Paris Olympics 2024: What are the top 10 food items you should try if you’re visiting for the Summer Games?

As the world gathers in Paris for the Summer Olympics 2024, visitors have a unique opportunity not only to witness athletic prowess but also to indulge in the city’s renowned culinary delights. Paris, often hailed as the gastronomic capital of the world, offers a rich tapestry of flavors and dishes that are a must-try for any food enthusiast. Here are the top 10 food items you should not miss while visiting Paris for the Summer Games.

 

1. Croissant

A trip to Paris would be incomplete without savoring a croissant. This buttery, flaky pastry is a quintessential French breakfast item. Found in nearly every boulangerie (bakery), the perfect croissant is golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and deliciously aromatic. Pair it with a café au lait for an authentic Parisian morning experience.

Why it’s special in Paris: The croissant is an iconic symbol of French culinary artistry. In Paris, bakers use high-quality butter and traditional techniques to create croissants that are unrivaled in texture and flavor. The city’s boulangeries, each with its own secret recipe, compete annually for the prestigious “Meilleure Baguette de Paris” award, which often includes a category for the best croissant.

 

2. Baguette

Another staple of French cuisine, the baguette is a symbol of French culture. These long, crusty loaves are perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoyed with a slab of butter. For the best experience, seek out an award-winning boulangerie known for its artisanal bread-making skills.

Why it’s special in Paris: The baguette’s crisp crust and airy interior are a testament to French bread-making expertise. In Paris, the strict regulations around its production ensure high standards and consistency. Each year, the city holds the “Grand Prix de la Baguette,” where the best baguette in Paris is crowned, providing visitors with a list of must-visit bakeries.

 

3. Escargot

For the adventurous eater, escargot (snails) is a must-try. Traditionally prepared with garlic, butter, and parsley, this delicacy offers a unique taste of French culinary tradition. Many upscale Parisian restaurants serve escargot, providing a gourmet experience that’s both rich in flavor and history.

Why it’s special in Paris: Escargot exemplifies the French talent for transforming humble ingredients into gourmet dishes. Parisian chefs often source the best Burgundy snails and prepare them with fresh, high-quality herbs and butter, elevating this simple dish into a luxurious treat. The experience of eating escargot in a historic Parisian restaurant, surrounded by the city’s ambiance, adds to its allure.

 

4. Macarons

These colorful, delicate cookies are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Made from almond flour, sugar, and egg whites, macarons come in an array of flavors ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to exotic combinations like rose and lychee. Famous patisseries like Ladurée and Pierre Hermé are renowned for their exquisite macarons.

Why it’s special in Paris: Paris is home to some of the world’s most celebrated patisseries, where the macaron has been perfected. The delicate balance of crisp shell and soft interior, combined with innovative flavors, makes Parisian macarons a must-try. The city’s patisseries are often beautifully designed, providing a delightful experience for both the eyes and the taste buds.

 

5. Coq au Vin

A traditional French dish, coq au vin (chicken in wine) is a hearty and flavorful meal that encapsulates the essence of French country cooking. Made with chicken braised in red wine, mushrooms, onions, and sometimes bacon, this dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a comforting, robust dinner.

Why it’s special in Paris: Coq au vin is a classic example of French cuisine’s ability to create depth of flavor through slow cooking and careful preparation. In Paris, chefs use the finest local wines and ingredients, often adding their unique twist to the recipe. Enjoying coq au vin in a cozy Parisian bistro, paired with a glass of Burgundy wine, is an authentic culinary experience.

 

6. Crêpes

Whether sweet or savory, crêpes are a versatile and beloved part of French cuisine. Sweet crêpes often come with fillings like Nutella, fruits, and whipped cream, while savory ones, known as galettes, are typically made with buckwheat flour and filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, and eggs. Visit a crêperie to explore the wide variety of options.

Why it’s special in Paris: Paris is dotted with charming crêperies where you can watch the thin pancakes being made to order. The tradition of making crêpes dates back centuries, and in Paris, the art of perfecting them has been refined to an art form. The diversity of fillings and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients make Parisian crêpes a delightful and customizable dining option.

 

7. Ratatouille

A celebration of vegetables, ratatouille is a Provençal dish that combines eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. This vibrant and healthy dish is typically served as a side but can also be enjoyed as a main course, especially by vegetarians looking for delicious French cuisine.

Why it’s special in Paris: Ratatouille reflects the French emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce and the culinary philosophy of simplicity done well. In Paris, many restaurants take pride in their ratatouille recipes, often highlighting local, organic vegetables. The dish’s colorful presentation and rich, layered flavors make it a standout on any menu.

 

8. French Cheese

France is known for its vast variety of cheeses, each with its own unique flavor profile. While in Paris, make sure to try a selection of French cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, and Comté. Visit fromageries (cheese shops) or enjoy a cheese platter at a local bistro to truly appreciate the country’s dairy expertise.

Why it’s special in Paris: Paris offers a unique opportunity to sample cheeses from every region of France, each with its own terroir and production methods. The city’s fromageries often provide expert guidance on pairing cheeses with wines, breads, and fruits, enhancing the tasting experience. A cheese platter in Paris is not just a meal, but a journey through France’s rich culinary landscape.

 

9. Steak Frites

A simple yet classic dish, steak frites consists of a juicy steak paired with crispy French fries. This dish is a staple in brasseries and bistros across Paris. Often served with a choice of sauces such as béarnaise or peppercorn, steak frites is a hearty and satisfying meal that highlights the French love for quality meat and perfectly cooked potatoes.

Why it’s special in Paris: The tradition of steak frites in Parisian brasseries is legendary. Chefs pay meticulous attention to the quality of the steak, often using locally sourced, grass-fed beef, and the fries are typically double-cooked to achieve the perfect crispiness. The combination of a tender steak with perfectly seasoned fries, often enjoyed in a bustling Parisian bistro, embodies the essence of French comfort food.

 

10. Tarte Tatin

For dessert lovers, tarte Tatin is a must-try. This upside-down caramelized apple tart is a delectable end to any meal. The apples are cooked in butter and sugar before being baked with a pastry crust, resulting in a sweet, sticky, and utterly delicious dessert. Many Parisian restaurants and patisseries offer their own version of this classic French treat.

Why it’s special in Paris: Tarte Tatin’s origins are deeply rooted in French culinary history, and Parisian chefs have perfected this dessert over generations. The balance of caramelized apples and buttery pastry, often served warm with a dollop of crème fraîche, is a testament to the French expertise in pastry making. Enjoying tarte Tatin in a Parisian patisserie, where the dessert is often presented with artistic flair, is a sweet finale to any meal.

The Paris Olympics 2024 is not just a celebration of sports but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of France. From flaky croissants and crusty baguettes to gourmet dishes like coq au vin and escargot, Paris offers a plethora of flavors that are sure to delight any food enthusiast. Make sure to explore the local markets, bistros, and patisseries to get the full experience of what Parisian cuisine has to offer. Bon appétit!

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