Top 10 Things You Should Eat in Paris

Foie gras can be duck or goose liver, preserved like pate or freshly sautéed. Photo by whatisfoiegras.com

One of the primary reasons people save their money and travel to Paris is for the extraordinary food. French desserts are undisputedly the best in the world. To eat in Paris is a dream come true, so make sure you search out the must-try’s. Here’s our list.

Crepe avec Nutella (or citron et sucre), any street side stand will do, but to get some of the best in town head to Breizh café in the Marais.

Foie Gras If you’ve never tried it you must unless you are a vegan. This delectable is a like a marriage of butter and liver, rich, luscious and not gamey or farm-y like calves liver. If you adore it like we do, take a tin home.

Rose macaron, photo by critiquespatisseriesandco.r.c.f.unblog.fr.

Rose Macaron from Pierre Hermé. This tastes like eating a rose, not something I ever thought I wanted to do until I went to Hermé’s patisserie.

Huitres. Oysters from France are briny, oblong and delicious. Try them in at La Cabane a Huitres in the 14th, a rustic shack reminiscent of an oysterman’s cabin in southwestern France. My favorites are belons from Arcachon or Cap Ferret.

Steak with Bernaise. This over the top rich combo, is a marriage made in heaven. Try a plate with frites at Chez Prune on the Canal St. Martin or Chez Paul in the 11th arrondissement.

Paris brest pastry, photo by roadtopastry.com

Paris Brest Yes you heard correctly, a choux pastry filled with hazelnut cream in the shape of a ladies’….Alexander Lobrano of Gourmet fame, proclaims the best ones to be at Bistro Paul Bert in the 11th arrondissement, where you can get a fine meal first before sampling this uniquely Parisian dessert. In actuality the Paris Brest was made in 1910 to commemorate the Paris to Brest bicycle race begun 20 years earlier.

Duck confit Duck leg preserved and cooked in its own fat and then crisped up in the oven and served with fried or mashed potatoes. It is my daughter’s favorite dish and has been since she was about 4 years old. You’ll find it on most menus in the classic bistros and brasseries, but a fine example can found at Chez Dummonet in the 6th.

Baba au Rhum, photo by Stohrer.fr

Baba au Rhum is an old fashioned dessert first introduced to Paris by Stohrer bakery on rue Montorgueil. A very moist cake soaked in rum and topped with whipped cream, what’s not to love? Try one there, or order it in a restaurant. If you like rum, you’ll love this dessert!

A Falafel from L’as du fallafel. Go to Paris to have a middle eastern dish? YES! You can get one to take out for only 5 euros at the window on rue Rosiers – it might be the cheapest and best meal you’ll have in Paris.

Ile flottante, photo by FDLux.com

Ile Flottante called floating island in English. This was popular back in the US in the 50’s and I have no idea why its gone out of style. A floating island of foamy meringue sitting on a sea of crème anglaise topped with toasted almonds. Its light and not too sweet. I promise, you will not regret ordering this classic. 

Links:
Breizh café
Pierre Hermé
La Cabane a Huitres 4 rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015
Chez Prune 36 rue Beaurepaire, 75010
Chez Paul
Bistro Paul Bert 18 rue Paul Bert, 75011
Chez Dummonet 117 rue Cherche-Midi 75006
Stohrer
L’as du Fallafel 32-34 rue des Rosiers, 75004