Paris is known for producing some of the best food in the World. You can find gastronomical delights around every corner. If you’re only in Paris for a few days, you’ll want to make sure and try some of the best Paris has to offer. Here is my list of favourites…now it’s up to you, to see how many of these, you’ll sink your teeth into!
Baguettes and Cheese
Baguettes and cheese, baguettes and cheese. You’ll be walking with a pep in your step after collecting a variety of cheesy goodness and armed with a baguette in hand. They can be found at any local market. If you’d like some guidance, head to a Fromagerie where a cheesemonger will help steer you in the right direction… Although I feel you could spin a bottle and be happy with any cheese it points to. There are over 250 varieties to choose from. Cheese is incredibly cheap in France too, so it’s a great place to experiment. The humble baguette can also be picked up at any Boulangerie, just follow your nose! Baguettes are eaten in Paris on the daily. Rip it, dip it, top it, eat and enjoy!
Escargot
Escargots are snails that are often served in the shell with a generous amount of butter, garlic, and parsley. A perfect appetizer or accompaniment to that Happy Hour glass of Chardonnay, white Burgandy, dry Rose, or Pinot Noir if you prefer a red. Contrary to the belief of those who haven’t tried escargots, they are not slimy. After being cooked, they have a nice meaty texture. Flavour-wise, I would compare them to a clam with the essence of mushrooms. They are savoury, umami goodness.
Crepes
Crepes are like super skinny pancakes, waiting to be filled, folded, and eaten on the fly. They can cost as little as 3 euros. It’s a typical street food, although you will find them dolled up at many Cafes in Paris as well. Make sure to find a place where they do them to order. We watched ours being made, which just built up the anticipation. Some of the more popular flavours are ham and cheese, or Nutella with bananas, but the possibilities are endless.
Beef Bouruignon
Beef Bourguignon. This rainy-day favourite will warm you up and make you very happy that you decided to visit Paris. It is a classic beef stew braised in a rich wine sauce and usually consists of carrots, mushrooms and pearl onions. This has also been said to be one of Julia Childs’s favourite dishes. You can find her recipe in her cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking”.
Falafel
Enjoy a falafel at L’As du Fallafel in the Jewish quarter of Le Marais. This middle eastern favourite is one I would go back to, time and time again. Chick-peas, herbs and spices are formed into balls and deep-fried to perfection! Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside; nestled in a pita along with grilled and pickled veg, a garlic lemon tahini and drizzled with hot sauce.
Steak Frites
Steak Frites at Le Relais De L’Entrecôte. There are 3 locations in Paris to choose from. The menu was first created in 1959. Consistency in using only top-quality ingredients and a well-refined recipe have contributed to its long-standing success. They do one thing and they do it well. A single-course menu beginning with a fresh green salad, topped with a vinaigrette & walnuts, a steak cooked how you like it, with a generous serving of béarnaise sauce & frites (French Fries) on the side. This one, you won’t want to miss!
Oysters
Some of the world’s best oysters are harvested in Normandy and Brittany. You can find these and many others offered all over the city. Served fresh on ice with lemon and a variety of accompaniments. Pop the champagne and enjoy!
Onion Soup
No need to say French in France… This is another excellent choice. A warm and rich comforting bowl of goodness. The recipe was created over 3 centuries ago. The base is onions, beef stalk and thyme topped with ooey gooey gruyere and toasted baguette.
Croissants
Need I say croissants? Although they originated in Vienna, the Parisians have taken this one to the next level. There is a great amount of skill and time required in creating these crescent-shaped pastries with a flaky exterior and a chewy inside. They are a breakfast staple in Paris. My favourites are the ones filled with chocolate (pain au chocolate).
Duck Confit
Duck that’s been salt-cured for a few days with herbs, then slowly cooked in its fat and seared until the skins are crispy, all this while maintaining a juicy interior. This is often served with potatoes cooked in duck fat. You can find this dish being served at many Brasseries in the city.
Big Love
Try some delicious Italian food at Big Love (30 Rue Debelleyme) in Le Marais, or any of the seven Big Mamma restaurants in Paris. Here at Big Love, we shared a pizza that I found out afterwards was gluten-free and a pasta that arrived at the table being tossed around inside a giant wheel of cheese. To say I was impressed with the outcome, would be an understatement. Not only do we plan on going back, but were also eager to check out another one of their restaurants…. probably Pink Mamma in the Pigalle Quarter (between the 9th & 18th Arrondissements).
Le Coq & Fils
Paris has close to 100 Michelin-star restaurants. Why not treat yourself to one and find out why. We went to Le Coq & Fils “The Bistro of Beautiful Birds” (98 Rue Lepic) in Montmartre and had the best-roasted bird I’ve had to date. Antoine Westermann is the 3 Michelin-starred chef that created the techniques and recipes that put this place on the map.
Créme Brûlée
Crème Brûlée is an eggy custard sealed with a layer of hardened sugar, quite often accomplished by using a small torch. The custard is traditionally flavoured with vanilla but can be infused with lavender, orange, chocolate or even Irish cream. This dessert is a staple in Paris.
Macarons
Macarons are the perfect petite treat for any occasion. They’re little airy shells with a creamy filling that comes in a myriad of colours and flavours. It’s also nice to know that in the land of pastries, this one is gluten-free. Even if you’ve tried them before in other countries and didn’t like them, I’d give them a second shot here in Paris. I was happy to change my opinion for the better. The best ones can be found at Pierre Hermé and Ladurée.
Thanks for stopping by!
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