What to eat in Paris? Top French food you have to try

Wondering what to eat in Paris? With a rising star food scene and a wide variety of restaurants and local bistros, the French capital is attracting the world’s most exquisite palates in search of new gastronomic experiences. Here is a guideline of the most typical food in Paris and some places to find it.

The NH Concierge’s Tips

Parisian cuisine is a symbol of culture and tradition that provides a rich blend of flavours to those seeking new food experiences. The heart of France’s culinary identity beats stronger in restaurants and boulangeries, where every dish is synonymous with quality and freshness. Join us on this delicious journey through the depths of Parisian cuisine.

Cheese Fondue

French cheese is always a safe bet for family or friends gatherings both in winter and summer, making it a perfect dish for an interactive dining experience. Traditional melted cheese is often enjoyed in a pot with hunks of crusty bread and a glass of wine while sharing stories around the table. If you love cheese in any recipe, you will find a collection of places to enjoy this culinary delight in Paris.

Crêpes

If you are wondering what to eat in Paris, it is that simple to make and filled with whatever you fancy, this versatile French dish can be served for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a tasty afternoon snack. Folded into a triangle, crêpes are similar to pancakes and can be sweet, with melted chocolate, jam, fruit, and all kinds of toppings, or sweet, filled with cheese, eggs, or vegetables. If you are looking for crêpe places to eat in Paris, there are plenty of street stands in some popular areas where you can take one on the go.

French Onion Soup

Topped with slices of thick bread and melted cheese, French onion soup is one of the most traditional things to eat in Paris. This caramelised onion broth is a simple yet deeply comforting dish that can be served as a stand-alone meal or as an appetizer, with a big spoonful of Gruyere cheese. Known as the “Queen of soups," you can try this delicious treat in most restaurants all over the French capital.

Ratatouille

Made well-known by the movie, this iconic vegetable stew has its origins in the region of Provence, in the south of France. Ratatouille combines aubergines, courgettes, red or yellow peppers, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and red onions simmered in a creamy tomato and olive oil sauce. This tasty dish can be enjoyed with rice, potatoes, or bread and it is mostly served in the summertime, but you can still order this French delight in winter.

Escargots

Cooked in herb butter, garlic, and parsley, these French snails are one of the most common appetizers in the country. As they are usually served as a starter, some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce is perfect for this traditional dish. In addition, escargots have a long history in French cuisine and are associated with the diversity of the country’s food culture. Restaurants and bistros all over Paris may offer different variations of escargot sauces, but the combination of snail meat and herb-infused butter is the common essence of this delicacy. If you still don’t know where and what to eat in Paris, you will find this flavourful must-try dish in many restaurants across the City of Light to make your gastronomic adventure even more memorable

Quiche

You have probably heard of this savoury egg and heavy cream tart before. Originated in Germany, quiche is a traditional French dish made of eggs and additional ingredients such as cheese, onion, leek, or bacon baked in a pie crust. Also, quiche is one of the most versatile things to eat in Paris since it is perfect for lunch or dinner and can be served hot or cold, so you can take a wedge while you go sightseeing. Although Lorraine is the most common quiche in France, other popular types include goat cheese or salmon and can be found at boulangeries or cafes around the French capital.

Croque Monsieur

If you are a sandwich lover, you can’t miss the opportunity to try this exquisite ham and cheese one. Covered in delicious bechamel sauce and topped with a fried egg, this popular meal is the best choice if you are looking for some ready-to-eat food while visiting the main Parisian landmarks. There is a large range of street carts and boulangeries in Paris where you can find freshly prepared Croque Monsieur served with melted cheese on top and crunchy French fries.

Croissant

There is nothing better to take your gastronomic adventure in Paris to the next level than the king of French pastries. You may know what a croissant looks like, but you may not know how incredible it tastes. Crumbly and buttery, the French croissant is an incomparable delight you can indulge in every morning before visiting Paris’ most iconic sites. Whether sweet or savoury, a croissant and a cup of coffee is all you need to enjoy a pleasant lunch.

Pain au chocolat

Let’s add something sweet like this French favourite to end your gourmet experience. Made of layered pastry dough and with chocolate creamy chocolate filling, this French delight will fit every moment of your day. Pain au chocolat has captured the hearts of many pastry lovers around the world and is easy to find in almost every Parisian boulangerie. Are you wondering what to eat in Paris? Pain au chocolat is a safe bet.
 
Paris has a unique culture and its architecture and world-class museums deserve a visit. However, what will really take your trip to a higher level is the gastronomic experience you can have as you dive into its tasty and varied cuisine.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your Paris trip, then take a look at our hotels in Paris city centre

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