As the capital of France, culinary specialties and cheeses from other regions throughout the country are found in Paris. However, there are certain traditions and French dishes which are quintessentially Parisian.
The French Baguette
The baguette is a staple in French cuisine regardless of region, but it’s thought to have originated in Paris. However, the verdict is still out among historians. Some say this essential bread arrived in France by way of Vienna. An Austrian named August Zang is credited with bringing the first steam ovens to Paris, used to make baguettes. Others hypothesize Napoleon’s bakers first developed the baguette. Yet most agree the French baguette became popular due to its rapid spread throughout Paris in the 1920s.
In 1919, a law forbade French bakers from operating at night. Consequently, they could not start developing their bread dough before 4 am. However, the elongated shape of the baguette allowed enough time for the bread to rise before baking. Thus, enabling them to have something delicious to serve their customers for breakfast. Baguettes quickly caught on and ingrained themselves within French culture and Parisian cuisine.
While exploring the city, find the nearest boulangerie by tracking Parisians on the go with warm baguettes tucked under their arms. Then, for a quick meal as you traverse the city’s bustling streets, grab a jambon-beurre baguette. Rich butter is slathered onto the freshly baked bread with slices of high-quality ham nestled inside. Jambon-beurre is an essential street food of Parisian cuisine.
Although croissants and ‘pan au chocolat’ weren’t created in Paris, they are fundamental to an authentic culinary experience in the city. These pastries made with excessive layers of dough, butter, and chocolate (in the case of pan au chocolat) are indeed loaded with calories. But they are worth it and a great way to fuel up for a full day of exploring the city. Whether enjoyed with coffee for breakfast or savored as a mid-morning snack, the best croissants, and pan au chocolat are flaky pastries with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
CrĂŞpes in Paris
Beyond baguettes and pastries from the nearest boulangerie, crĂŞpes are the ultimate street food in Parisian cuisine. CrĂŞpe stands dot street corners throughout the city. Most offer numerous sweet and savory options. The most classic selections are Nutella and bananas to satisfy the sweet tooth or ham and cheese for a delicious alternative. Plus, crĂŞpes are easy to eat on the go and ideally enjoyed in any of the city’s stunning parks, such as the 25-hectare Jardin du Luxembourg.
Parisian Brasseries
Savoring a glass of wine and a delicious meal while catching up with friends, people-watching, or enjoying a novel ranks high amongst the most popular Parisian pastimes. Brasseries are classic Parisian restaurants. They’re also known as bouillons, named after the bouillon broth created by butcher Pierre-Louis Duval in 1860. Brasseries are known for their affordable but high-quality meals and convivial atmosphere. Before World War II, they were hugely popular but fell out of favor as fine dining and nouveau cuisine took over Paris post-war. Today, restauranteurs are reviving old brasseries, and several new ones are popping up throughout the city. Classic dishes like steak frites, croque monsieur, os a moelle (bone marrow), and poireaux vinaigrette (leeks in vinaigrette) are a few examples of traditional brasserie fare.
In 1926, Harry’s American Bar created the French 75 in Paris. Made of Champagne, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, the French 75 was an immediate hit and quickly spread to other metropolitan cities like New York.
Another delightful yet straightforward brasserie specialty, croque monsieur, is a flavorful hot sandwich. Ham and melted Gruyère cheese mixed with bechamel are tucked between sliced bread—more bechamel and cheese top the sandwich, which gets browned under a broiler. French fries or salad accompany a croque monsieur. For those craving something a bit more filling, order a croque madame. This version of the sandwich sees an egg added on top. Enjoy this hot ham and cheese sandwich with a rich white wine like Viognier from Condrieu or a buttery Chardonnay from Meursault in Burgundy. Both wines have a creamy texture and rich flavors to match a cheesy croque monsieur.
Os A Moelle
Os a moelle is a fat-filled, hearty dish that satiates the appetite, especially during winter in Paris. This bone marrow dish is prepared by roasting cow bones with herbs and spices. Os a moelle is served directly from the bones, and diners scoop out the bone marrow to spread onto crusty bread. A Northern RhĂ´ne Syrah from Cornas or a Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend from Châteauneuf-du-Pape pairs deliciously with os a moelle. Dominated by red fruits with subtle animal characteristics and a robust body, these wines align with this French dish’s flavor profile.
Cheese is a critical part of any French meal, and cheeses from throughout the country are savored in Paris. However, a few are produced in île-de-France, the region in which Paris lies, to seek out while there.
Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese made with raw cow’s milk and a white bloomy rind highlighting mushroom, nutty, and fruit flavors.
Coulommiers – similar to Brie de Meaux, but made in a smaller round mold with 40% fat content and a buttery, nutty taste.
Boursalt – a triple-cream, soft-ripened cow’s milk cheese with rich, nutty, salty flavors.
Chef Louis Durand created the Paris-Brest in 1910 in honor of its namesake bicycle race hosted in the city. The dessert features a hollowed-out puff pastry ring filled with a decadent almond, hazelnut, and praline cream. Topped with almond slivers and heavily dusted in powdered sugar, Paris-Brest is adored for its nutty flavors.
Rum Baba
Also known as baba au rhum, these Parisian treats are small sponge cakes filled with raisins or currants. They’re soaked in rum, hence the name. While various origin stories exist, it’s thought that Chef Nicholas Stohrer first created rum baba for the exiled Polish King Stanislas LesczyĹ„ska, who married King Louis XV’s daughter.
Author
Nicole Dickerson
WSET certified international wine writer passionate about rare varieties and cellar hand experience in both hemispheres.
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