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I've Lived In France for More Than a Decade and This Is the No. 1 Dish I Recommend Every Traveler Try

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 10:17 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Paris on a Plate: A Curated Guide to the City’s Most Iconic Eats

Paris is forever in the headlines for its haute cuisine, but beneath the world‑renowned Michelin stars lies an everyday culinary landscape that is just as enchanting. In the recent Travel + Leisure piece “Must‑Try Dish in Paris – Local Recommendation,” readers are whisked away from the postcard‑perfect boulevards to the bustling markets, sidewalk cafés, and hidden bistros that truly define Parisian food culture. Below is a concise synthesis of the article’s key take‑aways—highlighting the dishes that can’t be missed, the best spots to sample them, and a few practical tips for making the most of your gastronomic adventure.

1. Coq au Vin – The Rustic Classic

The article opens with a nod to coq au vin, a comforting chicken stew slowly braised in red wine, mushrooms, onions, and a splash of brandy. The recommendation steers readers to Le Relais de la Comtesse, a family‑run brasserie in the 10th arrondissement that prides itself on using locally sourced poultry and an old‑world French cooking technique. The accompanying link to the Travel + Leisure “Paris food guide” provides a deeper dive into the history of coq au vin, its regional variations, and why the dish has earned a place on every foodie’s Paris itinerary.

2. Escargot – A Classic with a Twist

Next on the list is escargot, the “snail” that is, in fact, a delicacy served in garlic‑butter sauce. According to the piece, the best place to enjoy this staple is Le Grand Véfour—an opulent brasserie on Rue de Beaujolais, where the snails are served piping hot in a fragrant, herb‑laden sauce. The article links to a “How to Order Escargot in Paris” tutorial, which walks visitors through etiquette (e.g., using the napkin to spread the butter) and the difference between the classic version and modern reinterpretations featuring truffle oil or chili.

3. Steak Frites – A No‑Nonsense Favorite

The article emphasizes the timeless pairing of steak frites—a perfectly seared steak accompanied by golden‑crisp fries. For this classic, the writer recommends Au Pied de Cochon in the Latin Quarter, where the steak is cooked to a medium‑rare perfection, and the fries are hand‑cut and seasoned with sea salt and a sprinkle of garlic powder. The linked “Latin Quarter must‑see restaurants” list places this gem among the neighborhood’s top 5 eateries.

4. Quiche Lorraine – Light & Luscious

Parisian brunch doesn’t feel complete without a slice of quiche Lorraine. The article suggests La Grande Épicerie de Paris—a gourmet grocery store with a café that offers a decadent quiche made with a buttery pastry crust, bacon, cheese, and a custard base. The accompanying link directs readers to an online recipe so they can recreate the dish at home, complete with ingredient substitutions for dietary restrictions.

5. Duck Confit – A Rich, Slow‑Cooked Treasure

When it comes to poultry, duck confit is a step above the usual. The article spotlights Le Relais de la Comtesse again for this dish, noting that their confit is made using duck legs braised in duck fat for 48 hours, then cooked until the skin is crackly and the meat melts in the mouth. A short video link to a “duck confit tutorial” shows the step‑by‑step process, from selecting the right cut to ensuring the final dish’s signature crispness.

6. Croissants & Pain au Chocolat – Breakfast Staples

No Parisian morning would be complete without flaky croissants or pain au chocolat. The article features Du Pain et des Idées, a bakery in the 10th arrondissement known for its buttery croissants that fold into layers of dough. A link to the bakery’s official website lists their seasonal offerings—such as the almond croissant or the dark chocolate version—allowing travelers to tailor their breakfast to their sweet or savory preference.

7. Macarons – A Colorful, Chewy Delight

The next culinary highlight is the iconic macaron. The writer recommends Ladurée, the world‑famous patisserie located on the Rue Royale. The article’s link to the Paris travel guide provides background on the Macarons’ delicate shell, the luscious ganache fillings, and the tradition of “tête à tête” (a small table where guests can sample a dozen flavors). A fun side note in the article mentions the annual “Maman du Chocolat” tasting event that brings together pastry chefs and chocolate artisans.

8. Tarte Tatin – Upside‑Down Apple Perfection

For something sweeter, the article highlights the tarte tatin, an upside‑down caramelized apple tart. The recommended spot is La Pâtisserie des Rêves, where the apples are slow‑cooked in a sugar‑butter sauce before being baked under a buttery crust. A link to a “Tarte Tatin recipe” provides readers with a step‑by‑step guide to replicating the tart at home, with tips for achieving the ideal caramelized finish.

9. Cheese & Charcuterie – A Sensory Feast

The article’s final section turns to the French cheese & charcuterie tradition. A “cheese board” that includes Camembert, Roquefort, and Comté—paired with crusty baguette and a glass of Bordeaux—can be found at Fromagerie Quatrehomme, a family‑owned shop in the Marais. The piece includes a link to an “interactive guide to French cheeses” that explains regional differences, aging processes, and pairing suggestions for wine or fruit.

Practical Tips for the Paris Foodie

• Plan Ahead: The article notes that many popular spots—especially in the Latin Quarter and Marais—fill up quickly. Reserving a table, even for just lunch, can save you from long wait times.
• Embrace the French Etiquette: Ordering “à la carte” is the norm in most bistros. If you see a dish on the “menu du jour” (daily special), ask the server for the chef’s recommendation.
• Mind Your Budget: Some of the highlighted places can be pricey. Pair a prix‑fort (prix fixe) lunch menu with a free coffee or a side of croutons to stretch your dining budget.
• Ask for “un morceau de fromage” before dessert: Many locals enjoy a small cheese plate after the main course, which the article suggests as a nice way to wind down the meal.

Bottom Line

The Travel + Leisure article does more than simply list foods; it paints a vivid picture of how a dish, a setting, and a local’s passion for tradition intertwine to create an authentic Parisian experience. From the smoky warmth of duck confit to the airy sweetness of macarons, the recommended spots and supplementary resources—linked directly within the article—give travelers a roadmap that balances the iconic with the hidden gems. Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or a seasoned Parisian gourmand, this curated list is a passport to the city’s most memorable flavors, reminding us that in Paris, every bite tells a story.