Paris, the City of Lights, beckons with its iconic landmarks, art masterpieces, and captivating charm. But a trip to the French capital isn’t complete without experiencing the city’s vibrant food scene. French cuisine is more than just meals; it’s an integral part of the country’s heritage, so deeply ingrained in its culture that UNESCO bestowed it with the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. To truly grasp the French love for their gastronomy, you have to embark on a culinary adventure, savoring some of Paris’ most renowned dishes.
Let’s dive into seven iconic Parisian foods that will make you fall head over heels for French cooking. We’ll even guide you to the best places to indulge in these delectable bites. Bon appétit!
Breakfast Like a Parisian: The All-Butter Croissant
Start your day like a true Parisian with the quintessential breakfast treat: a flaky, buttery croissant. These simple-looking pastries are actually a testament to culinary artistry, requiring days of careful preparation and a skilled hand to achieve their perfect texture. Whether you enjoy your croissant with coffee, orange juice, or simply on its own, its buttery richness is sure to brighten your morning.
In France, breakfast is a more relaxed affair, often enjoyed on the go, allowing you to grab your croissant and explore the city’s wonders. So, don’t worry about sacrificing precious sightseeing time for a sit-down breakfast.
For the best croissants in Paris, steer clear of mass-produced frozen pastries and seek out artisan bakeries. One standout option is La Maison d’Isabelle, a bakery renowned for its exceptional croissants, earning the title of “Best Croissant in Paris.” Their croissants are made with organic flour and certified butter from the Charente-Poitou region, ensuring a truly unforgettable taste.
Another excellent choice is to join our Paris Pastry & Chocolate Tour, where you’ll encounter some of the most delectable croissants the city has to offer.
A Parisian Classic: Escargots (Snails)
You can’t leave Paris without trying escargots, a dish that embodies the city’s culinary heritage. While escargots are enjoyed in various preparations, the Burgundy recipe remains the most popular. Imagine a dozen snails nestled in their shells, bathed in a savory blend of garlic, herbs, and butter. It’s a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Parisian restaurants have embraced escargots with open arms, adding their own creative touches to the dish. You’ll find snails served with Roquefort, truffle, curry-based sauces, and countless other innovative combinations.
But beyond its deliciousness, escargots are also a nutritional powerhouse, rich in iron and magnesium.
To experience escargots at their finest, head to L’Escargot Montorgueil, a Parisian institution that has been serving snails for almost 200 years. Here, you can indulge in the traditional Burgundy version or explore more adventurous options like curry, foie gras, or truffle butter escargots.
If you find yourself wanting more escargots, explore our list of fabulous spots to try this Parisian delicacy.
Sweet Indulgence: The Iconic Macaron
Not to be confused with macaroons, macarons are arguably the most celebrated French sweet. These delicate, airy treats boast almond flour shells that encase a rich, luscious filling.
The origins of macarons are shrouded in mystery. Some stories credit Catherine de Medici with the creation, while others point to a French Carmelite convent in the late 18th century. Regardless of their history, macarons reign as one of the most famous foods in Paris today.
Classic flavors like pistachio, chocolate, vanilla, and raspberry are sure to please, but don’t be afraid to venture into the realm of the unusual with flavors like salted butter caramel, green tea, or rose petals.
Paris is teeming with macaron specialty shops, each boasting exceptional quality. Pierre Hermé is a favorite among connoisseurs, renowned for his creative flair, especially his Balinese dark chocolate macaron.
For dessert enthusiasts, Sadaharu Aoki, a Tokyo-born pastry chef, offers a remarkable macaron creation called “Symphonie.” This delightful treat features a violet macaron filled with violet and earl grey creams, paired with fresh raspberries. Simply delicious!
The Simplicity of Street Food: Jambon-Beurre
Who would have thought that a sandwich could be so incredibly delicious? Jambon-beurre, a beloved Parisian lunch snack, is a testament to the power of simplicity.
This sandwich celebrates the quality of its three essential ingredients: Parisian ham, butter, and a delightfully crispy baguette. The magic lies in the perfect harmony of these simple components.
To truly appreciate the jambon-beurre, it’s crucial to ensure that each ingredient is top-notch. This means a perfectly crusty baguette, the finest French butter, and authentic Parisian ham (yes, there’s a difference!).
For a truly memorable jambon-beurre, head to La Fontaine de Belleville, a Parisian institution renowned for its sandwich made with carefully selected ingredients. Enjoy it on the go or savor it at their terrace alongside a refreshing green salad.
A Bold Bite: Steak Tartare
Eating raw meat isn’t for everyone, but for adventurous foodies, steak tartare offers an intense and flavorful experience. This bistro classic features raw ground beef seasoned with capers, onion, and black pepper, traditionally served with a raw egg yolk on top.
Though popular in France today, steak tartare has a fascinating history, arriving in France via modern-day Mongolia. Russian sailors brought it to Europe in the 17th century, setting the stage for its enduring popularity.
Le Severo, a haven for carnivores, offers a truly exceptional steak tartare, prepared with the highest quality meat and served with a choice of french fries or green beans.
A Cheese Lover’s Paradise: French Fromage
“How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?” former French president Charles De Gaulle famously asked. While we don’t have the answer, we do know that visiting a country with over 300 cheese varieties is a treat for the senses!
From the creamy Brie de Meaux to the pungent Munster, France offers a captivating spectrum of cheeses, each with its unique character and flavor profile. In France, cheese is so highly regarded that it earns its place as a dedicated course in a meal, traditionally served between the main course and dessert, or sometimes taking the place of dessert altogether.
For cheese lovers, Fromagerie Laurent Dubois is a dream come true. Here, knowledgeable cheese experts are ready to guide you through their vast selection. Among our favorites are the matured Comté and the distinctively delicious Roquefort.
A Comforting Classic: French Onion Soup
Another famous Parisian dish, French onion soup, offers a comforting and soul-warming experience. Legend has it that Louis XV invented the recipe nearly three centuries ago. Today, it features caramelized onions simmered in a rich beef broth, topped with crusty croutons and a slice of Gruyère cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that is as good as it sounds.
The simplicity of its preparation is a testament to the French emphasis on high-quality ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship. What other place could elevate the humble onion to such culinary heights?
For an unforgettable French onion soup, head to Bistrot des Vosges, where their homemade version will have you craving more.
Our Ultimate Paris Food Tour features a beloved French onion soup at a Marais eatery. Join us to discover this hidden gem.
