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Yaka Mein
(Ya Ka Mein, Ya-Ka-Mein, Yock, Old Sober)
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.
WHERE TO EAT The best Yaka Mein in the world (according to food experts)
1
Recommended by Ian McNulty and 1 other food critic.
"Order the shrimp ya-ka-mein and the boiled egg and flotilla of green onions are about the only direct connections to the customary recipe. Flat stir-fry noodles (comparable to linguine) are the base. The shrimp version was loaded with impressively large shrimp with a taut pop to their texture and a subtle chili spice throughout."
2
Recommended by Beth D'Addono and 1 other food critic.
"Line up at the window at the wonderful Red Rooster, and place an order for yak-a-mein. The soy-driven, salty broth studded with tender nibs of beef makes this yak-a-mein just about perfect."
