Yaka Mein

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.