The Princess and the Frog
The story of Tiana from New Orleans, who dreams of her own restaurant and fries up fluffy powdered-sugar beignets.
The Princess and the Frog is a Disney film set in New Orleans, where food is inseparable from the story: Tiana dreams of opening her own restaurant and has cooked Louisiana dishes since childhood. Gumbo — a thick stew with seafood, chicken, and sausage seasoned with cayenne pepper — and beignets, powdered-sugar-dusted fritters without a hole, are staples of the American South's Creole and Cajun cuisine. The film frames food as a source of family pride and a way to chase a dream. Here are recipes in the spirit of the film — Southern, spiced, and truly filling.
Tiana's Beignets from The Princess and the Frog
Tiana's Gumbo from The Princess and the Frog
Frequently asked questions
What is gumbo?
It's a thick New Orleans stew built on a roux base, with seafood, chicken, or sausage, seasoned with Cajun and Creole spices — a signature dish of the Louisiana South.
How are beignets different from regular donuts?
Beignets are square, holeless donuts made from yeasted dough, deep-fried and generously dusted with powdered sugar. Compared to round donuts, they have a lighter, airier texture.
Why does the movie focus so much on cooking?
Tiana's story revolves around her dream of opening a restaurant, so food in the film isn't just background — it's part of her identity, family legacy, and work ethic.