city Essentials · 8 foods
Paris Essentials
A considered first route through Paris: the foods that carry its everyday habits, celebrations, ingredients, and memory.
Explore all France foods →THE
ESSENTIALS
The complete shortlist
8 foods to know.
Each selection includes the reason it belongs here—so this is a guide, not just a pile of names.
Paris, France
Croque-madame
A grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich topped with a fried egg is a classic Paris café order.
Paris, France
Jambon-beurre
A crusty baguette with butter and ham is the quick Parisian lunch to seek.
Paris, France
Paris-Brest
Choux pastry, praline cream, and ring shape make this cycling-inspired Paris dessert distinctive.
Paris, France
Pear Tart Bourdaloue
Tarte Bourdaloue
Poached pears and almond cream fill this elegant nineteenth-century Paris tart.
Paris, France
Canard à la presse (Pressed duck)
Pressed duck prepared tableside is a theatrical, historic luxury of Parisian dining.
Paris, France
Baguette
Baguette de tradition
A fresh Paris boulangerie baguette should crackle outside and stay airy within.
Paris, France
Croissant
Compare the laminated crust and buttery honeycomb of a proper morning croissant.
Paris, France
Macaron
Look for delicate shells and a clean, flavored ganache or buttercream center.