Sabine Parish

Sabine Parish has Cajun and Creole roots that are evident in the cuisine, but this region is known for more than just the typical Louisiana fare. Native American crops as well as African American traditions made their way into the region’s rich soul food. The town of Zwolle has strong Hispanic roots that are obvious in its culinary scene. Each year, the town celebrates this culture with the Zwolle Tamale Festival serving up the spicy tamales this region is known for.

The cuisine of Sabine Parish is rooted in Southern soul food dishes rather than typical Cajun or Creole meals. Native American crops and farming techniques were passed down to residents. These crops were then used by African Americans in the area to create the Southern dishes that are so popular below the Mason-Dixon Line. The Hispanic community has also played a large role in the cuisine with the introduction of spicy tamales celebrated throughout Zwolle.

The cuisine today is much like the cuisine you would find in Sabine Parish a century ago. Most meals are traditional Southern dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation. You can’t discuss the culinary scene in Sabine Parish without mentioning the Spanish influences and the famous Zwolle tamales.