7 Street Food Bites in Paris and Where You Have to Try Them

In Paris, life has long revolved around cafe culture.

Lunchtime in Paris evokes the idea of relaxing with a three course meal and a glass of wine on a sunny terrace, not a sandwich quickly gulped down between meetings.

But indeed as Paris has changed, with a new entrepreneurial environment drawing international crowds, waves of immigration from the Middle East and North Africa diversifying the population, and the reluctant acceptance by the French of a slightly faster pace in life, so too has the way we dine.

In recent years, Paris has undergone a street food revolution, of sorts. People line up down the streets to get a taste of a burger sold out of a truck. In the rapidly-gentrifying Belleville, the monthly Le Food Market (held on the third Thursday of every month) showcases the increasing array of street food options.

From kebab to crepes, these seven street food spots are sure to whet your appetite and serve as an introduction to Paris’s burgeoning street food scene.

Paris street food encapsulates the myriad of cultures and nationalities that call the city home. Here are our favorite bites and where to eat them.

1. L’As Du Fallafel

Let’s start with the classics. Nestled into one of Paris’s most bustling streets, the Rue des Rosiers, L’As Du Fallafel (the Ace of Falafel) attracts tourists and locals alike at any time of day or night.

Here, the takeout line can be daunting, but the crispy, warm falafel sandwiches brimming with spices and sauces make the wait worth it. If the line at L’As is too long, its neighbor and rival falafel shop Mi-Va-Mi is sure to welcome your business.

Paris street food is full of international influences. Falafel is a particular favorite. — Tasty falafel is the ultimate Middle Eastern street food.

2. Le Camion Qui Fume

Co-founded by an American woman, Kristin Frederick, and a Frenchman, Frédéric Fédière, Le Camion Qui Fume (The Smoking Truck) was the first food truck to open in France, way back in 2011.

Now comprising a small fleet of trucks and several brick-and-mortar restaurants, Le Camion Qui Fume has successfully franchised its trademarked, Bourdain-approved burgers. Its revolving menu features classic burgers like the barbecue burger, but also French-American fusions like the tartiflette burger made with Reblochon cheese.

Paris street food includes bites from all over the world, as well as favorites like burgers. — Yes, French food is among the best in the world—but sometimes nothing hits the spot quite like a perfectly grilled, juicy burger with all the trimmings.

3. La Porteña

Argentina’s Buenos Aires borrowed a lot from the French: the grand boulevards, the cafe culture, the ubiquitous parks. But Frenchies can steal a bite of Argentina back at La Porteña, a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Montmartre that whips up delicious empanadas at a bargain price. The space itself is small, so take your empanada to go and climb the steps of Sacre Coeur for one of the best views of Paris.

Empanadas are one of the most popular Paris street food bites, particularly the ones from La Porteña. — You don’t have to go all the way to Argentina for fabulous empanadas.

4. Le Comptoir du Houmous

France and Lebanon’s deep roots go back to the 1920s when the French were assigned to administer the small Middle Eastern country in the wake of the fall of the Ottoman Empire.

Due to this history, Lebanese restaurants are everywhere in Paris, but Le Comptoir du Houmous (The Hummus Counter) stands out for its fresh ingredients and convenient location, right next to the quaint, bar-filled neighborhood of Buttes aux Cailles in the 13th arrondissement.

Hummus is one of the most popular Paris street food bites. — Freshly made hummus brings the flavors of Lebanon to the City of Light.

5. Street Bangkok

From its graffiti-styled exterior and neon signs to its grilled specialties, Street Bangkok is as true as can be when it comes to street food. Its three locations cover some of Paris’s hottest spots for going out, including the Canal Saint-Martin and Bastille. The satay sauce alone is worth going to all three to try out.

Paris street food offers plenty of international flavors. — Asian cuisine is a street food favorite all around the world, and Paris is no different.

6. Oroyona

The bustling Rue Mouffetard area, near the Jardin Des Plantes, is an excellent spot to seek out street food—and Oroyona (36 Rue Mouffetard), a simple crepe stand painted an appealing light blue, is one of the highlights.

Artfully decorated, with a small upstairs, the stand has a wide variety of sweet and savory crepes. Although messy, the ratatouille crepe packs a punch for those looking to explore two classic French foods at once.

Crepes are one of the most popular and emblematic Paris street foods. — Have you really been to Paris if you haven’t eaten a freshly cooked crepe out on the street?

7. La Maison de la Poutine

French Canada, we didn’t forget you!

Founded by French chef Erwan Caradec, La Maison de la Poutine (The House of Poutine) is sure to fill your fries, cheese curds and gravy cravings. The hearty North American plate is somewhat of a novelty in France—where North American food is more often scoffed at than consumed—which means that, somewhat counterintuitively, Parisians will line up out the doors for it.

A popular lunch spot, La Maison de la Poutine will not leave your stomach empty. La Bûcheronne, which consists of fries, poutine sauce, bacon, caramelized onions, mustard, and crispy fried onions, just may end up filling you up for the entire day.