When it comes to culinary delights, Paris is primed for café culture, bistro bites and fine dining. But the French capital’s flavors extend far beyond its Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class patisserie. The City of Light also has a bustling street food scene that shines with classic dishes and international favorites.

Here is your Hilton Grand Vacations Insider’s Guide to finding amazing, budget-friendly street eats in Paris.

1. Crêpes: A Pancake-Like Delight     

Savoring a crêpe in the streets of Paris is more than a mini meal. It’s a memory in the making. Half the fun of eating this pancake-like treat is watching it being made.

  

Chefs use a special tool to spread a super-thin layer of batter around a heated plate. Then, they flip, fill and fold it into a delicious dish that reflects the elegance and simplicity of French cuisine.

The hardest part is choosing which flavor will satisfy your craving.

• Go sweet. Nutella and banana crêpe — a rich, creamy hazelnut-chocolate spread is generously slathered over a golden-brown crêpe, filled with fresh banana slices and lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
• Try savory. Mushroom and cream sauce crêpe — for a taste of Parisian elegance, try a crêpe filled with sauteed mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
• Save room for dessert. Caramelized apple and calvados crêpe — sliced apples are caramelized in butter and sugar, then flambéed with apple brandy for a fabulous touch of French flair.

Insider tips: Head over to the Latin quarter of Paris and visit Au P'tit Grec, located on Rue Mouffetard. This creperie serves up the classics and even lets you create your own masterpiece. You can also make a beeline for Breizh Café, where everything is 100% authentic — including the savory galettes (a crêpe made with organic buckwheat flour and your choice of fillings).

2. Falafel: It’s Pita Paradise

Falafel may not be classically French, but it’s a celebrated street-food favorite in Paris.

   

You can find these tasty Middle Eastern sandwiches throughout the city, but their undeniable epicenter is Rue des Rosiers in the historic Le Marais district.

A traditional Parisian falafel sandwich consists of:

• Crispy chickpea balls fried to perfection.
• Freshly cut vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions.
• Creamy tahini sauce drizzled over the falafel balls and veggies.
• Warm, soft pita bread wraps everything together for a fabulous combination of textures and flavors.

Insider tip: L’As du Fallafel is an iconic falafel joint in the heart of Le Marais and is often hailed as the best in the city. Their falafel sandwiches are known for their crispy exterior, flavorful fillings and generous portions. The line can get long though, so plan ahead!

3. Croque Monsieur: Move Over, Grilled Cheese

This popular Parisian snack is no ordinary ham and cheese sandwich. The croque monsieur, whose name translates to “mister crunch,” has been an institution in France since the early 20th century. You’ll find this gooey delight offered at food stalls, street-side cafés, boulangeries (bakeries) and food trucks across Paris.

   

The classic croque monsieur is prepared following a time-honored recipe that includes:

• Slices of pain de mie or brioche, which are soft and slightly sweet.
• Thin slices of high-quality ham for a savory, slightly salty flavor.
• Emmenthal or Gruyère to complement the other ingredients.
• Béchamel sauce infuses the sandwich with creaminess and depth of flavor.
• Butter on the surfaces of the bread to create a golden, crispy crust when grilling.
• All together, your croque monsieur is toasted and baked into a crunchy, melty, cheesy, gooey, delicious sandwich.

Insider tip: Stop by Fric Frac in the charming Montmartre neighborhood. It’s an iconic bistro in the heart of Paris and a must-visit destination for an exceptional croque monsieur experience.

4. Marché Des Enfants Rouge: An Iconic Food Market     

You’ll find an unexpected culinary treasure tucked away in the Haut Marais district. The Marché des Enfants Rouge is the oldest covered market in Paris, dating back to the year 1615 and the reign of Louis XIII.

   

This bustling hub of multicultural flavors is a street-food seeker’s paradise.

• International appeal. A standout feature of Marché des Enfants Rouge is the diversity of its sit-down eateries and ethnic offerings. Satisfy your sushi cravings at the Japanese stalls, sip on mint tea from Morocco, try shawarma at a Lebanese restaurant or sample the local artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.  
• Charming atmosphere. Stroll through the market’s narrow aisles to explore every vendor and find communal tables where you can come together with locals and tourists to savor your snacks.
• Creative heart. Marché des Enfants Rouge celebrates and supports local artisans and producers, offering everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts to artisanal goods.

Insider tip: Bring your appetite. You can take a global food tour without ever having to leave the market.

5. Le Food Market: A Regular Food Fest

Paris is redefining the neighborhood block party by turning into a gourmet gathering. Every month, the team at Le Food Market brings vendors together to give you a glimpse of what’s new on the culinary scene.

   

Le Food Market is more than just a place to grab a quick bite. It’s an immersive cultural experience. Here’s what you can expect.

• Local vendors: The market features an ever-evolving selection of chefs and restaurateurs from renowned restaurants to kebab shops to neighborhood bistros. They offer an eclectic mix of cuisines, from Moroccan couscous and Mexican tacos to Quebec poutine and French pastries.
• Live music. Many Le Food Market events feature live tunes, which creates a festive atmosphere that adds to the overall ambiance.
• Community spirit. Food is more than just a meal. It’s a delightful experience that’s meant to be shared with others. That’s why Le Food Market is all about bringing people together. Mingle with Parisians and tourists from all over the world while you sample the fare.

Insider tip: Head over to Boulevard de Belleville, between the Couronnes and Ménilmontant Metro Stations, every other Thursday to see what Le Food Market is cooking.

Read “4 Foodie Vacation Destinations To Add To Your Travel Bucket List” for more must-try foodie favorites in other popular destinations.