Delicious, Cheap, Quick Meals in the French Capital

Despite the city of light’s reputation for street fare like crepes, finding high-quality fast food in Paris can be hit-and-miss. Especially in areas with a heavy tourist presence, the risk of ending up with a stale, gummy crepe or a sandwich prepared with questionable hygiene practices is present. Luckily, Paris also offers some excellent street food options for the whole family, as long as you know where to go (and what to avoid).

Sandwiches, Quiches, and Bakery Fare

Not all sandwiches are created equal in Paris. At a high-quality Paris bakery, you can usually procure a delicious sandwich, quiche, or savory tart for under 5 Euros, and you’ll also have a variety of sweet goodies to choose from for dessert. You can easily find a Paris bakery on any major street, most of which sell decent sandwiches and other lunch items.

As a general rule, avoid buying traditional sandwiches from street vendors who are not genuine bakers. You can typically separate the wheat from the chaff by taking a closer look: does the sign say something along the lines of Sandwichs et Boissons (sandwiches and drinks) or Boulangerie (bakery)? Are they selling loaves of bread as well? You’re more likely to get fresh bread and ingredients, along with better handling of hygiene-sensitive fillings like mayonnaise and tuna from real bakeries.

Crepes and Other Street Food

If you’re really craving a good crepe, there are plenty of delicious, cheap options available in Paris; however, you should learn to identify the best vendors before ordering. Does the vendor keep a stack of pre-made crepes that are then re-heated, or are the crepes made from scratch in front of your eyes? The latter is obviously the much better option (and it’s more entertaining to watch!). Also, observe the workstation’s ingredients—do they look fresh or wilted? Remember that even salad greens and tomatoes that are not properly kept can lead to food poisoning.

You can find crepes throughout the city at stands and walk-in restaurants, and you can typically discern quality by following the aforementioned tips. However, don’t assume that because they make their crepes fresh, the other offerings are good too. I’ve seen stale, suspicious-looking sandwiches and other items being sold at stands that serve decent crepes. Always use your eyes before ordering—don’t just look at the menu.

Falafel and Other Mediterranean Specialties

Falafel may not be French, but it’s arguably the most coveted fast food item in Paris. A string of bustling restaurants on Rue des Rosiers in the traditional Jewish quarter of the Marais district has become extremely popular among tourists, and for good reason: soft, thick pita bread is filled with perfectly crisp chickpea balls, accompanied by a variety of freshly cut vegetables, tahini, hummus, and hot sauce. It’s a favorite version of falafel, hands down. You can also sample traditional Yiddish specialties such as babkas or strudel at bakeries like Sacha Finkelsztajn (27 Rue des Rosiers).

Another great Mediterranean fast-food option in Paris is Lebanese food. Paris has numerous excellent Lebanese restaurants, serving delicacies such as schawarma, lemon and garlic chicken (shish taouk), falafel, and Man’Ouche: hand-tossed Lebanese pizzas stuffed with soft cheese and zaatar (a thyme, sesame, and olive-oil mixture). Ordering a sandwich is typically less expensive and can be equally satisfying. For the Lebanese pizzas, I recommend Man’ouché, a simple stand close to the Centre Georges Pompidou at 66, rue Rambuteau (Metro Rambuteau).

Indian and Sri-Lankan Fast Food in Paris

You must know where to go, but Paris has some excellent and inexpensive Indian and Sri-Lankan fast food options. Explore the La Chapelle District/Little Sri Lanka for delicious handmade parathas (flatbread), samosas, and other savory fast food from Sri Lanka and India.

Street Markets in Paris

An additional great way to enjoy delicious and cheap fast food in Paris is by visiting one of the city’s open-air markets. Most markets, both permanent and temporary, feature stands selling quiches, sandwiches, or regional specialties like sausages.

Tourist Trap Areas to Avoid

Some areas in Paris that offer a wealth of street food may also be tourist traps, typically resulting in disappointing quality. Areas to be cautious of include the northern end of Rue de la Harpe near Metro St Michel in the Latin Quarter, certain vendors around Place des Tertres in Montmartre, and some stands near the Eiffel Tower. While not all street food in these areas is bad, it’s essential to pay particular attention to the freshness and proper handling of the food. Avoid these stands if you have any doubts.