Food is the one thing that unites many people. As you get to taste rich flavors layered on juicy meat and fresh vegetables, you are instantly transported to a magical world. For most foodies, Paris is the No. 1 destination, as the dishes here are prepared using traditional methods, which makes them taste so good. Most dishes are freshly baked in street food eateries, which helps give the authentic taste. And visitors get to enjoy world-class steak frites and baguettes in every corner of the city. We don’t want you to waste any time deciding what to eat. So, we have some recommendations for the best dishes to eat in Paris for first-time visitors.
5 Best Dishes to Eat in Paris: Must-Try Meals
1. Steak Frites
After you have gotten tired from exploring the streets of Paris, your body needs a protein-rich meal that will energize you. Steak Frites can be the right choice, as you will get to enjoy a rich and savory taste all in a single bite. This dish is a local favorite and is prepared by cooking the thinly sliced ribeye steak until medium rare, and double-frying the blanched potatoes. Then it is layered with a green creamy butter sauce. For something to drink, pair your dish with a glass of bold red wines like Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon, which will cut right through the juicy steak and make the meat’s savory depth taste more distinct.
Pro Tip: Visit Le Louchebem in the 1st arrondissement to enjoy traditionally prepared steak frites in the local atmosphere.
2. Croissant
Even before visiting Paris, you might have been introduced to Croissants either by an Instagram influencer or by a famous Netflix show. And you might have wondered if they are even worth the hype. Let us tell you the truth. Yes, they absolutely are. Tasting an authentic croissant from a local bakery in Paris can be a life-changing experience for you. These crescent-shaped desserts have that rich, buttery flavor and are prepared using a careful baking method called lamination. As a result, you will get to enjoy a crispy outer crust that gives you a satisfying touch you are sure to fall in love with.
Pro Tip: Check out the La Maison d’Isabelle in the 5th Arrondissement to try a melt-in-your-mouth croissant.
3. Tartine
Tartine is another local favorite dish that you can try for breakfast. It is a traditional open-sliced sandwich prepared with butter or jam for a sweet taste and cheese and meat for a savory filling. Some places use a baguette or a sourdough loaf instead of a regular crusty bread. If you are planning to have it for dinner, you will be served it with ricotta cheese, smoked salmon, or ham and a green salad on the side, and it is often layered with mayo, pesto, or hummus. To enjoy the rich flavors of the sandwich, you can pair it with a crisp white wine, which will cut right through the dish’s savory flavors.
4. Baugette
Baguettes are a long loaf of bread that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. If you’re trying out a baguette for the first time, you can order “une tradition” from a local boulangerie. And if you don’t like a plain baguette, you can try out the Baguette aux Cereales to enjoy the baked multigrain seeds in every bite. Make sure to follow the dining etiquette while eating it. Instead of spreading the cheese directly on the entire piece, cut a small piece with your knife and layer it decently. If you are enjoying your baguette while walking, remember to tear off a piece known as quigon and enjoy the flavors calmly.
5. Duck Confit
Duck confit is something you should definitely not miss out on if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is a warm dish that introduces your mouth to deep flavors in each bite. Duck confit is made by slow cooking the meat in its own fat until the skin is brown. And then, following centuries-old cooking techniques, it is kept in an airtight container to maintain its flavor. With the leftover duck fat, some garlic-seasoned potatoes. You will be served the dish with French fries and a green salad on the side.
Pro Tip: To enjoy a budget-friendly and crispy duck confit, visit Bistrot Victories located at 6 Rue de la Vrillieree in the 1st Arrondissement.
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Bottom Line
Paris is famous all around the world for its relaxing environment, where you can taste authentic flavors all around the city. Local bakeries offer freshly baked goods made with traditional methods that create rich flavor. So, to make your trip easier, these are the best dishes to eat in Paris for first-time visitors. Duck confit will definitely be your favorite if you like deep flavors on an intensely meaty dish. The savory tartine for dinner provides the perfect blend of ricotta cheese, ham, and pesto, which is best paired with white wine. And for dessert, you could never go wrong with a creamy croissant with a crispy texture. We are sure you will come back to enjoy a phenomenal culinary experience again.