As a traveler, there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in the local culture and cuisine. And when it comes to French food, Paris is the ultimate destination. From flaky croissants to rich escargot, the City of Light is renowned for its exquisite culinary delights. In this article, we’ll take you on a gastronomic journey through the must-try dishes and hidden gems that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
The Foundation: French Bread and Pastry
No trip to Paris would be complete without trying the iconic baguette. Made from simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt, this crusty bread is a staple of French cuisine. And it’s not just about the bread; you’ll also find delicious pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat, and macarons that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Cost: €1.00 approximately
Ingredients: water, flour, yeast (birch beer or pasta mother), salt
Croque-Monsieur and Madame: A Match Made in Heaven
These grilled sandwiches may seem simple, but trust us, they’re a revelation. The combination of ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce on toasted bread is pure magic. And don’t even get us started on the croque-madame version, which adds a fried egg to the mix.
Cost: €5.00
Ingredients: bread, ham, cheese
Flaky, Buttery Croissants
Ah, the croissant – a pastry so divine that it’s almost sinful. Flaky, buttery, and utterly addictive, these crescent-shaped treats are the perfect accompaniment to your coffee or tea.
Cost: €5.00 approximately
Ingredients: yeast-fermented dough, butter
Paris-Brest: A Delicious Cream-Filled Pastry
This stunning pastry is a masterclass in French patisserie. Made with choux pastry, cream, and almond slices, the Paris-brest is a true work of art.
Cost: €4.50 approximately per portion
Ingredients: choux pastry, cream, almonds
Macarons: A Rainbow of Flavors
These delicate meringue-based cookies are like a box of chocolates – each one a surprise! With infinite flavors and colors to choose from, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
Cost: €1.50 approximately each
Ingredients: almond flour, egg whites, sugar, water
Gratinée Onion Soup: A French Classic
This rich and flavorful soup is a staple of French cuisine. Made with caramelized onions, broth, butter, and grated cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food.
Cost: €10.00
Ingredients: onions, broth, butter, grated cheese, pepper, salt
Crêpes: Thin, Paper-Thin Pancakes
These thin pancakes are a symbol of French cuisine that you can’t resist. Served with sweet or savory fillings, crêpes are the perfect accompaniment to your breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Cost: €3.50 to €6.00 approximately
Ingredients: flour, milk, eggs, sugar, butter
Quiche Parigina: A Classic French Dish
This versatile dish is a staple of French cuisine. Made with pastry crust, besciamella, prosciutto, and gruyère, quiche parigina is a true delight.
Cost: €2.50 to €1.50 approximately per slice
Ingredients: pastry crust, besciamella, prosciutto, gruyère
Omelette: A Simple yet Elegant Dish
This classic French dish may seem simple, but trust us, it’s a revelation. Made with eggs, butter, and fillings like ham, cheese, or herbs, omelettes are the perfect accompaniment to your breakfast.
Cost: from €8.00 approximately
Ingredients: eggs, butter, filling ingredients (e.g., ham, cheese, herbs)
Escargot: A Luxury Dish
These large earth snails may seem exotic, but they’re a delicacy in French cuisine. Cooked with garlic, parsley, and cream, escargot is a true treat.
Cost: from €15.00 to €30.00 approximately per portion
Ingredients: snails, cream, butter, garlic, parsley, pepper
Foie Gras: A Luxurious Delicacy
This luxurious dish may seem pricey, but trust us, it’s worth every euro. Made with duck or goose liver, foie gras is a true delicacy.
Cost: from €50.00 approximately per kilogram
Ingredients: duck or goose liver
Boeuf Bourguignon: A Classic French Stew
This classic French dish may seem simple, but trust us, it’s a revelation. Made with slow-cooked beef, pancetta, and red wine, boeuf bourguignon is the perfect comfort food.
Cost: from €15.00 approximately per portion
Ingredients: beef, pancetta, wine, spices, carrots, onions
Coq au Vin: A Chicken in Red Wine
This classic French dish may seem complicated to prepare, but trust us, it’s worth every effort. Made with chicken, red wine, mushrooms, bacon, and herbs, coq au vin is a true delight.
Cost: from €20.00 approximately per portion
Ingredients: chicken, wine, mushrooms, bacon, herbs
Ratatouille: A Vegetable Delight
This humble dish may seem simple, but trust us, it’s a revelation. Made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, ratatouille is the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
Cost: from €15.00 approximately per portion
Ingredients: vegetables, oil, garlic
Parisian Chocolate: A Sweet Delight
And finally, no trip to Paris would be complete without trying some of the city’s famous chocolate. Made by master chocolatiers who create true works of art that are also delicious.
Cost: from €4.50 approximately per piece
Ingredients: chocolate
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Where to Eat in Paris: Best Restaurants, Typical Locals, and Street Food
Paris is one of the world’s capital cities for gastronomy – you’ll find the best French cuisine, as well as international proposals. A meal in Paris typically consists of 3 courses: antipasti and/or first courses (hors-d’oeuvres or entrées), main course, and dessert.
You can either order à la carte or take advantage of the convenient formulas, which allow you to choose 2-3 dishes together at a fixed price. There are countless restaurants in Paris, from traditional bistros to international ones, as well as street food options.
Here are some recommended places:
-
La Tour d’Argent
Description: Elegant restaurant with stunning views of Notre Dame, oldest restaurant in the city with a wine cellar containing over 400,000 bottles.
Speciality: Anatra al sangue
Price: €190 approximately per person
Address: 19 Quai de la Tournelle – Get directions / +33143541747 -
Boulangerie La Parisienne
Description: Traditional bakery where you can buy an excellent baguette.
Speciality: Baguette
Price: €5 approximately per person
Address: 48 Rue Madame – Get directions / +33951575035 -
Brasserie Lipp
Description: Typical brasserie with excellent meat and dessert dishes.
Speciality: Canard and entrecote
Price: €40 approximately per person
Address: 151 Boulevard Saint-Germain – Get directions / +33145485391 -
Les Crêpes de Louis-Marie
Description: Small, characteristic creperie offering both sweet and savory crêpes.
Speciality: Crêpes
Price: €8 approximately per person
Address: 1 Rue de l’Arbalète – Get directions / +33786443692 -
The Frog & Underground
Description: Cozy underground-style restaurant specializing in burgers and beer.
Speciality: Beer and hamburgers
Price: €20 approximately per person
Address: 176 Rue Montmartre – Get directions / +33144820472 -
Ladurée
Description: Iconic pasticceria where you can indulge in delicious macarons.
Speciality: Macarons
Price: €15 approximately per person
Address: 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées – Get directions / +33140750875 -
L’Aubergeade
Description: Typical bistrot with excellent tartare and chicken dishes at reasonable prices.
Speciality: Tartare and canard
Price: €35 approximately per person
Address: 17 Rue Chaligny – Get directions / +33143443336 -
Cafe le Zimmer
Description: Delightful brasserie with elegant interiors, where you can have a quick lunch or coffee in front of the Seine.
Speciality: Choucroute (both Alsace-style and sea-style)
Price: €35 approximately per person
Address: 1 Place du Châtelet – Get directions / +33142367403 -
Treize au Jardin
Description: Located along the Luxembourg Gardens, this cozy spot is perfect for brunch or a piece of cake.
Speciality: Soups and salads
Price: €20 approximately per person
Address: 5 Rue de Médicis – Get directions -
Breizh Café
Description: Restaurant very attentive to sustainability, specializing in both sweet and savory crêpes with high-quality ingredients.
Speciality: Crêpes
Price: €30 approximately per person
Address: 109 Rue Vieille du Temple – Get directions / +33142721377
Conclusion
French cuisine is all about elegance, simplicity, and delicious flavors. With this guide, you’re ready to embark on a culinary journey through Paris and discover the must-try dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best way to eat in Paris?
A: You can order à la carte or take advantage of convenient formulas, which allow you to choose 2-3 dishes together at a fixed price. There are countless restaurants in Paris, from traditional bistros to international ones, as well as street food options.
Q: What is the most popular French dish?
A: The baguette is an iconic French bread that’s a staple of French cuisine. You’ll find it in every bakery and café throughout the city.
Q: Can I eat in Paris on a budget?
A: Yes! You can enjoy delicious meals at affordable prices by eating at bistros, cafes, or street food stalls.
Q: What is the best time to visit Paris for foodies?
A: The best time to visit Paris for foodies is during the summer months when the city hosts various food festivals and markets.
Q: Can I buy French cheese in Paris?
A: Yes! You’ll find plenty of fromageries throughout the city where you can sample a variety of French cheeses.
Q: What is the most famous French pastry?
A: The croissant is an iconic French pastry that’s flaky, buttery, and utterly addictive.
Q: Can I eat at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris?
A: Yes! You’ll find several Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the city, offering exquisite dining experiences at high prices.
Q: What is the best way to try authentic French chocolate?
A: Visit Ladurée or other famous chocolate shops to indulge in delicious French chocolates.
Q: Can I visit Paris without trying French food?
A: Yes! While French cuisine is renowned around the world, you’ll still find plenty of non-French options to satisfy your cravings.
