Wichita’s vibrant food scene is always welcoming new flavors, and recently, LA Cajun Seafood & Chicken opened its doors, promising a taste of Louisiana right here in Kansas. Located at 6249 E 21st St. N, this new eatery occupies the space formerly home to Da Cajun Shak, and aims to bring “a little bit of Da Bayou to you,” according to their Facebook page. Eager to explore the latest addition to Wichita’s culinary offerings, we ventured in to sample a variety of dishes and share our initial impressions.
LA Cajun Seafood & Chicken presents a menu that spans Cajun classics alongside some unexpected choices. We decided to get a broad overview of what they offer, ordering a selection of items to truly gauge their culinary direction. Here’s a breakdown of our tasting experience:
A Dive into the Dishes at LA Cajun
We started with the quintessential Cajun staples: Gumbo and Étouffée.
Moving on, we sampled the Shrimp Chow Mein, a somewhat surprising inclusion on a Cajun menu.
For appetizers, we tried the Gator Balls and Fried Shrimp.
And of course, we couldn’t miss the Fried Catfish and Collard Greens.
Honest Thoughts on the Cajun Fare
After thoroughly tasting each dish, we aimed to provide a balanced and honest review. While the experience had its positives, there were also aspects that left us wanting more.
The Gumbo, while possessing a decent flavor profile, unfortunately, leaned towards being excessively greasy. This impacted the overall enjoyment, as each spoonful carried a significant amount of oil. The Étouffée also presented a unique profile, differing notably from traditional renditions. Its consistency was quite thick, and the flavor was difficult to categorize, straying from familiar étouffée tastes.
The Shrimp Chow Mein, an unexpected menu item in a Cajun restaurant, felt somewhat bland. While culinary exploration and menu diversity are appreciated, this particular dish didn’t quite harmonize with the Cajun theme, and lacked a distinctive flavor to stand on its own. A Cajun-inspired twist could have potentially made this dish more compelling.
Among the dishes sampled, the Gator Balls emerged as a highlight. They offered a pleasant zesty flavor and were arguably the most memorable dish of the tasting.
As for the Fried Catfish and Collard Greens, this Southern classic combination, while anticipated, didn’t fully meet expectations.
However, a significant bright spot in our visit was the exceptional service. Our server, Robyn (or Robin), was truly outstanding. Her vibrant personality and attentive service significantly enhanced the dining experience, making her the most positive aspect of our visit to LA Cajun Seafood & Chicken.
While our group held slightly varied opinions on the food overall, we encourage Wichita food enthusiasts to visit LA Cajun Seafood & Chicken and form their own judgments. Supporting new local restaurants is vital, and personal experiences can differ.
Explore the Menu
To help you plan your visit, here is a look at the menu at LA Cajun Seafood & Chicken.
Happy Dining!
If you have a favorite Wichita restaurant or event you’d like to recommend for a review, please reach out via email with your suggestions.
