Paris is the city of lights, romance, and, of course, exquisite cuisine. As the winter chill descends upon the charming streets of the French capital, it brings with it a unique array of hearty and comforting dishes that are a delight for the taste buds. Winter in Paris is a culinary journey you don't want to miss.
In the heart of Parisian winter, Boeuf Bourguignon takes the spotlight as a timeless dish that warms both the body and the soul. This slow-cooked stew features tender beef bathed in red wine, harmonizing with mushrooms, onions, and bacon to create a rich, flavorful experience. Boeuf Bourguignon encapsulates the essence of French cuisine, making it a must-try during the colder months in the city of lights.
Recommended Address: Au Bourguignon Du Marais, 52 Rue François Miron, 75004 Paris
Elevate your winter dining experience with Onion Soup, a rustic elixir that embodies the soul of Parisian comfort. Caramelized onions swimming in a savory beef broth, topped with melted cheese and a toasted baguette, create a hearty bowl that resonates with the warmth of a traditional French kitchen. Served in the cozy ambiance of a Parisian brasserie, Onion Soup is a culinary journey through the heartwarming flavors of French winter dining.
Recommended Address: La Mère Catherine, 6 Pl. du Tertre, 75018 Paris
Parisians embrace the Alpine spirit during winter with Raclette, a dish that transforms a simple meal into a communal experience. Melted cheese scraped onto a platter of boiled potatoes, cured meats, and pickles makes Raclette a beloved winter indulgence. The convivial atmosphere it creates perfectly reflects Parisian joie de vivre, making it a delightful addition to the city's winter culinary scene.
Recommended Address: Les Fondus de la Raclette 209 Bd Raspail, 75014 Paris
Dive into the heart of winter indulgence with Fondue, offering two enticing variations. The cheese fondue, a gooey concoction of melted cheeses, white wine, and garlic, is a shared delight, perfect for dipping chunks of crusty bread. On the other hand, the oil fondue invites a sizzling experience, where bite-sized meats and vegetables are cooked to perfection in a communal pot. Fondue brings a festive and interactive element to Parisian winter dining.
Recommended Address: Pain Vin Fromage, 3 Rue Geoffroy l'Angevin, 75004 Paris
Warm up on a chilly day with a steaming bowl of Phở or Bún, the Vietnamese noodle soups that have found a home in the diverse streets of Paris. The most apparent difference lies in their appearance: Bún features small, round cross-sectional noodles with a pristine white color, whereas Phở has larger, flat, rectangular noodles with a cloudy white appearance. Secondly, in the noodle-making process, rice flour for Bún is pushed through small holes to form noodles that are immediately dropped into boiling water for about a minute. In contrast, the rice flour for Phở undergoes a steaming process, before being cut into noodles.
Phở is well known for its clear and aromatic broth, simmered with beef or chicken bones and spices. Bún is served at room temperature, either alongside a dipping sauce, in a mixing dish, or served hot in the soup broth. It offers a wide variety of options, ranging from vegetarian to meat and fish. These Vietnamese noodle dishes offer a symphony of flavors, providing a welcome departure from the traditional French winter offerings.
Recommended Address: Phở chicken and Bún at Phố Cổ, 142 Bd Masséna, 75013 Paris / Phở beef at Hà Nội 1988 Sao Vang, 16 Rue le Regrattier, 75004 Paris
Immerse yourself in Japanese comfort food at Sanukiya, a recommended udon restaurant in Paris. As winter winds sweep through the city, indulge in the thick, chewy noodles of Udon or the flavorful broths of Ramen, both catering to every palate. Experience the unique textures and rich flavors that Japanese cuisine has to offer, bringing a delightful warmth to your winter dining experience
Recommended Address: Sanukiya, 9 Rue d'Argenteuil, 75001 Paris / Hakata Choten 53 Rue des Petits Champs, 75001 Paris
Paris warmly embraces the international charm of Fondue Chinoise during the winter months. This Chinese hot pot delicacy, featuring thinly sliced meats and fresh vegetables cooked at the table in a flavorful broth, adds an exotic touch to the city's diverse culinary scene. Fondue Chinoise is a delightful fusion of Eastern flavors and Parisian hospitality, offering a unique winter dining experience.
Recommended Address: Fondue Chongqing, 145 Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris
Text: Phan Thanh Thuy
Photos: O'bon Paris team