Foods You Must Try in Paris: A Vegetarian’s Guide

 

When you're in Paris, it’s not just about the iconic landmarks and romantic walks; it’s also about indulging in some of the best food the city has to offer. As a vegetarian, you might think your options are limited in this meat-loving city, but fear not! Paris is brimming with delicious vegetarian and vegan delights. Here’s your ultimate guide to enjoying a week of fantastic food in Paris, divided by breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

Breakfast

• Dish: Fresh Croissants and Pain au Chocolat
• Where: Du Pain et des Idées (34 Rue Yves Toudic)
• Description: Start your Parisian adventure with these buttery, flaky pastries. Grab a seat and pair them with a café au lait. Bliss!

Lunch

• Dish: Ratatouille
• Where: Le Potager du Marais (24 Rue Rambuteau)
• Description: This classic Provençal dish of stewed vegetables is a hearty and healthy choice.

Dinner

• Dish: Vegetarian Crêpes
• Where: Breizh Café (109 Rue Vieille du Temple)
• Description: Choose from a variety of savoury crêpes, filled with cheese, mushrooms, spinach, and more. Don’t forget to try the cider!

Day 2: Exploring the City

Breakfast

• Dish: Tartine
• Where: Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain)
• Description: A simple yet satisfying breakfast of fresh baguette with butter and jam. Pair it with a hot chocolate or coffee.

Lunch

• Dish: Falafel Sandwich
• Where: L’As du Fallafel (34 Rue des Rosiers)
• Description: The Marais district is famous for its falafel, and L’As du Fallafel serves the best. It's a busy spot, but worth the wait. Vegan option available.

Dinner

• Dish: Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Where: Le Grenier de Notre-Dame (18 Rue de la Bûcherie)
• Description: These delicious bell peppers are stuffed with rice, vegetables, and herbs. A cozy spot with a lovely view of Notre Dame.

Day 3: Art and Culture

Breakfast

• Dish: Acai Bowl
• Where: Wild & The Moon (55 Rue Charlot)
• Description: Kickstart your day with a nutritious and Instagram-worthy acai bowl. Vegan-friendly!

Lunch

• Dish: Quiche Lorraine (Vegetarian)
• Where: Le Fumoir (6 Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny)
• Description: This place offers a fantastic vegetarian version of the classic quiche. Perfect for a midday break.

Dinner

• Dish: Mushroom Risotto
• Where: Le Jardin des Pâtes (4 Rue Lacépède)
• Description: A delightful dish of creamy risotto with mushrooms, perfect for a cozy dinner after a long day of museum hopping.

Day 4: Market Day

Breakfast

• Dish: Vegan Pancakes
• Where: Hôtel Amour (8 Rue de Navarin)
• Description: Enjoy fluffy vegan pancakes topped with fresh fruit. A trendy spot to start your day.

Lunch

• Dish: Vegetarian Sushi
• Where: Rice & Fish (16 Rue Greneta)
• Description: Fresh, inventive, and delicious vegetarian sushi rolls. Great for a light and refreshing lunch.

Dinner

• Dish: Vegan Burger
• Where: Hank Burger (55 Rue des Archives)
• Description: Sink your teeth into a delicious vegan burger with all the trimmings. This place knows how to make vegan fast food exciting!

Day 5: The Classics

Breakfast

• Dish: Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
• Where: Le Pain Quotidien (Multiple Locations)
• Description: A refreshing and healthy start to your day with layers of fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt.

Lunch

• Dish: French Onion Soup (Vegetarian)
• Where: Le Potager du Marais (24 Rue Rambuteau)
• Description: This hearty soup is traditionally made with beef broth, but this restaurant offers a vegetarian version that's just as rich and satisfying.

Dinner

• Dish: Veggie Pizza
• Where: Pink Flamingo (67 Rue Bichat)
• Description: Enjoy a variety of creative and delicious vegetarian pizzas. Perfect for a relaxed evening.

Day 6: Sweet Tooth Day

Breakfast

• Dish: Vegan Pastries
• Where: VG Pâtisserie (123 Boulevard Voltaire)
• Description: Indulge in some of the best vegan pastries Paris has to offer. A must-visit for any sweet tooth.

Lunch

• Dish: Caprese Sandwich
• Where: Holybelly (5 Rue Lucien Sampaix)
• Description: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on a crusty baguette. Simple and delicious.

Dinner

• Dish: Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
• Where: Il Gelato del Marchese (3 Rue des Quatre Vents)
• Description: This Italian eatery serves a fantastic vegetarian cannelloni that's perfect for dinner.

Day 7: Farewell Paris

Breakfast

• Dish: Chia Seed Pudding
• Where: Season (1 Rue Dupuis)
• Description: Start your final day in Paris with a healthy and delicious chia seed pudding. Vegan-friendly.

Lunch

• Dish: Vegetarian Couscous
• Where: Chez Omar (47 Rue de Bretagne)
• Description: A flavourful and hearty dish that will fill you up before your journey home.

Dinner

• Dish: Eggplant Parmesan
• Where: East Mamma (133 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine)
• Description: End your trip on a high note with this delicious Italian classic. A delightful and satisfying way to bid adieu to Paris.

Summary Table

Day	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
1	Fresh Croissants and Pain au Chocolat	Ratatouille	Vegetarian Crêpes
2	Tartine	Falafel Sandwich	Stuffed Bell Peppers
3	Acai Bowl	Quiche Lorraine (Vegetarian)	Mushroom Risotto
4	Vegan Pancakes	Vegetarian Sushi	Vegan Burger
5	Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfait	French Onion Soup (Vegetarian)	Veggie Pizza
6	Vegan Pastries	Caprese Sandwich	Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
7	Chia Seed Pudding	Vegetarian Couscous	Eggplant Parmesan

And that's your guide to a full week of vegetarian culinary delights in Paris. Whether you’re a strict vegetarian or just looking to try something different, these dishes and spots are sure to make your Parisian adventure even more memorable. Bon appétit!

Finding Vegetarian Food in Paris: A Guide for Herbivores in the City of Light

Paris, the city of baguettes, croissants, and escargot, isn’t always seen as a haven for vegetarians. However, times are changing, and the French capital now offers a plethora of delicious plant-based options. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to take a break from meat, here’s your guide to finding vegetarian food in Paris.

1. Research and Plan Ahead

Before you set foot in Paris, a bit of planning goes a long way. Websites like HappyCow and Yelp are fantastic resources for finding vegetarian and vegan restaurants. They provide reviews, photos, and maps, making it easier to plan your culinary adventures. Additionally, downloading apps like Vegg’up can help you discover the best vegetarian-friendly spots near you.

2. Explore Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants

Paris boasts a growing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, offering a diverse range of cuisines. Here are a few must-visit spots:

• Le Potager du Marais: Located in the heart of the Marais district, this cosy restaurant offers traditional French cuisine with a vegetarian twist. Try their vegan onion soup and mushroom bourguignon for a true taste of France.

• Hank Burger: Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, Hank Burger serves delicious vegan burgers with a variety of toppings. Don’t forget to try their sweet potato fries and vegan mayo.

• Gentle Gourmet: For a more upscale dining experience, head to Gentle Gourmet. This elegant restaurant offers gourmet vegan dishes, beautifully presented and full of flavour.

• 42 Degrés: A pioneer of raw food in Paris, 42 Degrés offers an innovative menu of raw vegan dishes that are as nutritious as they are tasty.

3. Visit Vegetarian-Friendly Neighbourhoods

Certain areas in Paris are more vegetarian-friendly than others. The Marais, Montmartre, and Canal Saint-Martin are known for their eclectic mix of eateries and are home to several vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Strolling through these neighbourhoods can lead to delightful culinary discoveries.

4. Check Out Local Markets

Parisian markets are a treasure trove of fresh produce, artisanal breads, and regional specialities. Visit markets like Marché Bastille or Marché d’Aligre to pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and breads. These markets are perfect for assembling your own picnic or a light meal on the go.

5. Learn Some Key Phrases

While many Parisians speak English, knowing a few key phrases can be helpful when navigating menus and speaking with waitstaff. Here are some useful French phrases for vegetarians:

• “Je suis végétarien(ne)” – I am vegetarian (végétarienne if you are female).
• “Je ne mange pas de viande” – I don’t eat meat.
• “Avez-vous des options végétariennes?” – Do you have vegetarian options?
• “Sans viande, s’il vous plaît” – Without meat, please.

6. Embrace the Cafés and Bistros

Many traditional French cafés and bistros now offer vegetarian options. Look for dishes like ratatouille, omelettes, and salads. Quiches and tartines (open-faced sandwiches) can often be found in vegetarian versions as well. Don’t hesitate to ask if a dish can be made vegetarian; many chefs are accommodating.

7. Discover Ethnic Cuisine

Paris is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its food scene. Explore the city’s diverse ethnic restaurants for vegetarian options:

• Indian: Restaurants in the Passage Brady area and La Chapelle serve a variety of vegetarian dishes.
• Middle Eastern: Falafel stands in the Marais, especially the famous L’As du Fallafel, offer delicious vegetarian wraps.
• Asian: Many Asian restaurants, particularly those offering Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine, have vegetarian-friendly dishes.

8. Enjoy Bakeries and Patisseries

No trip to Paris is complete without indulging in its world-renowned pastries. Many bakeries offer vegetarian-friendly options such as croissants, pain au chocolat, and fruit tarts. Just be mindful that some pastries may contain butter and eggs if you’re vegan.

9. Stay in Accommodations with Kitchens

Consider staying in an Airbnb or a hotel with a kitchenette. This allows you to prepare some of your own meals using fresh ingredients from local markets. It’s a great way to ensure you have vegetarian options available and can be a fun way to experience Paris like a local.

10. Join Vegetarian Tours

For those who prefer a guided experience, several companies offer vegetarian food tours in Paris. These tours take you to some of the best vegetarian spots and provide insight into the city’s vegetarian culture. It’s also a fantastic way to meet like-minded travellers and share your foodie experiences.

Bon Appétit!

Finding vegetarian food in Paris may require a bit of effort, but it’s undoubtedly worth it. The city’s culinary landscape is rich and varied, offering plenty of delicious and satisfying options for vegetarians. With this guide in hand, you’re all set to embark on a delightful gastronomic journey through the City of Light. Bon appétit!