Paris may be known for its fine dining and gourmet restaurants, but locals know there’s plenty of delicious street food that won’t break the bank. From classic French flavors to international bites, here are some of the best cheap eats you can enjoy on the go—perfect for picnics in Paris’s beautiful parks.
1. Jambon-Beurre
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This simple sandwich is a staple of Parisian lunches.
It’s made with just three ingredients: a crunchy baguette, high-quality butter, and slices of ham.
Despite its simplicity, when done right, it’s incredibly satisfying and captures the essence of French flavors.
It’s the perfect grab-and-go meal for a quick picnic or snack while sightseeing.
Price: €3-5
Where to Buy:
- Le Petit Vendôme – 8 Rue des Capucines, 75002 Paris (Beloved for its generous sandwiches and authentic flavors).
- Caractère de Cochon – 42 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris (Specializes in charcuterie and has excellent jambon-beurre options).
- B.B.T. (Le Bon, Le Beurre & Le Truand) – 31 Rue de Châteaudun, 75009 Paris (Trendy spot known for its artisanal approach to classic sandwiches).
2. Croque-Monsieur
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This warm ham and cheese sandwich, toasted to perfection, is a must-try for anyone visiting Paris.
It’s comforting and flavorful, with gooey cheese and crispy bread.
Some places add béchamel sauce, making it even richer.
It’s a great option for a quick, hot meal while exploring the city.
Price: €5-10
Where to Buy:
- Faste – Croque Monsieur Paris – 52 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris (Specializing in gourmet croques with unique twists).
- Café Carrousel – 1 place des pyramides, 194 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris (A cozy spot near the Louvre with quality croques).
- Most boulangeries across Paris – Stop by almost any local bakery, where croque-monsieurs are staples for takeaway meals.
3. Crêpes
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You can’t leave Paris without trying a freshly made crêpe!
Sweet or savory, crêpes are thin pancakes filled with everything from Nutella and bananas to ham and cheese.
They’re made to order at crêperies and street stalls all over the city, making them a quick and portable treat.
Price: €3-10
Where to Buy:
- La Crème de Paris Notre-Dame – 1 Quai Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris (Trendy spot with gourmet crêpes, just across from Notre-Dame).
- Crêperie Genia – 7 Rue de la Harpe, 75005 Paris (Great location near the Seine with generous portions).
- La Crêperie Mon Ami – 7 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris (Friendly atmosphere and delicious, freshly made crêpes).
4. Galettes (Buckwheat Crêpes)
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Galettes are the savory version of crêpes, made with buckwheat flour and often filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, mushrooms, or spinach.
These gluten-free delights are hearty and packed with flavor, making them a great choice for lunch or dinner on the go.
Price: €5-12
Where to Buy:
- GALETEZEN – 78 Rue La Fayette, 75009 Paris (Trendy spot known for high-quality organic galettes).
- Les Galandines – 57 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris (Small but excellent crêperie with a focus on traditional flavors).
5. Quiche Lorraine
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This French classic combines a flaky crust with a rich filling of eggs, cream, and bacon (or sometimes ham).
Individual portions of quiche are perfect for takeaway and make for a satisfying meal or snack.
Pair it with a small salad for the ultimate French lunch.
Price: €4-8
Where to Buy:
- The Smiths Bakery – 12 Rue de Buci, 75006 Paris (Well-loved for its fresh, buttery quiches in the lively Saint-Germain area).
- Les Petits Mitrons – 26 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris (Charming Montmartre bakery specializing in homemade quiches and fruit tarts).
6. Raclette Sandwiches
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These indulgent sandwiches feature melted raclette cheese, often paired with roasted potatoes, ham, or pickles, all stuffed into a baguette.
The gooey cheese and warm fillings make it an irresistible treat, especially in cooler months or at Parisian food markets.
Price: €6-10
Where to Buy:
- Grenouilles – 55 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris (Cozy Montmartre spot known for its generous raclette sandwiches).
- M.A.D Waffles Chicken Burgers – 50 Bd de Picpus, 75012 Paris (Unique spot combining waffles, burgers, and melty raclette goodness).
7. Cheese and Baguette
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A simple yet classic French meal, pairing a freshly baked baguette with a wedge of high-quality cheese is a must.
This iconic combo is ideal for picnics, especially by the Seine or in a park.
Look for cheeses like Camembert, Brie, or Comté for an authentic experience.
Price: €4-8
Where to Buy:
- Le Fournil – 62 Rue Monsieur le Prince, 75006 Paris (Local bakery known for fresh, crispy baguettes).
- Bistrot Baguette – 22 Rue Caulaincourt, 75018 Paris (Great spot in Montmartre for quality baguettes and picnic essentials).
8. Falafel
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Falafel is a favorite among locals and tourists alike in Paris.
These crispy chickpea fritters are typically served in a pita with veggies and tahini sauce.
It’s a flavorful, filling, and affordable street food option, especially in the vibrant Marais district.
Price: €6-8
Where to Buy:
- L’As du Fallafel – 34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris (Famous falafel shop with long queues but worth the wait).
- Shawarma Lovers – 79 Rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris (Great for both falafel and shawarma lovers in a central location).
- Le Petit Falafel – 18 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris (Hidden gem with fresh ingredients and a loyal local following).
9. Banh Mi
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Banh Mi, a Vietnamese-French fusion sandwich, combines crusty baguettes with flavorful fillings like marinated pork, pickled veggies, cilantro, and spicy mayo.
Paris’s Vietnamese community makes this one of the best places outside Vietnam to try it.
Price: €5-8
Where to Buy:
- Mon Petit Bánh Mì – 165 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris (Cozy spot known for fresh ingredients and authentic flavors).
- Banemi – 66 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75010 Paris (Trendy place offering high-quality, flavorful bánh mì).
10. Pan Bagnat
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Hailing from the south of France, pan bagnat is essentially a salad Niçoise in sandwich form.
Packed with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and olives, it’s a fresh and flavorful street food option that’s perfect for a sunny day.
Price: €5-7
Where to Buy:
- Bagnard – 7 Rue Saint-Augustin, 75002 Paris (Trendy spot specializing in gourmet pan bagnat).
- Les Niçois – 7 Rue Lacharrière, 75011 Paris (Southern French cuisine with authentic Niçoise flavors).
11. Poutine
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Though a Canadian specialty, poutine has found a home in Paris.
This dish features crispy fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, often with creative variations like bacon or pulled pork. It’s indulgent comfort food perfect for a late-night snack.
Price: €8-12
Where to Buy:
- La Poutinerie – 49 Rue d’Enghien, 75010 Paris (Casual eatery serving authentic Quebec-style poutine).
12. Kebab/Gyros
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Kebab and gyros are beloved street foods in Paris, served in pita bread with meat, fresh veggies, and sauce.
You’ll find them everywhere, but the best ones are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, affordable meal.
Price: €5-8
Where to Buy:
- Impact Berliner Kebap – 119 Rue du Chemin Vert, 75011 Paris (Berlin-style kebab with fresh ingredients).
- Ozlem – 57 Rue des Petites Écuries, 75010 Paris (Authentic Turkish kebabs with homemade bread).
- Filakia – 9 Rue Mandar, 75002 Paris (Greek-inspired souvlaki sandwiches).
- KALI – 221 Rue Saint-Maur, 75010 Paris (Trendy spot for high-quality Mediterranean-style kebabs).
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
