When you think of Paris, you might picture its famous cafés or Michelin-starred restaurants. But Paris now has a lively street food scene. It mixes classic French tastes with global favorites. You can find everything from crêpes to Turkish kebabs late at night. Are you ready to explore the hidden food treasures of Paris?
Key Takeaways
- Paris has a vibrant and diverse street food culture that goes beyond the city’s famous cafés and Michelin-starred restaurants.
- From classic French crêpes and galettes to international favorites like falafel and bao burgers, the streets of Paris offer a wide range of delicious and authentic street food options.
- Many of the city’s iconic street food vendors and markets have been in operation for decades, showcasing the rich history and tradition behind Parisian cuisine.
- Street food in Paris is not just about convenience; it’s a way of life, with locals and tourists alike indulging in the city’s diverse culinary delights.
- Exploring the street food scene is a great way to experience the true flavors of Paris and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant food culture.
In this post, you'll find...
Crêpes: The Iconic Parisian Street Food
Parisian crêpes are a beloved and iconic street food that have been a staple in the city for centuries. They come from France’s Brittany region, dating back to the 13th century. These light, thin pancakes can be found at many street vendors and outdoor markets in Paris.
From the classic Nutella-filled treat to savory options with cheese, ham, or eggs, crêpes are a must-try for visitors. They offer a wide range of flavors, making them a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Some of the best spots to enjoy a delicious Parisian crêpe include La Crêperie Bretonne in the Marais district and Marché Bastille. This lively outdoor market lets you watch vendors make these french street food crepes right before your eyes. The picturesque Jardin du Luxembourg is also a great place, with its vibrant crepe stands offering stunning views of Paris.
Whether you love a classic crêpe with Nutella or prefer a savory version, these iconic Parisian street food crepes are a must-try. Their delicate texture, endless flavor combinations, and the charm of being prepared fresh on the streets make them a favorite among locals and visitors.
“Crêpes are the quintessential Parisian street food – light, delectable, and a true taste of the city’s vibrant culinary culture.” – Chef Alain Ducasse
Galettes: The Savory Buckwheat Cousins
The parisian galettes come from Brittany. They are different from sweet crêpes because they use buckwheat flour. This makes them taste richer and darker.
They are filled with tasty ingredients like ham, cheese, and egg. This makes them a favorite snack in Paris at night.
Great places to try buckwheat crepes in paris are Rue Mouffetard and spots like La Galetterie, AuPetit’ Grec, and La Petite Bretonne. These best galette vendors in paris have many savory options. You can get a classic “complète” or something new like raclette cheese and spicy potatoes.
“Shrove Tuesday was an annual event in our house, and we would gather to make both sweet crêpes and savory galettes, a tradition that connected us to our Breton roots.”
Galettes are great for any meal, from breakfast to dinner. To cook them, use a crepe pan that’s very hot. Parisian galettes are a must-try for exploring Paris’s street food.
Gaufres: Belgian Waffles with a French Twist
The parisian waffles, or gaufres, come from Belgium. They are perfect for a Parisian adventure. Enjoy them all year, whether it’s cold outside or warm.
These waffles are often topped with Chantilly cream. This adds a light and airy feel to the rich pastry. They’ve been around since the 12th century, sold at fairs and festivals.
Today, you can find fresh waffles from the best waffle vendors in paris all over the city. Try them plain, with powdered sugar, or with your favorite toppings. They’re a must-try in Paris.
The Art of Waffle-Making
Making traditional Liège-style waffles is a two-day process. The dough combines yeast, eggs, butter, and pearl sugar. This gives them a unique crunch and sweetness.
“The recipe is a reconstruction based on 18th and 19th-century brioche, using pearl sugar which is essential for authentic flavor.”
For the best belgian waffles in paris, look for street vendors and cafes. They take the time to perfect the traditional recipe. This makes for a truly indulgent Parisian street food experience.
Bao Burgers: A Taiwanese Fusion Delight
Hailed by expats as the Taiwanese version of hamburgers, bao burgers (or gua bao) have become a beloved street food sensation in Paris. These soft, fluffy steamed buns are filled with slow-cooked, braised pork belly, pickled greens, powdered peanut, and fresh coriander. They first gained popularity in New York in the 2000s before coming to Paris.
The rich and tender meat contrasts beautifully with the light and airy bun. This makes taiwanese bao burgers in paris a hit with both tourists and locals. You can find many places across the city serving this delicious asian street food in paris and fusion street food paris.
Yansai Gravilliers: Authentic Taiwanese Flavors
Yansai Gravilliers is located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. It opened in 2018 and quickly became known for its authentic, homemade bao buns in paris. The new Yansai Gravilliers has two floors and a wide menu of Taiwanese specialties.
At Yansai, you can try the pork gua bao, Japanese karaage, and candied eggplant. They also offer Vietnamese egg rolls, Kare Raisu, and Bobun. For dessert, try the Boa Celeste or the Ice Burger with matcha or black sesame ice cream.
Baoli Bao: Playful Bao Burger Creations
Baoli Bao offers a whimsical take on taiwanese bao burgers in paris. They have the Bao Burger in 8 different recipes, with buns in white, black, or red. Try the Bao Sukiyaki for a unique flavor mix.
Baoli Bao also has vegan and vegetarian options. Sides like Jalapeños Cheese and coconut rice with kidney beans are great. Don’t miss the matcha, litchi, and yuzu tiramisu, or the raspberry and matcha panna cotta for dessert.
“The bao burgers at Yansai and Baoli Bao offer a delightful fusion of Taiwanese and French cuisines, making them a must-try for any adventurous foodie in Paris.”
paris street food: The Iconic Falafel Sandwich
In the lively Marais neighborhood of Paris, the parisian falafel stands out. It’s a middle eastern street food in paris made from deep-fried chickpea patties. These patties are wrapped in flatbread with veggies, hummus, and more, appealing to both meat lovers and vegans.
The heart of this jewish quarter food in paris is Rue des Rosiers. Here, a long line forms outside L’As du Fallafel, known as the best falafel in paris. This place is famous for its Middle Eastern treats.
“The falafel sandwich from L’As du Fallafel is a must-try for any visitor to Paris. The perfect blend of crispy, flavorful falafel, creamy tahini, and fresh veggies in a pillowy pita – it’s a true taste of the Marais.”
But the Marais isn’t the only place for great parisian falafel. The historic Marché des Enfants Rouge offers a wide range of international foods. You can find delicious falafel from Cook’n Saj and Maoz here.
For something different, try Big Falafel. They mix traditional middle eastern street food in paris with new ideas, like Korean falafel burgers. Whether you want the classic jewish quarter food in paris or something new, Paris has plenty of best falafel in paris to try.
Refreshing Parisian Ice Cream
Paris has been famous for its delicious frozen treats since the 16th century. The city’s best ice cream shops offer a wide range of parisian ice cream flavors. From classic to unique, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
At Badiani 1932, in the Carrousel du Louvre, you can try 16 flavors of gelato. Their “La Ville Lumière” is a must-try. Café Nuances offers a special affogato with espresso and matcha ice cream.
For those who prefer dairy-free, Oatly Soft Serve Pop-Up in the Marais has unique vegan flavors. Papino by À la Mère de Famille has four classic flavors for just €4.50 per scoop.
Kapé’s ube ice cream made with coconut milk is a hit. Glacier des Prés serves a rich Paris-Brest ice cream. These classic parisian ice cream shops and best ice cream in paris will impress any ice cream lover.
“Paris is full of ice cream shops offering unusual flavors to tantalize taste buds.”
Pastrami Sandwiches: A Taste of Turkey in Paris
For a flavorful journey through Paris, check out the pastrami sandwich scene. This Turkish delicacy has won over Parisians. It comes from Kayseri in central Türkiye.
The term “pastırma” means “being pressed” in Turkish. It refers to how nomadic Turks preserved meat. Now, you can find turkish pastrami in paris in the Marais neighborhood. Many say it’s the best pastrami in paris.
Freddie’s Deli: Authentic Pastrami in the Heart of Paris
Freddie’s Deli is a standout spot. It’s run by Kristin Frederick. They offer parisian pastrami sandwiches for €10-12. The pastrami is brined for 7 to 10 days and then marinated and smoked.
The bread is from Gontran Cherrier, known for quality. Besides pastrami sandwiches, they have Philly cheese steak and carnitas. All are around €13 for a formule with a drink and chips.
Boulettes Chef Sandwich: Gourmet Pita Delight
Don’t miss Boulettes Chef Sandwich in the marais neighborhood street food scene. They offer large gourmet pita sandwiches for €10 to €15. These sandwiches mix flavors for all tastes.
Looking for turkish pastrami in paris or a twist on parisian pastrami sandwiches? Paris has many options. Start this tasty journey and let your taste buds lead the way!
“The pastrami at Freddie’s Deli is a true taste of Türkiye in the heart of Paris. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic and flavorful culinary experience.”
American-Style Cookies: A Parisian Favorite
France is famous for its macarons, madeleines, and shortbread sablé. But American-style cookies have become a hit in Paris. Shops across the city offer unique flavors that have won over the French.
Parisians love these crumbly treats so much that they use the English word “cookies” to describe them. They enjoy flavors like matcha, toasted pecans, and caramelized banana. This variety shows how much Paris loves these cookies.
Discovering Parisian Cookie Shops
Cookie lovers can find many places in Paris to try American-style treats. Nèulo sells cookies for €5 each. Scoop Me a Cookie and Cookidiction start at €3.50 and €3.90, respectively. For a special treat, Chocolatier Julien Dechenaud offers cookies from €5.50 to €55.
| Bakery/Shop | Cookie Prices |
|---|---|
| Nèulo | €5 per cookie |
| Scoop Me a Cookie | Starting from €3.50 per cookie |
| Cookidiction | Starting from €3.90 per cookie |
| Atelier P1 | Starting from €2.90 per cookie |
| Puffy’s | Starting from €3.50 per cookie, €4.50 for delivery |
| The French Bastards | €3.90 per cookie |
| Mamiche | €3.40 per cookie |
| Chocolatier Julien Dechenaud | €5.50 to €55 per cookie |
| Le Pain Retrouvé Bakery | €2.50 per cookie |
Looking for a classic chocolate chip or something new like matcha? Paris has it all. These cookies have become a big part of the city’s food scene.
Croque Monsieur/Madame: The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
The parisian croque monsieur is more than just a grilled cheese. It has been a French favorite since 1910. It was created for Parisian workmen, hence its name ‘bite for the men’.
This sandwich is made with crunchy bread, melted cheese, and ham. It’s covered in Béchamel sauce. The croque madame in paris is a vegetarian version with a poached or fried egg on top. Parisian cafes use Swiss Emmental cheese, known for its melting quality.
For the best croque sandwiches in paris, try Frenchie to Go or Laurent Dubois restaurant. They offer creative twists on the classic. You can find fillings from savory to sweet.
The croque monsieur is a beloved Parisian dish. It has both traditional and modern versions. Whether you like the classic or something new, it’s a must-try in Paris.
FAQ
What are some of the must-try street food items in Paris?
In Paris, you should try crêpes, galettes, and gaufres (waffles). Also, don’t miss out on bao burgers, falafel sandwiches, and artisanal ice cream. Pastrami sandwiches and classic American-style cookies are also a must.
Where can I find the best crêpes in Paris?
Look for crêpes at street vendors and markets like La Crêperie Bretonne. You can also find them at Marché Bastille and Jardin du Luxembourg.
What is the difference between a crêpe and a galette?
Crêpes are thin pancakes made from wheat flour, often sweet. Galettes, on the other hand, are made from buckwheat flour. They taste richer and more savory. Try them at La Galetterie, AuPetit’ Grec, and La Petite Bretonne.
Where can I find the best waffles (gaufres) in Paris?
Enjoy fresh waffles from street vendors or at bistros and cafes across the city.
What are bao burgers, and where can I find them in Paris?
Bao burgers are soft steamed buns filled with slow-cooked pork belly and pickled greens. You can find them at many spots in Paris, offering a mix of Asian and French flavors.
Where is the best place to get falafel in Paris?
For a top falafel sandwich, head to L’As du Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers in the Marais district.
What are some of the best places to get ice cream in Paris?
For artisanal ice cream, visit La Glacerie Paris, Berthillon, and Raimo Glacier. They offer unique flavors.
Where can I find authentic Turkish pastrami in Paris?
The Marais neighborhood is home to many restaurants and delis serving authentic Turkish pastrami.
Where can I find the best American-style cookies in Paris?
Look for bespoke shops in Paris’s arrondissements. They offer a variety of unique and creative flavors.
What is a croque monsieur/madame, and where can I try one in Paris?
The croque monsieur is a grilled cheese sandwich with ham. The croque madame has a poached or fried egg. Try them at cafes and stalls around Paris.
Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!