Balancing Flavor at Mama Reta’s Kitchen

There is a growing list of foodies who  exit Interstate 10 on Belden Street in Lake Charles daily. Why? They are soul food pilgrims who travel near and far to get good food and love at Mama Reta’s. Visit Mama Reta’s Facebook or Instagram page and you will see pictures and short video clips of the soul food lovers who are invigorated and initiated into the soul-inspired flavors Mama Reta bestows upon them.

Fried chicken, pork steak, meatloaf, fried catfish, cornbread dressing, macaroni and cheese, etc. are the offerings that Mama Reta prepares daily.

What goes on in Mama Reta’s kitchen among her staff can best be described as planned and intentional cooking that leads to food induced spiritual awakenings.

Flavor balance is practiced daily.

“My food is not bland and not too spicy. People come here and eat and feel like they are eating at their grandmother’s or mother’s house,” Mama Reta Durgan said.

Truth be told, food lovers who trek to Mama Reta’s will be selecting food off a menu plastered on the outside wall of building that is special to Mama Reta.

The restaurant, which is easy to spot on both the eastbound or westbound lanes of Interstate 10 in Lake Charles, is Mama Reta’s childhood home.

She converted the building into a drive-thru restaurant after the hurricanes that struck the Lake City in 2020.

“I own it. My parents, eight siblings, my children, grandchildren and now great-grandchild have all been behind those walls, where our food is prepared now,” she said.

Fried chicken is one of the eatery’s calling cards. There are some in Lake Charles who will argue Mama Reta’s fried chicken may be the best in the city.

Her husband Lee Durgan is the official fry station guy.

“He has been frying chicken since he was 10 years old in Mamou,” Mama Reta said. “My husband has steps that he takes to make sure the chicken is moist and the fried batter is perfect.”

Plate lunches are served every day.    

Mama Reta said her baked chicken is one of her favorites. “I love baking it to where there is that golden brown on the skin. It is delicious.”

Mama Reta wants those who have not eaten at her restaurant to know she believes in cooking with passion and lots of love.

“When you eat here, I want you to know the food is good because we love you,” she said.

Try This

1 | Smothered Okra

Mama Reta places fresh-cut okra and seasonings in one of her favorite pots. After some cooking time, the result is heavenly smooth and tasty.

2 | Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

No matter what the season, Mama Reta’s fans will order her chicken and sausage gumbo. The woman knows how to season food! Her patrons have been known to lap their empty bowls, hoping for more gumbo essence (Note: Order a side of Mama Reta’s smothered okra and pour into the gumbo … LAWD have MERCY IT’S DIVINE).

3 | Smothered Pork Steak

Tuesday is smothered pork day at Mama Reta’s. Rice and gravy along with a roll or cornbread and the choice of a side complete this excellent plate lunch.

Mama Reta’s Kitchen
1916 Belden St.
Lake Charles
337-240-8266
@mamaretaskitchen