Paris isn't just about fashion and romance – it's a food lover's paradise! The hit show "Emily in Paris" showcases an American heroine discovering mouthwatering French cuisine alongside her marketing adventures.
Whether you're planning a trip to France or want to bring Parisian flavours to your kitchen, these delectable French dishes will make you feel like you're strolling along the Seine with Emily herself.
This article is for general information and inspiration only. The dishes featured may vary in ingredients, preparation, and presentation depending on the region and individual restaurant.
1. Croissants
Golden, flaky layers that shatter delicately with each bite – that's the magic of an authentic French croissant. The buttery aroma wafting from Parisian bakeries each morning has been a city tradition since 1683.
French bakers fold dough with butter repeatedly to create those signature honeycomb layers. Emily would surely grab one from her local boulangerie before heading to work!
2. Escargot
Feeling brave like Emily facing her French challenges? Escargot might test your culinary courage! These snails are typically prepared with generous amounts of garlic butter, parsley, and herbs.
Served in their shells with special tongs and forks, they're a quintessential French delicacy dating back to Roman times. The rich, herbaceous flavour might surprise you!
3. Macarons
Those colourful little sandwich cookies that Emily couldn't resist? They're macarons – not to be confused with coconut macaroons! Crisp almond meringue shells give way to ganache, buttercream, or fruit filling.
Created by Italian pastry chefs for Catherine de Medici in the 1500s, they've become a symbol of Parisian elegance. Ladurée and Pierre Hermé make some of the city's most famous versions.
4. Steak Frites
Simplicity at its finest! A perfectly cooked steak paired with crispy golden fries is France's answer to comfort food. The steak is typically served with herb butter or a classic sauce like béarnaise.
French bistros pride themselves on this seemingly simple dish. The secret lies in quality meat, proper seasoning, and cooking technique – medium-rare is traditional. Emily would definitely snap a photo before digging in!
5. Quiche Lorraine
Hailing from northeastern France, this savoury custard tart combines eggs, cream, lardons (bacon bits), and Gruyère cheese in a buttery crust. The filling should be just set – silky and tender, never rubbery.
Perfect for any meal of the day, quiche is often enjoyed with a simple green salad.
6. Ratatouille
Remember that animated film about the cooking rat? The star dish wasn't just Hollywood magic! Ratatouille combines summer vegetables – aubergine, courgette, peppers, and tomatoes – slowly simmered with Provençal herbs.
Originally a peasant dish from Nice, modern versions often feature vegetables arranged in beautiful spirals. The flavours deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
7. Salmon Tartare
Raw salmon diced and mixed with shallots, capers, fresh herbs, and a light citrus dressing creates this refreshing French favourite. The vibrant coral-coloured dish is typically served with crisp toast points or delicate potato chips. French chefs insist on absolutely fresh, sushi-grade salmon for the perfect balance of flavours.
This sophisticated starter is often enjoyed at business lunches or chic bistros along the Champs-Élysées.
8. Cheese
France boasts over 1,000 varieties – from creamy Camembert to pungent Roquefort to nutty Comté.
A proper French cheese plate arrives after the main course but before dessert. It's typically arranged from mildest to strongest, served with crusty baguette. The French enjoy cheese at room temperature to appreciate its full flavour profile.
9. Crepes
Those impossibly thin pancakes that Emily enjoys from street vendors? They're a beloved French tradition! Sweet crêpes might feature Nutella, sugar and lemon, or fruit preserves.
Savoury versions (called galettes) use buckwheat flour and fillings like ham, cheese, and egg. Originally from Brittany, crêpes are now enjoyed throughout France. Street vendors expertly swirl batter on large round griddles, creating perfect circles in seconds.
10. Bouillabaisse
Marseille's famous fish stew combines at least three types of local Mediterranean fish, shellfish, leeks, potatoes, fennel, and orange zest in a rich saffron-infused broth. Traditionally, fishermen made it with unsold catch of the day.
The flavours are bold, complex, and unmistakably Mediterranean.
