Yaka Mein

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

With no written recipe and of mysterious origin, yaka mein is one of the best-kept secrets of New Orleans. The soup is made with stewed meat (typically beef), meat broth, spaghetti noodles, and garnishes such as hard-boiled eggs and green onions. Chili powder, Tabasco sauce, sriracha, or Creole seasoning are often added to the broth in order to elevate its flavors. Yaka mein is a great hangover cure, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as Old sober . Although the locals love this soup, it is not well known outside of New Orleans and the surrounding areas.