As we celebrate Black History Month in New Jersey, Jersey City diners can experience the rich culinary traditions of the American South at Po Boy Riche, a Black-owned Creole joint bringing the bold flavors of New Orleans to Hudson County.
From made-to-order Po Boy sandwiches and jambalaya to dirty rice and shrimp and grits, Po Boy Riche celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana and Creole culture.
Founded by NOLA native Israel Jiles, the Jersey City comfort-food spot is a tribute to the city that raised him. Growing up steeped in the vibrant culture and flavors of the Crescent City, Jiles honed his skills across top NYC and New Jersey restaurants, including the ever-popular pastaRAMEN in Montclair.
The classic Po Boy is a New Orleans staple. Typically, it includes crusty French bread, fried seafood or roast beef, crunchy lettuce, tomato, zingy pickles, and mayo. The sandwich was originally invented by a French restaurant, which handed them out for free to striking streetcar workers in 1929.
Po Boy Riche honors this history, offering plenty of sandwich options. Fried catfish, roast beef, crispy shrimp, and breaded oysters are just some of the Po Boy choices—each comes dressed with the usual lettuce, tomato, and pickles, plus a house-special Creole aioli. For a vegan option, how about a saucy BBQ mushroom sandwich? To drive home the authentic NOLA feel, Jiles even imports his bread from Leidenheimer Baking Co., one of the primary bread suppliers for Po Boy spots throughout the city.
Jiles further pays homage to New Orleans culinary traditions with other bayou classics. Jambalaya comes loaded with chicken, shrimp, and spicy sausage, while shrimp is smothered in rich red gravy over creamy grits. Of course, don’t forget fluffy, sugar-dusted Beignets.
There’s more: freshly fried chicken and shrimp nuggets are available for individual orders, and full trays of sandwiches, nuggets, and jambalaya can be catered for parties.
Po Boy Riche is located in Bergen-Lafayette, Jersey City. Celebrate Black History Month with flavorful Creole staples and other NOLA classics.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
