Become a Pro at Traveling with a Muffuletta

This article first appeared in the June 10, 2023, issue of Dinogo Travel, a biweekly newsletter from Dinogo’s team about exploring destinations where food takes center stage. Subscribe now.

During my recent trip to New Orleans, I indulged in an abundance of mouthwatering dishes. Picture crispy salt and pepper shrimp from Tan Dinh, flavorful curried goat from Compere Lapin, savory yak-a-mein from Ms. Linda’s renowned roaming stand, delectable fried pork from the Haitian gem Fritai, and a rabbit dish reminiscent of schnitzel from La Petite Grocery. And that’s just the beginning—don’t forget the expertly crafted cocktails from spots like Jewel of the South, Manolito, Bar Brine, and many more.

However, each visit to New Orleans leaves you longing for one more fantastic lunch or dinner if only there were more hours in the day. To ensure I make the most of my time, I always grab a muffuletta for my flight home from Central Grocery.

Beyond being a beloved classic, the muffuletta is one of those sandwiches that actually improves if allowed to sit for a bit. Since its primary ingredients are cured meats and preserved olives, I’m not too worried about it being at room temperature for a few hours in my carry-on. I've never had trouble passing it through security, and Central Grocery (widely regarded as the gold standard for this sandwich) is clearly accustomed to customers taking their meals to go—the muffuletta arrives neatly wrapped in deli paper, further enclosed in plastic, and includes reheating instructions if you prefer it that way (I enjoy mine at room temperature, just like Central serves it).

Whenever I'm not rushing to the airport, I always ensure my hotel room has a fridge. If I have an early flight the next morning, I grab the sandwich ahead of time and store it there. I usually arrive at the market between 9 and 10 a.m. to avoid long lines. Currently, it’s a bit easier since Central Grocery was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ida and the deli is mostly closed for repairs. However, you can still find their muffuletta at the nearby Sidney’s Wine Cellar, available in either half or full sizes (the full sandwich is around $30 but easily serves four). Fewer people seem to know about this option (despite clear signage), so I walked right up to the counter without waiting, securing my precious sandwich. It made for a fantastic lunch on my return day—especially after I napped for a few hours post-4:20 a.m. wake-up for my flight.

In a city known for indulgence, a little extra flair never hurts, and the airplane muffuletta adds just that touch.