The Street Food Scene in France: Classy, With Pleasant Surprises
What comes to mind when you think of French cuisine? Perhaps delicately flavored duck, onion soup, and crème brûlée. Stews prepared in red wine by the finest chefs. Beautiful table settings and sophisticated eating habits.
Well, none of that goes with street food. And yet, the French love streetside delicacies as much as the next person. The fascinating thing is that street food options in France have unique influences and flavors – quintessentially French, yet global and accessible.
Here are some staple, some surprising, street foods you should try the next time in France.
Crepes and Croissants: The Classics
You cannot go to France but forget to have a crepe or croissant. It would be blasphemous! Crepes originated in Brittany, France. Traditionally, they used buckwheat flour, but wheat crepes are also popular.
If you set your heart on a crepe with whipped cream and Nutella, go right ahead. But do check out the savory fillings: feta, mushrooms, and spinach. They taste amazing in the buckwheat variety. The key to their greatness lies in creamy milk, fresh eggs, and appropriate food prep tools like a crepe pan and spreader.
Croissants hail from Austria, but they are much-loved here as well. Their worldwide popularity means you can find them in your local bakery. But the a la France taste is something special.
Chefs will tell you the secret of a French croissant’s superiority lies in expert baking and pastry techniques. However, the richness of the butter is also an important factor! Last year, BBC reported how vegan croissants feel absurd to many French people. It is hard to fathom a beloved dish made without butter and eggs.
Several vendors peddle these items outside tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, particularly in the evenings. The enticing aroma may linger in your memory for a long time.
Nicoise Salad: Fresh, Seasonal, and Authentic
Who says street food is unhealthy? The French are known for their classy eating for every meal. These habits are evident in streetside offerings like the Nicoise salad.
This wholesome salad is originally from Nice. It uses fresh produce like tomatoes and lettuce with tuna and eggs. Nowadays, some vendors add ingredients like artichokes and radishes. It can be a delightful, light meal to keep you powered.
The highlight of this street food offering is the authenticity of the ingredients and the culinary knowledge of which flavors work best together. Cold storage has made most fruits and veggies available throughout the year. However, many French chefs prefer to use seasonal produce. Verywell Health notes that seasonal eating provides inimitable flavors and higher nutrient density.
Socca: Chickpeas Beyond the Middle East
Chickpeas are adored in many regions globally, from India to the Middle East. Did you know they are integral to the overarching Mediterranean cuisine that includes France and Italy? Socca, a crispy pancake made with chickpea flour, is a delightful street food option in France.
The best part about Socca is its crispy edges. The crispiness makes it perfect as a snack. However, it can also be a complete meal when you fancy something light. Some people like a drizzle of olive oil, herbs, or vegetables – almost like a pizza base.
The preparation seems straightforward, but Socca’s classically French feel comes from cooking expertise. Traditionally, chefs prepare it in a copper pan, known for its superior heat conductivity and uniform cooking. According to de Buyer, a French cookware expert for over 200 years, French chefs prioritize “true” utensils. The right cookware brings subtle but perceivable flavor differences.
Baguettes With Cheese Unlike Any Other You’ve Eaten
Ah, good old baguettes. They are another French street food that can lift your spirits at any time of the day and deliver quick energy. Historically, these long breads unfurled a change in French bread making – from oval, dense loaves to slender baguettes.
A delightful aspect of eating baguettes in France is the cheese. It can taste unlike any cheese you’re used to in the US or Asia. Some feel that the use of raw milk makes all the difference.
The Guardian notes the connection between soil quality and cheese, highlighting how the former affects the taste. For example, the Salers village in France has glorious meadows for the cows to graze, with many plants flourishing in the volcanic soil. No wonder the cheese here is outstanding.
In France, you will find many options for eating baguettes: fruit jam, chocolate cubes, and honey. Many prefer to dunk the baguette in their coffees for a quick everyday breakfast.
You may plan a trip to France to absorb the glorious sights – the awe-inspiring Louvre Museum or the Gardens of Versailles. The range and quality of street food options may be a pleasant surprise in this elegant, romantic country. But it sure will have you returning again and again, if only for another bite of a fluffy croissant under the early winter sun.
