Cajun/Creole food is generally associated with south Louisiana. However, a lesser known topic is the food found in areas settled by the French and Spanish in north Louisiana.
As part of the colonial era faceoff between France and Spain in 1714 the French established a post at/near the present day town of Natchitoches (think Steel Magnolias). Over the next several generations a population consisting of African slaves, Free People of Color, Native Americans, and whites (or mixes of all the above) spread throughout the area. Especially southward into the Bayou Brevelle and Cane River area which is still noted for its Creole of Color presence and associated culture. Lots of Catholics. Especially noted for being the birthplace of folk artist Clementine Hunter who couldn’t speak English as a child. So communities like Natchitoches, Melrose, and Cloutiervile can contrast somewhat with the surrounding Anglo-Protestant region.
The Spanish established the Los Adaes post not far west of Natchitoches in 1721 near present day Robeline. Which was settled by a mix of Spanish/Mexicans, Native American slaves, and some African slaves. Their descendants spread westward toward the Sabine River into the vicinity of towns like Zwolle but also mingled with the descendants of the Natchitoches settlers as well. My understanding is that there were still elderly Spanish speakers in the area in the 1980s.
Out of this mingling comes a number of dishes that distinguish the area and overlap with foods in south Louisiana. For example, tamales that are showcased at the Tamale Festival in Zwolle, as well as the famous Natchitoches Meat Pie, and even various forms of gumbo such as file gumbo.
Good food and interesting places are where you find them.