Apart from its world-famous landmarks and museums, Paris is flocked by travelers from all over the globe because of its astonishing array of gourmet restaurants and cafés. However, some people fail to experience French gourmet because of the general idea that it is expensive. The truth is, gourmet doesn’t need to be, and for the past years, this has become apparent in the streets of the culinary capital of the world. Even backpackers with a reputation for staying way below their travel budgets would agree in this claim.
If you are heading out to Paris anytime soon, you would certainly want to include the following gourmet establishments in your itinerary.
Hidden Foodie Treasure
Run by a religious charity group, Foyer de La Madeleine is a hidden foodie treasure in Place de Madeleine. Located in one of the churches’ passageways, the restaurant is a favorite of many tourists, shoppers, office workers, pensioners, and students. During lunchtime, expect the 300 pax dining areas of the restaurant packed with this exciting mix of patrons.
On your first visit, you may be charged a one-time membership fee of $7. But it will be worth it as you would have numerous chances on different days of trying French food classics like the red herring served with potato salad and oeuf mayonnaise. You can also try their cod in tomato sauce cooked using the traditions of the French Basques. If you fancy a simple dish, the restaurant also serves grilled chicken glazed with lemon sauce.
Vegetarian Street Food
Located in the Jewish neighborhood of Le Marais, this sandwich shop is known to serve one of the world’s best falafels. It’s even recommended by famous singer Lenny Kravitz. If you are in the mood for some fresh greens and deep, fried Falafels wrapped in hot pita bread and served with your choice of dressing, head on to this shop. Just makes sure that you’ve packed enough energy and patience to keep up with the long queue to the shop’s order window.
Asian in Paris
When in Paris, food is not all about the French classics. As the food melting pot of the world, you can easily be transported to the Orient when you try Asian restaurants lining its busy streets without shelling out too much of your money. There is the Asian vegetarian restaurant Tien Hiang in Rue Bichat and the Japanese ramen house Higuma at the Palais Royal.
Breads and Pastries
Your French gourmet experience would not be complete without tasting any of their world-favorite breads and pastries. While going around the city, you’d come across countless shops offering freshly-baked goods. But you might want to be particular with this pastry shop owned by one of France’s most respected chefs, Cyril Lignac. With four restaurant and pastry shops, La Patisserie by Cyril Lignac serves freshly-baked organic baguettes, loaves, sweet pastries and cakes.
Chocolate
Lastly, ending your day with a cup of real hot French chocolate would make your food experience in France genuinely memorable. Highly-recommended is the one served by Angelina, which is located along Rue de Rivoli near the Louvre museum.
