From the best baguettes in Paris to the quintessential crêpes, our Paris insider shows you to the top 5 Paris street treats.
Baguette bliss—Boulangerie Mauvieux
No food says Paris like the baguette, and many claim to have the best in town. Baker Francois Mauvieux has the title to prove it, winning the 2012 Grand Prix de la Baguette de Paris, and receiving the honour of supplying fresh loaves for the French President.
But you don’t have to be Monsieur Hollande to try your taste-buds on these tantalizing loaves, Mauvieux’s boulangerie is located on rue Ordener in the 18th district near Montmartre, marked by its blue paint signs and regular queue of locals. Not just the bread, but the sandwiches too are world-class and a perfect midday pick-me-up.
Insider tip: Go for the tradition instead of the regular baguette; these (unsurprisingly) more traditional style loaves are the ones judged for the Grand Prix title.
Falafel fantasy—L’As du Fallafel
You might not think of Falafel when you think of Paris, but the Jewish quarter known as le Marais has some of the best. Mostly frequented for its chic, one-of fashion shops and trendy cafés, le Marais is also home to some of Paris’s best street food and l’As du Fallafel is paramount among them.
You’ll have no trouble finding it on the quirky rue des Rosiers with its ever-present queue of young, trendy Parisians, but the service is astoundingly fast and these hot, fresh sandwiches would be worth waiting hours. Be warned, however, these delectable dishes can be messy if you try to eat them on the run.
Insider tip: Try heading to the Place des Vosges for a grassy, idyllic place to eat.
The moveable feast—Le Camion Qui Fume
If regular Parisians will wait outside in all weather in all times of the year just to chow down on some decidedly American fare, you know it must be good. To be fair, the word ‘burger’ takes on a whole new meaning coming from Le Camion Qui Fume (the Smoking Truck).
These beef sandwiches are cooked to your specification and served on better bread than you’d find anywhere outside of France. Top that with scrumptious local cheese and greens and you have an inimitable French twist on an American classic that is worth a wait in any weather.
Insider tip: Check out their website for a listing of times and places so that you can arrive a little early—they can only serve so much at a time and supplies have been known to run out.
(Iced-) Cream of the Crop—Pozzetto
While Berthillon has a strong hold on the title of ‘Best Iced-Cream in Paris’, the little, family-run gelato café just off the rue de Rivoli is giving it a run for its money. Made in traditional Italian style and from the best French ingredients, this is an international marriage made in heaven.
Made fresh daily, the iced-creams brim with creamy natural flavours, while the fruit sorbets are an exquisite summer treat. One lick and you can tell why their ethos is ‘le goût avant tout (taste before all else)’.
Insider tip: Pozzetto gelato is an ideal way to finish off a falafel wrap from l’As du Fallafel, which is located right nearby
Gorgeous galettes—Crêperie Josselin
If you want to try the star of French delicacies, Crêperie Josselin is the place. Start with a deliciously savoury galette, but be sure to save room for the Crêpe de Froment, the dessert crêpes whose three varieties are all the options you’ll ever need. Made before your eyes in the traditional Breton style, the delightful aromas alone will start your taste-buds tingling.
Located in Montparnasse on the Left bank, the interior is often crowded and hums with people, but the smiles and elated atmosphere is all part of this city experience that feels decidedly small-town.
Insider tip: The caramel au beurre salé (salted butter caramel) crêpe, while not the most extravagant of dessert crêpes, is a Breton tradition and local favourite for a reason.
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