I feel I have mentioned in a blog post before that being a vegetarian in France, even in a major city like Paris, is not easy. In fact, it is extremely difficult! The French tend not to understand how someone could not have meat in their diet, and this is reflected, not only in their supermarkets and their cuisine, but in their restaurants in general. I know very well that only a few of you are vegetarian so this may not interest you, however, I have been to most of these places with my non-vegetarian boyfriend, and I can assure you that they are all worth a visit.
Up first, every veggie in Paris should know about COJEAN. I pretty much get my lunch from here every single day. Everyone in Paris loves it! It’s rather pricey but extremely healthy and delicious and everything is made fresh which is definitely noticeable. Also, all the food that is left over at the end of the day, is given to the homeless people in Paris – such a great idea. You can have soups, salads, sandwiches, quiches, juice, baked goods or a ‘petit plat chaud’ and with your daily ticket resto for lunch, the price does not seem too painful!
Next stop: THAI FOOD – a favourite among veggies, there are two that I have been to (so far) that I would recommend.
The first is Lao Siam on rue de Belleville, which is right next door to my apartment block. Cheap and yummy, this place always has a huge queue outside the door waiting to get in.
The one not to be missed, however, is Tuk Tuk on rue de Laborde. This is possibly the best dinner out I have had in Paris. Again, good value, with excellent service (how cute is the reservation card), the food was outstanding. I had a glass of wine, delicious spring rolls and tofu thai green curry (my boyfriend had chicken) for about 20 euros. I am without a doubt going to go back there again!
Up next, the place that anyone who has ever lived in Paris will tell you to go to… L’As du Fallafel. It serves the very best falafel (and schwarma etc) that I have ever tasted!
You can either take the falafel to go for about 5 euros or eat in for about 8. This is excellent value as it fills you up for the rest of the day, gets rid of all your hangover worries, and generally just makes you really really happy! The mix of flavours is out of this world and you are truly left wanting more.
So there you have it, there are definitely other places to go, some places I have not mentioned and more places for me to try, but I would say that the food I have mentioned is some of the best I have ever had and is certainly not to be missed. For general food lovers, and for veggies that will find France difficult, I hope this is of some interest!
Photo credits: villa-florencia.co.uk, cojean.fr, Alice McAnulty