traditional food in paris

Traditional Food in Paris: Savory & Sweet

BySully Montero

When it comes to enjoying traditional food in Paris, couples are in for a culinary adventure like no other. Having visited Paris several times plus having a husband who is a chef with a passion for French cuisine, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the city’s most delectable dishes. Each trip, I discover new culinary gems that I can’t wait to share with my clients! In this guide, I’ll take you through the best foods to eat in Paris, perfect for a romantic outing. From savory classics to sweet indulgences, because when in Paris, you eat French food!

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traditional food in paris

Traditional Food in Paris: Savory Edition

Paris is the ultimate foodie paradise, and it’s easy to see why. The city’s rich culinary history means there’s always something new and exciting to try, from cozy bistros to trendy restaurants. Parisian chefs are like magicians, turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes that you’ll be dreaming about for years. Plus, the city’s vibrant markets and charming cafés make every meal an adventure. Whether you’re savoring a classic coq au vin or discovering a new favorite, Paris is a place where amazing food is just around every corner.

Yes, there are plenty more, but I wanted to list the ones that you may not know about. But you’ll never go wrong with more traditional dishes like ratatouille, steak frites or onion soup. But if you are feeling adventurous, try these.

Dishes I’ve Tried

  • Rillettes de Canard
    • This slow-cooked duck spread is perfect for sharing. Served with crusty bread, it’s a delicious starter to enjoy together.
  • Andouillette
    • A traditional sausage made from pork, it’s an adventurous choice for those looking to try something uniquely French. The distinct flavor is a conversation starter.
  • Poulet Basquaise
    • This dish features chicken cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and Espelette pepper, offering a taste of Basque influences within French cuisine.
traditional food in paris
  • Tête de Veau
    • Veal head, often served with a tangy ravigote sauce, is a bold choice that showcases traditional French cooking methods. Not going to lie…this one was not my favorite.
  • Lapin à la Moutarde
    • Rabbit cooked in a creamy mustard sauce, this dish is tender and flavorful. The rabbit is braised in a mixture of Dijon mustard, cream, and white wine, creating a rich and savory sauce. It’s traditionally served with potatoes or vegetables, making for a quintessentially French dining experience.

Dishes Still On the List

I won’t recommend going to Paris during the Olympic year. A lot of the main attractions are shut down, but during the summer it’s going to be unbearable. I do think that the perfect time to travel will be afterward. When I do, I want to make sure to check out these dishes.

  • Pot-au-Feu
    • A hearty beef stew with root vegetables, this comfort dish is perfect for a cozy, shared meal on a chilly evening.
  • Quenelles de Brochet
    • Pike dumplings are served with a rich sauce, often Nantua sauce made from crayfish. It’s a delicate and refined dish for seafood lovers.
  • Cervelle de Canut
    • A cheese spread made from fresh herbs, shallots, vinegar, oil, and white wine. This Lyonnais specialty is ideal for a light yet flavorful snack.
  • Boudin Noir
    • Blood sausage served with caramelized apples or onions, offering a balance of savory and sweet flavors that’s truly unique. To be fair, this one is on hubby’s list…not mine.
  • Cailles en Sarcophage
    • Quail baked in puff pastry, often accompanied by a rich sauce. This dish is as luxurious as it is delicious, perfect for a special occasion meal.

What are the national dishes of Paris?

Some of the most celebrated dishes that are synonymous with Paris include Coq au Vin, a rich chicken stew braised with wine, mushrooms, and pearl onions; Bouillabaisse, a hearty fish stew originating from the south but enjoyed in Parisian restaurants; and Escargots de Bourgogne, snails cooked with garlic, butter, and parsley. Another quintessential dish is Steak Frites, perfectly cooked steak paired with crispy fries.

traditional food in paris

What is a typical French lunch in Paris?

Lunch is one of the most important meals in Paris. It usually starts with a starter (entrée) such as a fresh salad, pâté, or a light soup and then the main course (plat principal). A crusty baguette and a glass of wine often accompany lunch. To finish, a cheese course or a dessert such as crème brûlée, tarte Tatin, or a selection of petits fours is enjoyed.

Traditional Food in Paris: Sweet Edition

Paris is sweet on the eye, sweet on the romance, and sweet on the palate. It is a sugar lovers’ dream, and the only problem you’ll have when it comes to the delectable French desserts is which one to choose. To help you navigate that yummy last course, we’ve broken down the top 10 must-try desserts for your visit to France.

But first, coffee! But, don’t ask for coffee! Here’s what to request instead:

  • Espresso with hot milk = un café au lait, un café crème, un crème
  • Espresso with foamed milk = un cappuccino
  • Espresso with a dash of milk or a spoonful of foam in a small cup = une café noisette, une noisette

And if you have to eat more than one a day to get through them? Well, c’est la vie!

10 Sweet Treats to Eat While Visiting PARIS

  • The Tartes Aux Fruits – The tartes aux fruits are prepared with fresh fruit inside a buttery pastry. The fruit sits atop a heavenly Chantilly cream. You can enjoy these tartes in both miniature and pie sizes.
  • The Éclair – The éclair is a popular dessert in Paris. The long French choux pastry can be filled with either a rich custard or pastry cream and topped with a sweet fondant. By definition, the term éclair means lightning in French. Go figure!
  • The Paris Brest – This pastry was created to celebrate the Paris to Brest bicycle ride in 1891. Naturally, it’s circular and contains praline flavored crème and choux pastry.
  • Macaron – Macarons are undeniably delectable. There are so many flavors to choose from. The base ingredients include meringue and almonds. Just don’t confuse it with coconut macaroons, in which the English added the -oon to the word in the 16th century. You will get a nasty look…oops.
  •  The Tarte Au Citron – Tarte Au Citron, also known as the lemon tart, is also very popular. Donning a pastry crust and delicious lemon filling. The filling, however, is not made with fruit. The cream is a mixture containing lemon juice, lemon zest, and of course, eggs and sugar.

The Chef (AKA Hubby) Recommends

My husband has the biggest sweet tooth. I think he’d rather eat sweets all day rather than actual food. I’m not that adventurous when it comes to pastries. But of course, for some reason, when I’m in Paris, I turn into the biggest pastry snob! My favorite place to visit is the Maison Laduree which is worth all the hype you can fathom. My house is decorated with all of the boxes that I’ve collected over the years.

Here are the best of the rest.

  • The Mille-Feuille – This fluffy treat comes in a vanilla or custard slice and consists of several layers of puff pastry. Between the puff pastry lies an additional two layers of pastry crème. Another name for the mille-feuille is Napoleon.
  • The Tarte Tatin – Named after the hotel that serves the dessert (Hotel Tatin), the tarte Tatin is a unique upside-down pastry. Its ingredients include caramelized fruit prepared with sugar and butter. It pairs famously with a bit of tart crème Fraiche.
  • The Choux à La Crème – These cream puffs are created using puff pastry as well. They swell while cooking and are hollow. The oozing center can be either whipped cream or custard. Interestingly enough, once you add chocolate as your topping, it then becomes a profiterole. There are various toppings you can add to this pastry, from ice cream to fruit and even spun caramel.
Close-up of a Lot of Cream Puffs
  • Croissant – This buttery, flaky wonder is a signature French pastry. There are so many ways to top it; you can use fruit, chocolate, fondant, or a compote of your choosing. You will not be disappointed.
  •  The Petits Four – Translated, petit four means small oven, and are also known as mignardises. The fours are little bite-sized pastries that can also be savory if you choose. The sweet option includes a sugary glaze atop a crispy biscuit. These pastries are perfect for tea parties.

Which Traditional Food in Paris Are You Excited to Try

Exploring the traditional foods of Paris is a culinary journey that every couple should experience. From the rich flavors of rillettes de canard to the adventurous taste of andouillette, Paris offers a feast for the senses that will make your trip unforgettable.

If you’re ready to indulge in these delectable dishes and more, it’s time to start planning your romantic getaway. Book a call with us and let us help you create the perfect Parisian adventure filled with unforgettable culinary delights.