Altha's Louisiana Cajun Store — Attraction in Kent

A Taste of the Bayou in the Pacific Northwest: Altha's Louisiana Cajun Store - A Must-Visit!

As a Southern transplant happily married to a New Orleans native, I've had the immense pleasure of experiencing authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine firsthand. From countless bowls of gumbo to heaping plates of jambalaya, red beans and rice, and dirty rice, I feel confident in my ability to discern the real deal. My recent visit to Altha's wasn't just a shopping trip; it was a delightful immersion into the flavors and spirit of Louisiana.

My initial draw to Altha's Lousiana Cajun Store was the almost mythical presence of Blue Bell Ice Cream in the Pacific Northwest. And I was not disappointed! Their selection was impressive, a true testament to their commitment to bringing Southern favorites to our region. Let's be honest, there isn't a bad flavor in the Blue Bell lineup.

However, the experience transcended my ice cream quest the moment I stepped inside. Despite its unassuming location in a humble part of town, crossing the threshold of Altha's is like stepping through a portal directly to New Orleans. The air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of spices, a symphony of scents that immediately awakens the senses. The interior evokes the charm of a classic small-town general store, creating an atmosphere that instantly resonated with my own experiences and, I know, would instantly charm anyone familiar with the warmth of Southern hospitality. My wife, a true New Orleanian, would undoubtedly feel right at home here.

The service was another standout aspect of my visit. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner and his brother, two incredibly welcoming and engaging individuals. Their genuine Southern charm shone through in every interaction, making me feel like a long-lost friend.

The biggest and most delightful surprise, however, was discovering that Altha's Louisiana Cajun Store serves food! On the day of my visit, it was "Gumbou" day – their unique take on gumbo featuring boudin sausage instead of the traditional varieties. Offered a complimentary sample, I was prepared to offer polite feedback. Instead, I was utterly blown away. With the utmost sincerity, I can say that this "Gumbou" is the best variation of gumbo I have ever tasted. Yes, you read that right – I'm even willing to admit it surpasses my own attempts! The depth of flavor, the perfect balance of spices, and the unique character the boudin brought to the dish were simply exceptional. If this "Gumbou" were available in stores, it would become an immediate staple in my household. I went in for ice cream and left with a generous portion of this culinary masterpiece – and even that wasn't enough!

While my experience was overwhelmingly positive, my enthusiasm leads me to suggest a few areas for potential growth:

Expansion is a Must! It's genuinely surprising that a gem like Altha's isn't a fixture in more cities around the region. I recall hearing about a previous location in Puyallup that unfortunately closed due to pandemic-related shutdowns. I strongly believe that a location in a rapidly growing area like Frederickson would thrive. Alternatively, or in addition, a food truck could bring their incredible offerings to a wider audience. Strategic Partnerships: Exploring opportunities to partner with local military base commissaries could introduce their unique products to a significant and appreciative customer base. Infrastructure Enhancements: To meet the inevitable demand, investing in a larger freezer for their coveted Blue Bell Ice Cream and offering larger containers for the take-home "Gumbou" would be beneficial. A larger kitchen might also be necessary to keep up with the potential for their food service.

In conclusion, Altha's Lousiana Cajun Store is more than just a store; it's an authentic taste of the South right here in the Pacific Northwest. Highly, highly...

Altha’s Louisiana Cajun Store & Deli is the REAL DEAL. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

As the daughter of a Master Chef, Culinary Arts Dean, BBQ Pit Master, and Sommelier who specialized in Cajun and Creole cuisine, I’ve been raised on the gold standard of Louisiana flavor—and let me tell you, Altha’s hits that standard and then some.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with Southern hospitality and the comforting smell of expertly seasoned food that’s been cooked with love. The portions? Generous. The prices? Fair. The flavor? Absolutely out of this world.

I especially have to shout out the Gumbou—yes, you read that right. Gumbo + Boudin = Gumbou. This creative, flavorful twist by the chef/owner is something special and unforgettable. Every bite tastes like home.

Beyond the deli, the store is a Cajun cooking treasure chest. Whether you’re looking for dressing mixes (Poche’s, Savoie’s, Richard’s), seasonings (Slap Ya Mama, Tony Chachere’s, Louisiana Fish Fry), or staples like red beans, jambalaya mix, dirty rice fixings, smoked sausage, alligator, boudin, smoked turkey necks, or even speckled butter beans and Crowder peas—they’ve got it all.

The pecan pie is also not to be missed. It’s rich, sticky, buttery perfection wrapped in flaky crust. One of the best I’ve had outside of Louisiana.

If you’re a homesick Southerner, a food-lover with high standards, or someone eager to try authentic Louisiana fare—this is where your soul will find satisfaction. Time and money...

UPDATE oct 2022: THEY NO LONGER SERVE HOT FOOD! I was so sad I called and they haven’t done it for 8 months! I guess I need to find better Cajun food here in Washington if I want it hot and ready. Their frozen section is A1 though with all types of food you would never see in a Washington store. Still highly recommended.

One of the best Cajun seafood places in Seattle in my opinion. Service was decent. But I’m going here for the food screw the service but that’s why the 4 stars. The catfish and the catfish po’ boy is to die for. So many flavors, the perfect texture seasonings are just on point can’t even explain it enough. I’ve been here so many times now. And my 85 year old picky southern grandma loves the catfish. The Mac and cheese was okay pretty standard (sometimes they have it sometimes they don’t not something to really rave about). red beans and rice was pretty good though with good flavors pretty spicy and same with the greens. Although my grandma says people are getting lazy with how they pick their greens and they leave the stems on which makes it rough to eat. I kinda agree…but I’m coming here for the catfish...