15 Iconic Foods You Must Try in Paris – A Delicious Guide for Food Lovers

Ah, Paris. The city of love, lights, and endless charm. For many, visiting Paris is a dream come true—a chance to stroll along the Seine, admire the Eiffel Tower, and soak in the art and culture. But let's be honest, one of the best reasons to visit this enchanting city is the food. Paris is a paradise for food lovers, with every street corner offering something delicious that captures the essence of French culinary magic.

From buttery croissants fresh out of a boulangerie to the comforting warmth of French onion soup, something about Parisian cuisine speaks directly to the heart. Whether sipping on a glass of wine at a cozy café or indulging in a delicate macaron, each bite tells a story of tradition, passion, and the city's love affair with good food.

In this guide, we've rounded up 15 iconic foods you can't miss during your Paris adventure. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the best flavors Paris offers—your taste buds will thank you!

Uncover the Secrets Behind Parisian Cuisine and the Ingredients That Make It Special

Paris is a city that wears its love for food on its sleeve. French cuisine is renowned for its delicate balance of flavors, quality ingredients, and a focus on fresh, seasonal produce. Butter is practically a love language in Paris, and you’ll find it at the heart of many dishes, making everything rich and comforting. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and tarragon add a fragrant touch, while wine often serves as a base for sumptuous sauces that bring dishes to life.

Pastries are an essential part of Parisian cuisine, with buttery croissants and sweet éclairs tempting you at every corner. The emphasis on quality ingredients, like creamy butter, fresh herbs, and artisan cheese, is what makes each bite so memorable. Parisians take pride in their culinary traditions, and that passion is evident in every dish, whether it's a simple baguette with cheese or a meticulously prepared coq au vin.

Indulging in Parisian delicacies is more than just eating—it's an experience that captures the essence of the city's charm, culture, and love for good living.

15 Things You Must Try in Paris to Truly Experience

Paris is a city that promises unforgettable moments, but to truly experience its essence, you must dive into its incredible food scene. Here are 15 things that will make your journey through Paris an adventure for your taste buds.

1. French onion soup

If you're craving comfort in a bowl, look no further than the classic Parisian French onion soup. Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it’s the perfect dish to cozy up with. Legend has it that this timeless recipe was born almost 300 years ago, crafted by none other than King Louis XV himself. One taste, and you'll understand why this blend of sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey cheese has stood the test of time. It’s history and heartiness in every spoonful.

2. Croissants

Stroll by a bakery in the early morning, and you can’t help but be enchanted by the rich, buttery aroma of freshly baked croissants drifting through the air. It's like an unspoken invitation to step inside and claim your flaky, golden treasure. Imagine savoring it as you walk while the city slowly comes to life. But here's the bittersweet truth: many French bakeries no longer make their croissants from scratch, opting for frozen shortcuts. So, it’s always worth asking if your local boulanger still embraces the true art of croissant-making.

3. A baguette

French President Emmanuel Macron may be pushing for the baguette to earn UNESCO recognition, but many Parisian bakers already know their beloved bread is iconic. Since 1994, an annual contest—the Grand Prix de la Baguette Tradition Française de la Ville de Paris—has been on a mission to find the city's best baguette. The winner takes home a medal, €4,000, and the honor of supplying the Elysée Palace for a year. If you buy one, don’t forget to snap off the crusty, still-warm tip to nibble on as you walk—just like a true Parisian.

4. Jacques Genin chocolates

While iconic names like Ladurée and Pierre Hermé have taken their sweet creations worldwide, Jacques Genin remains the top pick for chocolate-loving Parisians in the know. Make your way to his chic boutique and tea salon at 133 Rue de Turenne, just a short stroll from Place de la République, and treat yourself to a taste of his incredible craftsmanship. From unique flavors like caper to basil, each bite is an experience that’s nothing short of sublime.

5. Raw-milk artisanal cheeses

Paris is, without a doubt, the heart of French gastronomy, and nothing showcases it better than its charming cheese shops. Here, you can embark on a delicious "Tour de France," sampling cheeses from every corner of the country—from the mild and creamy to the wonderfully sharp. For the best experience, choose raw milk cheeses (unless your immune system needs extra care) and don’t hesitate to ask the vendor what’s at its peak. Artisanal cheese is a seasonal delight, and a good cheesemonger will guide you to the finest flavors of the moment.

6. Street-stand crêpes

As you wander through Paris, you'll find crêpe stands on nearly every corner. This beloved street food is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. For the best experience, choose a stand where they cook your crêpe fresh (not reheated from a stack) and make sure it’s thin—nothing spoils the treat like a gummy, undercooked crêpe. Cleanliness is key too! While trying all sorts of fillings might be tempting, true crêpe lovers will tell you that a simple beurre-sucre (butter and sugar) crêpe is the real way to savor its classic taste.

7. Steak frites

There's something magical about a perfectly grilled steak served with a side of crispy fries and your choice of sauce. This simple dish reaches new heights when the beef is top-quality and well-aged, and the fries are fresh, hand-cut, and double-fried. Just pick your preferred cut, decide on your cooking level (go for "à point" if you like it medium-rare), and pick a classic sauce like Béarnaise or peppercorn. Don’t forget to enjoy those crispy fries alongside some tender, squeaky green beans for the perfect French meal.

8. A cocktail at the Bar Hemingway

Hidden inside The Ritz, the city’s most famous bar pays tribute to none other than its legendary patron, Ernest Hemingway. Step into this iconic spot and enjoy a sublime cocktail crafted by the one and only Colin Field, the celebrated British bartender who's been at the helm since 1994. His signature drinks are worth the visit: the Serendipity, a refreshing mix of calvados, mint, sugar, ice, and champagne, and the mysterious Clean Dirty Martini, with a frozen olive juice cube at its heart. As for the rest of the ingredients? Field plans to take those secrets to his grave.

9. Croque-monsieur

In most Parisian brasseries and cafés, you’ll find non-stop service, and one menu staple that never disappoints is the croque-monsieur. With its gooey filling and crisp edges, this classic grilled ham and cheese sandwich gets an extra boost from a bit of creamy béchamel. Feeling a little hungrier? Opt for the croque-madame—it’s the same delicious sandwich but topped with a fried egg, making it even more satisfying.

10. Tea or Coffee

“Un café” in Paris once meant only one thing—a strong, bitter espresso, often enjoyed with a Gauloise cigarette and maybe a side of existential musings. But in recent years, Parisians have welcomed a new wave of coffee culture, where quality matters and beans are thoughtfully selected, roasted, and brewed to perfection. You can experience this new generation of coffee in one of the city’s trendy coffee shops, especially around the lively neighborhoods of Canal Saint-Martin or The Marais.

11. Duck confit

Initially created to preserve fresh duck meat, the confit method involves slowly cooking duck legs in their own fat until the meat becomes unbelievably tender and juicy. While few Parisian bistros make their confit these days, they take pride in sourcing it from the best producers, often from the southwest of France. The duck is seared when served until the skin is golden and crispy. The classic side? Pommes sarladaises—garlicky potatoes sautéed in duck fat that are simply irresistible. (And hey, duck fat's good for you, right?)

12. Jambon-beurre

Just like any city dweller, Parisians sometimes need to grab a quick bite, and nothing says "Paris" quite like a jambon-beurre. This simple yet classic sandwich is a favorite, made with a fresh half-baguette spread with cool butter and filled with slices of tender "jambon de Paris" (a pink, cooked ham). You can pick one up at your local bakery or order it at a café counter—sometimes, they’ll even add a few crunchy cornichons if you like.

13. Rhum baba

This rich, rum-soaked cake with vanilla cream has been around since the 18th century, thanks to King Stanislaus of Poland, who found himself exiled in Lorraine. Craving the raisin brioches he used to enjoy with Tokaji wine, he asked his chef, Nicolas Stohrer, to recreate them. Inspired by Stanislaus’ love for Arabian Nights, the new dessert was named "rhum baba." When his daughter Marie married King Louis XV, Stohrer followed her to Paris and opened his own bakery—securing rhum baba’s future in the city. Today, even Chef Alain Ducasse is a fan, featuring it as a signature dessert in many of his Parisian restaurants.

14. Choucroute

This classic brasserie dish has its roots in Alsace, the border region in eastern France. It found its way to Paris in the late 19th century when many Alsatians fled to the capital after the region was annexed by Germany. Choucroute, which is the French name for sauerkraut, is a hearty dish made from white cabbage cooked in riesling with herbs, garlic, and duck or pork fat. It’s usually served piled high and topped with an assortment of sausages and a tender pork knuckle—a comforting feast that's all about flavor.

15. Paris-Brest

Inspired by an old bicycle race that took riders from Paris all the way to the tip of Brittany, this pastry has become one of the favorites in Parisian patisseries. Shaped like a wheel, it’s made of light choux pastry filled with rich praline buttercream and topped with caramelized almonds—pure bliss for anyone with a sweet tooth. If you’re looking for a taste of Parisian indulgence, this dessert is definitely a must-try.

Conclusion

I hope this journey through the flavors of Paris has inspired you to explore its rich culinary traditions. Whether you're nibbling on a warm croissant at dawn, savoring a classic jambon-beurre while strolling the streets, or treating yourself to a slice of rhum baba, each bite carries a piece of the city’s history and charm. Next time you're in Paris, be sure to slow down, savor the moment, and let your taste buds guide you. After all, Parisian food isn’t just about eating—it’s about embracing the passion, culture, and simple joys of life. Bon appétit!