Despite the city’s reputation for light on street dishes like crepes, finding high-quality fast food in Paris can be hit or miss. Especially in areas with a heavy tourist presence, the risk of ending up with a stale, gummy crepe or sandwich prepared and stored with questionable hygiene practices is definitely present. Fortunately, Paris also offers some great street food options, as long as you know where to go (and what to avoid).
Sandwiches, quiches and bakery food
Not all sandwiches are the same in Paris. In a high quality Paris bakery you can usually buy a delicious sandwich, quiche or savory tart for less than 5 euros and you will also have a variety of sweets to choose from for dessert. You can easily find a Parisian bakery on any main street and most sell decent sandwiches and other items for lunch.
As a general rule, avoid buying traditional snacks from street vendors other than genuine bakers. You can usually separate the wheat from the chaff by looking closer – does the sign say something similar to Sandwichs et Boissons (sandwiches and drinks) or Boulangerie (bakery)? Do you sell breads, sandwiches, and sandwiches? You’re more likely to get fresh bread and ingredients and better handling of hygiene-sensitive fillings like mayonnaise and tuna from real bakeries.
Crepes and other street foods
What if you really crave a good crepe? There are many delicious and cheap crepes for sale in Paris, but learn to spot the good ones before ordering. Does the vendor have a stack of pre-made crepes that are then reheated, or are the crepes made from scratch in front of your eyes? The latter is obviously the much better option (and more fun to watch). Also try looking at the ingredients at the workstation – do they look fresh, wilted and hot? Remember that even salads and tomatoes that are not kept properly can lead to food poisoning.
You can find crepes all over the city at stalls and restaurants, and you can generally tell the good from the bad by following the tips above. For more specific recommendations, check out the list of the best crepes and creperies in Paris.
One last piece of advice about street crepe vendors: Don’t assume that because they make their crepes fresh, their other fare is good. I’ve seen stale, fishy sandwiches, hot dogs, or quiches sold at stands that make decent crepes. Always use your eyes before ordering, don’t just look at the menu.
Falafel and other Mediterranean specialties
Falafel may not be French, but it is probably the most sought-after fast food item in Paris. A series of always-crowded restaurants on Rue des Rosiers in the traditional Jewish quarter of the Marais district has become extremely popular with tourists, and for good reason: the soft, thick pita bread is packed with balls. of perfectly crisp chickpeas and is complemented by a variety of fresh cut vegetables, tahini, hummus and hot sauce. It’s a favorite version of falafel, hands down. Read this comprehensive guide to the best falafels in Paris to learn more about some of the richest options in the city.
L’As du Falafel at number 32 is the most popular, but others on the street also offer excellent sandwiches for around 5 or 6 euros. You can also try traditional Yiddish specialties like babkas or strudel at bakeries like Sacha Finkelsztajn (27 Rue des Rosiers).
Another great Mediterranean fast food option in Paris is Lebanese food. Paris has dozens of good to excellent Lebanese restaurants, serving delicacies like schawarma , lemon garlic chicken ( shish taouk ), falafel , moutabal, and Man’Ouche – hand-tossed Lebanese pizzas filled with soft cheese and zaatar (a thyme, sesame and olive oil mixture) or other ingredients. Sit-down menus can be a lot more expensive than ordering a sandwich, which are generally perfectly satisfying (and cheap). Especially for Lebanese pizzas, I recommend Man’ouché, a simple stand near the Georges Pompidou Center at 66, rue Rambuteau (Metro Rambuteau or Les Halles).
This list of good Lebanese restaurants in Paris includes those with take-out options.
Indian and Sri Lankan fast food in Paris
You have to know where to go, but Paris has some great cheap Sri Lankan and Indian fast food. This La Chapelle / Little Sri Lanka District guide will show you where to go for delicious handcrafted parathas (flatbread), samosas, and other fast foods from Sri Lanka and India.
Street markets in Paris
Another great way to get cheap and delicious fast food in Paris is to take a stroll through one of the city’s open-air markets. Most markets, both the permanent and temporary variety, have a few stalls selling quiches, sandwiches, or regional specialties like hot dogs.
- Paris farmers markets by district
- Guide to permanent streets of the Paris market
Tourist trap areas to avoid
Some areas of Paris that offer a lot of street food are tourist traps of generally disappointing quality. These include the north end of Rue de la Harpe, near the Metro St Michel (Latin Quarter), certain vendors around the Place des Tertres in Montmartre (and the streets surrounding the Sacre Coeur), and some stalls around the Eiffel Tower. . All the street food in these areas is not bad, but pay special attention to whether the fare looks fresh and is being handled and stored properly. Avoid these supports when in doubt.
