Street Food in Paris

Sprawling lunches lasting several hours may still exist in France, but over the past decade, Parisians have become more and more tickled by the prospect of eating quick bites on-the-go. Arguably, street food has always been part and parcel of Parisian culture. We need only think of the myriad of crêpe and galette stands that line most streets, or the many glaceries filled to the brim on a hot summer’s day. But the street food scene has certainly diversified in recent times, in much the same way as the entire food sector. Whether you’re looking for a decadent American-style burger, a Cuban-inspired bocadillo, or a fruit-studded tagine to takeaway – here are some of our favorite go-to places for street food in Paris.

Street Bangkok

With half a dozen branches spread across the French capital, Street Bangkok has earned itself quite the reputation amongst locals and visitors alike. And with good reason. Specialising in Southeast Asian street food, the tastes and flavours it delivers are fresh, vibrant, and exciting. The menu is extensive, boasting everything from succulent grilled meats, wok stir-fries, and curries, to fried chicken burgers (prepared with over forty spices!) and a perfectly seasoned Thai noodle salad. Everything is made in-house, the prices are reasonable, and the portion sizes are generous. Most to-go plates will only set you back €15. 

Le Traiteur Marocain

An entire article could be dedicated to the street food on offer at the fabulous Marché des Enfants Rouges. If there’s one spot at the market that really gets the heart beating, it has to be Le Traiteur Marocain. You can find endless amounts of tagines available in Paris (some great, some just okay). But the food at this spot is truly outstanding. If there’s space, perch yourself on one of the stools and watch the chefs cook up a storm. Or else take your tagine to the neighboring Square du Temple, a beautiful place to indulge in some people watching. There are a variety of tagines to choose from, but a highlight is the lamb tagine, bejewelled with raisins, prunes, figs, almonds, and seasonal veg. 

Little Havana

The atmosphere at Little Havana is always festive: expect up-beat music, plenty of chatter, and Cuban inspired drinks on tap! Here, Cuban street food is the order of the day. Although chef Annabelle Cantarero’s menu is small, but it packs a punch. From tasty tapas dishes – all of which are perfect for sharing (or not!). Smaller bites include chicharron (morsels of crispy fried pork belly), tostones (plantain chips), and mango guacamole. There are also more substantial plates on the menu like chicken bocadillos and veggie-filled rice bowls – the variety is excellent. There’s also a brilliant lunchtime deal: bocadillo, a side, and a drink for €13.

Baby Love Burger

More and more trendy burger restaurants are popping up all over the city, so it’s increasingly difficult to ascertain which is best! Enter Baby Love Burger: the brainchild of Camille Fourmont (of La Buvette) and Jérémie Kanza (founder of Balls, a meatball shop in the 11th arrondissement). Seriously hipster (neon lights; scant seating) it may be, but rest assured it’s not all style over substance. The burgers – all prepared with quality ingredients – are no-nonsense but delicious. The buns are soft, the patties are juicy, and the homemade pickles add lots of interest. 

Peco Peco

Located in cool South Pigalle, Peco Peco serves the ultimate Japanese street food, Kushiage: battered and skewered vegetables and meat. Crunchy, moreish, and best enjoyed doused in dipping sauce, they make for a brilliant on-the-go snack. Alternatively, you might prefer to enjoy your kushiage inside Peco Peco’s beautiful dining room, with its stone walls, pretty wooden tables, and well-chosen ceramics. Either way, you’re in for a good time. The cheese kushiage is particularly decadent, and pairs magnificently with their house-special ‘Bulldog’ sauce. Equally pleasing are the chicken yuzu and miso aubergine kushiage – both of which are best enjoyed with saké. 

Magnà Street Food

Magnà – Neopolitan slang for “eat” – isn’t your usual pizza joint. Here, the team serves pizza a portafoglio (pizza in a wallet, folded in half), and pizza rotolo (a rolled pizza in the shape of a wrap). Both versions are easily consumable — perfect for munching on as you explore your surroundings in Pigalle. After extensive research in Italy (two years, to be precise) centered around optimum cooking methods and ingredients, the team have mastered the art of exceptional pizza cookery.  Each has a perfectly charred crust, a thin base, and bountiful fresh toppings. The Reine de Paris a portafoglio is (unsurprisingly) a customer favourite. Prepared with an organic Neopolitan tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, homemade pesto, herbed ham, and fresh mushrooms. Deliziosa pizza! 

Meshuga

The menu at Meshuga is based on quintessential New York fare. While visiting the States, its owners (Amelie and Edward) fell in love with the hearty sandwiches synonymous with Katz’s Deli and Russ & Daughters, and decided to recreate the same vibe in Paris.

Uber trendy, the interiors are decked out in baby pink. The menu (hovering above the bar) reads like an old-school movie theatre board. There’s no mistaking Meshuga for a sit-in restaurant. It’s home to just a couple of stools, and the counter is practically perched on the street. Just as well, then, that dishes are expertly designed to be eaten on the go. Enclosed inside a pink cardboard box (to match the pretty interior, évidemment) their classic hot dog walks the line between comforting familiarity and excess. It boasts piquant sweet relish, crispy fried onions, homemade mustard, and ketchup, always hitting the spot. Non meat-eaters fear not. Their egg salad brioche roll (topped with chives and prepared with a ‘secret mayo’) is equally satisfying, as is their creamy fior di latte ice-cream sundae, smothered in hazelnuts and a hot chocolate sauce. 

Addresses

Street Bangkok:

• Etienne Marcel – 112 rue St-Denis, Paris, 75002
• Odéon – 73 rue de Seine, Paris, 75006
• Bastille – 13 rue de la Roquette, Paris, 75011
• Poissonnière – 71 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, Paris, 75009
• Canal – 3 rue Eugène Varlin, Paris, 75010
• Pigalle – 28 rue de Douai, Paris, 75009
• Levallois-Perret – 75 rue Baudin Levallois-Perret, 92300

Meshuga – 3 rue Vavin, 75006 Paris

Le Traiteur Marocain, Marché des Enfants Rouge – 39 rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris

Little Havana – 7 rue d’Argout, 75002 Paris

Baby Love Burger – 63 rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris

Peco Peco – 47 rue Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, 75009 Paris

Magnà Street Food – 48 rue Notre Dame de Lorette, 75009 Paris

Related Links

• More street food suggestions from the author: Our favorite spots for a cheap bite
• Have you visited Paris’ Best Neighborhood Markets yet?
• Prefer to chill? The 12 Best Cozy Bars in Paris await!

Written by Rachel Naismith. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.