While po-boys are the most famous kind of Louisiana sandwich, a close runner-up is the muffaletta (pronounced muff-uh-LOT-uh). A muffaletta is a round sandwich with layers of olive salad, salami, mortadella, mozzarella, ham, and provolone. Average muffalettas are approximately ten inches in diameter, and can be bought in half- or quarter-sizes.
The Italian sandwich has its origins in New Orleans, and is said to have been created by Salvatore Lupo at Central Grocery. Lupo, a Sicilian immigrant, opened Central Grocery in 1906. He invented the now famous sandwich to feed farmers who sold produce in the French Quarter.
So how much do Louisianians love Lupo’s now-famous sandwich? A (muff)LOTTA!