Close to half a million revelers are expected to “let the good times roll” in Galveston as the city transforms with electrifying energy for 12 days this month. The streets will be awash in the iconic colors of purple, gold, and green, setting the stage for the extravagant pageantry where krewes reign supreme and masquerade royalty takes center stage. 

 Homes and porches will be adorned with festive decorations, welcoming ragin’ Cajuns and visitors ready to join in the fun. And as a welcome, our local restaurants are rolling out menus that promise to delight every Creole soul. 

 Mardi Gras, often associated with lavish celebrations, is much more than a visual and musical spectacle. It embraces culinary traditions that reflect historical influences and symbolize a community that proudly showcases its food heritage. 

 From the iconic king cake and muffuletta to innovative savory dishes crafted from traditional ingredients, each culinary creation tells a story that bridges generations and connects people to their roots. 

 To celebrate, we have put together a list of a few unique Mardi Gras-inspired menu items from Galveston's finest restaurants that you won't want to miss. 

 What’s in a name? 

 Pronounced “muh-fuh-leh-tuh,” this traditional Mardi Gras sandwich derives its name from the Sicilian dialect that means “soft and spongy round bread.” 

Although the sandwich is Italian in spirit and style, it is American born. All roads of the sandwich’s creation led to New Orleans, Louisiana, where Italian immigrants settled in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. 

 Typically ranging in size from 14-18 inches in diameter, this hearty sandwich is piled high with Italian meats and cheeses, assembled on a round loaf of sturdy bread topped with sesame seeds, and slathered with olive relish or a pickled vegetable tapenade. Most restaurants are offering half or quarter servings of this sandwich. 

 Several island eateries serve muffulettas year-round, while others only serve them during Mardi Gras season. 

 

 Owner Concetta Maceo-Sims said Maceo Spice & Import Company sells more than 100 muffuletta sandwiches daily and twice that amount during Mardi Gras season. 

 Some restaurants serve traditional muffuletta ingredients in other, more creative dishes like Gypsy Joynt’s muffuletta pizza. Chef Mary Bass, owner of Good Dough Bakery and La Cocina Market, offers muffuletta sliders on Hawaiian rolls as part of her catering party platters. 

 So many area eateries sell muffulettas that it would be impossible to list them all. We suggest readers check online for special Mardi Gras menus or ask their servers for options when dining at their favorite restaurant. 

 The King of All Cakes 

 King Cake is arguably the crown jewel of Mardi Gras celebrations and a beloved staple of the season. This vibrant circular cake is adorned with a colorful purple, green, and gold glaze, each hue representing various festival themes. 

 It is usually served with a tiny plastic baby hidden in the cake, signifying good luck for the person who finds it. Traditionally, the person who discovers the baby is responsible for hosting next year's King Cake gathering. 

 King Cake has a rich history rooted in Christian traditions and Creole culture. It symbolizes the beginning of the Carnival season, linking it to the Epiphany, marking the arrival of the Magi. This cake isn't just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt invitation to gather and celebrate. 

 Whether you are looking for traditional King Cake or our local chefs’ creative takes, there are abundant choices all over town.

 Bass, a fifth-generation Galvestonian, makes a popular Pardi Gras Kolache, a hand-held version of this classic dessert. Maceo’s makes a King Cake bread pudding with a sweet bourbon glaze. Katie’s Seafood House makes a banana foster-stuffed King Cake. 

 Rao’s Bakery, run by the Tortorice family, is introducing a new twist to its 2025 King Cake lineup: the King Cake Cheesecake. Last year’s new Praline and Oreo cookie King Cakes will be again available in 2025. 

 

 Authentic Louisiana Comfort Dishes 

 Red beans and rice are pretty much that - kidney beans simmered with a combination of vegetables, spices, and meat and served over rice. 

 Red beans and rice are another staple in Mardi Gras cuisine. Many New Orleans households traditionally cook them on Mondays using leftover ham bones from Sunday dinners. The slow-cooked dish allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty meal. 

 Dozens of restaurants serve this authentic Louisiana dish, but our readers’ favorites include those served at The Black Pearl Oyster Bar, Sugar & Rye and Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar. 

 As it is smack dab in the middle of peak season, restaurants along the Gulf are offering oysters in all their glory. Almost every location in town has seasonal oyster specials with a Cajun twist. 

 Additional Creole dishes, like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys, are plentiful at most Island eateries. For more Mardi Gras specials, check daily boards or call your favorite restaurant for features. 

 The dishes that define Mardi Gras reflect a community's spirit and traditions. Food plays a pivotal role during celebrations, not just as nourishment but as a way of telling people's stories and carrying on their traditions and values. In essence, Mardi Gras's food reflects its people, with every bite telling a story.