. Try the best of land and sea with a Bayou surf & turf burger from the Classic Monsters Cafe. Even Louie’s Italian Restaurant is getting into the fun with their Cajun Chicken & Andouille Sausage Pizza. These are exciting new takes on their classic offerings, and they're only around during the event, so don't miss out.

Wash your fantastic food down with a refreshing mixed drink. Stop into one of the pop-up bars along the parade route for a specialty drink made just for Mardi Gras. Cool off with a frozen beverage in flavors like wild berry, lemonade and green coconut, or get them layered for a red, yellow and green drink that'll match those Mardi Gras beads. Cocktails this year include Ragin' Rumbalaya and Carnival Cocktail. Get them in a special two-sided glass with a double twisty straw so you can drink them both at the same time. What will they think of next?

The fun isn't over without dessert. Enter New Orleans’ famed beignets. These traditional French desserts are pillow-like pastries dusted in powdered sugar and they're a must-try staple of the event. For a unique bite-sized snack, grab a bowl of the all-new Funnel Puffs. They're like adorable funnel cake bites covered in colorful Mardi Gras frosting drizzles. Another new dessert this year is the mini doughnuts, because it's always a good time for doughnuts.

Enjoy your delicious dishes with the authentic tunes of brass bands that come straight from The Big Easy, playing every day in the French Quarter Courtyard during the event. Universal's Mardi Gras continues through April 7, 2018. 

Let the good times roll – get your tickets to Universal Orlando Resort!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)