French cuisine is recognised around the world for its exceptional quality and taste which is why we are sharing this Paris Food guide so that you don’t miss any of these tasty items.
Paris is a country where baguettes are weighed to the ounce and wine can only claim to call itself wine, if it adheres to a strict set of standards. Of course, Paris is the epi-center of French culture and French cuisine, with unique and trendy restaurants in Paris standing alongside cosy cafes and amazing bakeries that offer grab-and-go items. Whether walking the cobbled side streets, parading down the Champs-Élysées or picnicking under the Eiffel tower, these Parisian foods will make any trip to the city more enriching. There are also plenty of vegan food options in Paris so that all travellers can enjoy the local flavours on offer.
Food to try in Paris
Croissant
A French croissant can take three days to make. It’s a time-consuming process of incorporating just the right amount of cold butter into the dough without melting it before painstakingly measuring each triangle to be rolled into the iconic crescent shape.
When baked, this dough becomes a magically flaky, airy pastry that practically melts in your mouth, probably because the main ingredient is high-fat butter. There is no better way to begin a day in Paris than by popping into a café for a fresh-baked croissant and un café au lait.
Baguette
A true French baguette is perfection, measured according to the standards of Décret Pain. The law, passed in 1993, dictates every aspect of fresh baguettes in France. By law, baguettes in Paris must be made on the premises they’re sold. Only wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast can be used. They cannot be frozen, and additives and preservatives are forbidden. The resulting stick of bread has a hard outer shell that protects a soft, tender interior.
At around two euros, you can’t afford not to sample a traditional baguette during your Paris affair. Stop by one of the best Paris bakeries for a fresh-baked baguette to pair with some brie and wine for a quick picnic lunch.
Macaron
A shop displaying rows of perfectly crafted, colourful macarons truly embodies the detailed decadence of Paris. The delicate confection, made with meringue, is rumoured to have been introduced to France by the personal chef of Catherine De Medici. Today you can find several famous shops selling infinite varieties of this melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Savour one of these flavourful treats as you walk the Champs-Élysées. We spent 3 days in Paris and ate macarons every day – it is a must!
Crepe
There is nothing more Parisian than stopping by a street vendor for a crepe as you stroll by the Eiffel Tower or take a walk along the Seine. Crepes were invented in the far west region of Bretagne in France in the 12th century. Though they were originally made from buckwheat flower, these thin pancakes have not changed much since then. The options are endless for crepes. Try one with cheese and ham or perhaps filled with Chantilly cream if you’re feeling decadent. Crepes are argubaly one of the best street foods in Europe and one of our favourites.
Escargot
Eating a snail may not sound appealing to many people, but the French have developed a way to make even this odd little animal into a delicacy. The snails are typically removed from their shells to be cooked. Then the cooked snails are placed back into the shell to be served, coated with a generous helping of garlic and butter. Step out of your comfort zone for a delicious taste of Paris.
Steak Tartare
Steak tartare may be a symbol of fine French dining, but it first appeared on Parisian restaurant menus as American steak, or Beefsteack à l’Américaine. It rose to popularity after the Second World War, along with an increasing interest in American culture. The raw chopped steak was served with a raw egg, capers, chopped onion and parsley. It is still served much the same way today throughout Paris.
Some restaurants will serve the tartar on the side while others will mix the ingredients in front of you. However it’s served, a meal of steak tartare in Paris is an experience worth having. Even if you only have 2 days in Paris, this meal is a must!
Chocolat Chaud
More than just hot chocolate, chocolat chaud is a luxurious cup of thick, rich melted chocolate. Made with bittersweet melted chocolate and heavy cream, this decadent dessert is a lovely way to finish off a day of sightseeing in Paris.
Things to know before you go to Paris
Paris is a city with so much to offer, from iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower to the historic works of art in the Louvre. One of the city’s greatest offerings, though, is its incredible food. Next time you are in Paris, make sure to experience this epicurean epicenter of Europe by eating your way through these iconic foods of Paris.
Helpful Resources
What to pack
- No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizer’s and a mini first aid kit.
- We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage.
- We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips.
- I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like these, over backpack and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport.
Travel essentials:
- We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
- For a cheap, easy and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs.
- We use this travel drone (but make sure to check drone laws in your chosen destination first).
- This is our favourite travel Insurance because it covers so many activities and travel situations that could arise on longer trips but also offers year coverage.
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