How to Eat Crawfish Like a Local (Yes, You Gotta Suck the Heads)

If you’re in Louisiana during crawfish season, there’s one thing you need to know: it’s not just a meal—it’s a cultural event. Piles of steaming, spiced crawfish, cold drinks, picnic tables covered in newspaper, and friends crowded elbow-to-elbow—it’s as much about community as it is about flavor. But before you dig in, you’ve gotta learn the real way to eat them. And yes… that means sucking the heads.

Step 1: Twist, Don’t Yank

Grab the crawfish with both hands—tail in one, head in the other. Give it a quick twist to separate the two. If it’s hot from the boil, be careful, but don’t dawdle—half the fun is getting messy.

Step 2: The Head Suck

This is where outsiders hesitate, but locals know better. The “head” of the crawfish is where all the seasoned juices live—spicy, buttery, briny goodness that’s been soaking in the boil. You put the open end to your lips and suck (enthusiastically), and you’ll taste Louisiana in one fiery sip.

Step 3: Peel the Tail

Pinch the very end of the tail shell to loosen the meat, then peel off the first couple of shell segments. You can pull the meat out with your fingers or your teeth—whatever works for you.

Step 4: Dip, If You Dare

Most purists eat crawfish straight up, but some like a little extra flavor. A squeeze of lemon, a splash of hot sauce, or a dunk in garlic butter takes it over the top.

Step 5: Repeat… for Hours

A proper crawfish boil isn’t a quick lunch—it’s a slow, social feast. You’ll go through dozens (or hundreds) while chatting, laughing, and sipping something cold to wash down the spice.

The Crawfish Commandments

• Pace Yourself – The spice builds. You don’t want to tap out early.

• Don’t Wear White – Trust us.

• BYON (Bring Your Own Napkins) – You can never have too many.

• Respect the Boil Master – Whoever seasoned and cooked that pile of mudbugs is the real MVP.

Eating crawfish like a local isn’t just about the technique—it’s about embracing the messy, joyful, communal spirit of Louisiana. So next time you’re at a boil, roll up your sleeves, grab a cold beer, and get ready to suck some heads. It’s the Louisiana way.