Learn about the best street foods in Paris and experience their tempting flavors for yourself. From delicious crepes to hearty croque-monsieurs, our quick guide shows you what to expect in the Parisian street food scene.
Savor the essence of Parisian cuisine with every taste and dive into the exciting street food culture that makes the city such a haven for foodies.
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Where to Try Parisian Street Food
Speaking of Paris being a paradise for gourmands, there are different ways one can experience the city’s diverse and delightful street food offerings.
Spend hours walking around streets filled with the sights, sounds, and aroma of delectable treats, such as the Boulevard Raspail in the 6th arrondissement, Rue Cler in the 7th arrondissement, and rue du Faubourg, Saint-Denis (10th arrondissement) for a taste of different street foods around the world.
Or set aside a day to visit some of Paris’ best food markets, like Marché Mouffetard (5th arrondissement), Marché Saint-Honouré (1st arrondissement) for a slightly more “artisan” style of street food, and Marché Bastille (11th arrondissement) for the best bread and pastries.
If you only have a few hours to spend exploring the Parisian street food scene, you may join walking tours such as this one exploring Montmartre and this Best of Paris food tour.
14 Best Street Foods In Paris
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1. Bagel
Paris is renowned for its delectable array of bread, and among them is the mouthwatering bagel.
Bagels, originally a beloved Jewish delicacy, are typically round, resembling a donut without lavish toppings.
This is now one of the most iconic street foods in Paris and is prepared using a traditional cooking method that involves boiling and then baking in an oven.
Whether you choose onion, sesame, multi-seed or plain, a bagel is as satisfying on its own as it is with its filling because it is perfectly toasted on the exterior and soft and fluffy on the inside.
2. Baguette Sandwich
A baguette sandwich is an essential part of any Parisian street food tour. Baguettes, the unique long bread that’s tough yet crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, are a staple in the French diet.
You can eat it plain, but we recommend ordering a baguette sandwich, which typically consists of ham and cheese, for a more enjoyable dining experience.
Even more street vendors in the French capital provide a wide variety of tasty toppings and fillings, including cheddar, tuna, chicken, and many more.
3. Burgers and French fries
Burgers and French fries are a mainstay for locals and a cheap street food option for all tourists in Paris. There is no shortage of burger kinds and combinations, from handmade burgers to delectable, juicy beef burgers.
And when balanced with a mountain of real French fries, it takes on a whole new level of deliciousness.
Paris is dotted with burger stands of varying sizes, and several food trucks travel from location to location providing some of the city’s tastiest burgers with ingredients like fresh-baked bread, hand-cut fries, and real cheddar.
4. Crêpes
Crêpes, a beloved street food in Paris, are an absolute must-try when exploring the vibrant city of light.
These delectable treats can be found in abundance, gracing the streets with their enticing aroma and tempting flavors.
Whether you’re strolling along the charming boulevards or exploring the bustling markets, you’re bound to encounter these thin, delicate pancakes.
Indulge in a variety of fillings, from classic options like Nutella and sugar to more adventurous combinations like ham and cheese, These treats also now have gluten-free variants, made using gluten-free flour.
5. Croissant
No visit to Paris would be truly complete without indulging in the iconic freshly baked croissants.
Croissants, the epitome of French cuisine, are crafted from a delightful combination of layered yeast-leavened dough.
The dough is generously coated with French butter, which is then skillfully rolled multiple times to create a beautifully layered sheet.
By rolling the dough, a flaky texture is achieved, reminiscent of the light and airy layers found in puff pastry. Croissants are an enjoyable treat that can be enjoyed whenever you need a delicious snack.
6. Croque monsieur/madame
The croque monsieur, which originated in France in 1910, is a classic dish that stands out from other grilled cheese sandwiches.
This wonderful snack, made with crunchy bread, melted cheese, and smokey ham covered in Béchamel sauce, is still often consumed in Paris.
Cafés and stalls around Paris use the tasty melty Swiss cheese known as Emmental, which gives this sandwich a unique flavor and texture.
The croque madame, meanwhile, is an egg-topped vegetarian variant of the original. Whether for breakfast or as a filling and tasty snack, these sandwiches are a must try when in Paris.
7. Fish and Chips
Try some traditional “Poisson Frit Et Frites (Fish And Chips)” from a street vendor in Paris. This popular street food is made up of fish coated in batter and deep-fried, often accompanied by French fries.
Beer or white wine goes great with the crisp, savory flavors of fish & chips. Tartar sauce, mayonnaise, and even ketchup are common accompaniments.
This classic street fare of Paris can be found on menus large and small, from small eateries and cafes to fine dining establishments.
8. Falafel
The falafel is the king of street foods in the trendy Marais district of Paris.
This Middle Eastern dish is so delicious that even meat eaters and vegetarians may agree on the goodness brought by deep-fried chickpea patties wrapped in flatbread with veggies, hummus, and other toppings.
Falafel eateries and stalls serving Israeli, Lebanese, and Syrian styles may be found all across the French capital. While out and about in the city, this makes for a delicious and satisfying snack.
9. Doner Kebabs, French Style
Try one of the many delicious street meals in Paris, including these Doner Kebabs made in a distinctly French style.
Paris’ version of the kebab means thin slices of lamb, pork, or beef which are seasoned and then wrapped in warm pita bread before being topped with a variety of condiments. This one looks like a sandwich with an explosion of flavors.
Onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and bell peppers are just some of the traditional vegetables that go into making this French-style kebab.
For a bolder taste, try adding sauce to it like garlic sauce or tzatziki. Plus, these savoury treats are served with French fries.
10. Galettes
The hearty and adaptable galette, with its roots in Brittany, is another common sight on the streets of Paris.
Buckwheat flour is used to make the galette, which gives it a darker hue and a deeper, more savory flavor.
This hearty Parisian street snack is great because it can be packed with a variety of different ingredients, including ham, cheese, and egg, all of which are delicious and filling.
Galettes are a popular night street food, and many eateries and stalls sell these greasy, cheesy, and sometimes meaty galettes.
11. Gelato
Gelato, the beloved Italian frozen dessert, is a delightful creation made with a blend of ice, minimal sugar, eggs, and an array of captivating flavors.
This popular Paris street food comes in a delightful range of flavors, including hazelnut, black currant, and raspberry. Indulge in the rich and creamy taste of salted caramel or savor the nutty goodness of praline gelato.
With such a diverse selection, there’s something to satisfy every gelato lover’s cravings on the streets of Paris.
12. Marrons Glacé
Marrons Glacé is a delightful and indulgent treat that you must try when in Paris.
These sweet chestnuts undergo a delightful transformation as they are carefully boiled, skillfully peeled, and finally coated with a tasty syrup crafted from a harmonious blend of sugar, honey, and aromatic spices.
The end product is a flavorful confection that combines a delightful sweetness with a satisfying chewiness. Its outer layer boasts a satisfying crunch, while the inner core offers a luscious creaminess.
You’ll often find Marrons Glacé at bustling markets, lively fairs, and vibrant festivals not only in the enchanting city of Paris but also across France.
13. Pain au Chocolat
Pain au Chocolat, a beloved Parisian street food, has captured the hearts and taste buds of both locals and visitors alike. Imagine a delectable pastry that combines the flaky goodness of a croissant with the irresistible allure of melted chocolate.
This mouthwatering treat, often made with luscious Belgian chocolate, is a true indulgence for your taste buds.
Savor the irresistible combination of the buttery, flaky layers of a croissant, perfectly complemented by the luscious sweetness of rich chocolate. Pain au Chocolat is an absolute must-try when you’re in Paris.
14. Souvlakis
One cannot visit Paris without indulging in the iconic Souvlakis, a beloved street food delicacy.
This Greek fast food is a delicious culinary delight that features succulent pieces of meat and vibrant vegetables, all expertly grilled to perfection on a traditional skewer.
Served with a side of crispy fried potatoes and warm pita bread, Souvlakis is an exotic delicacy that is sure to delight your taste buds.
This delicious Greek street food can be found at various food stalls in Paris and is adored by both locals and tourists.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.