Although gumbo is served year-round in Louisiana, there’s nothing like warming up from the inside out with this roux-based soup. The ingredients vary from chef to chef, but Shreveport-Bossier has been able to stir the pot on this Cajun delicacy with a few unique add-ins. These five distinctive gumbos are sure to test your theories on what should be included in one of Louisiana’s most iconic dishes.

1. Restaurant: Abby Singer’s Bistro

Menu ItemSeafood Gumbo

UniquenessCrab Claws

This bowl of gumbo is served with lump crab meat, crab claws, and shrimp in a light broth seasoned with house spices over rice and is served with French bread.

2. Beauxjax Crafthouse

Menu Item: Half Po’boy & Gumbeaux Combo

Uniqueness: Optional Alligator Add-In

Choose from 11 types of po’boy sandwiches and pair it with a bowl of gumbeaux. The gumbeaux includes chicken, sausage, trinity, okra and rice, but for an unconventional touch, add bits of alligator to your cup.

3. Marilynn’s Place

Menu Item: Seafood Gumbo

Uniqueness: Oysters & Duck

This dark, meaty, gumbo is stacked with Louisiana Gulf Shrimp, crab meat, oysters, and andouille sausage. In the fall season, the chef adds duck meat to their gumbo.

4. Ralph & Kacoo’s Bossier City

Menu Item: R&K Seafood Gumbo

Uniqueness: Guarded Recipe

In December 2020, Ralph & Kacoo’s was the winner of the 20×49.com Foodie’s Choice Award: Best Gumbo in Shreveport-Bossier. This 32-year-old recipe has yet to be revealed.

5. The Cajun Asian Restaurant

Menu Item: Fried Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

Uniqueness: Fried Chicken

The Cajun Asian is known for adding an Asian twist to traditional Cajun meals, but the fried chicken gumbo is a dish that Southerners can’t deny. The chicken and sausage gumbo is poured around a scoop of golden sesame oil rice topped with fried chicken for kick of crunch.