Paris Menu Minefields
Paris is famous for its delicious food, but not every dish is for everyone. Whether it’s due to personal taste, health reasons or just wanting to make the most of your Parisian adventure, there are some foods you might want to avoid while exploring the city.
10 Foods to Avoid in Paris
1. Escargot (Snails)
Escargot is a famous French dish, but not everyone is a fan. These are cooked snails, usually served with garlic butter. If you’re not used to eating unusual textures or flavors, this might not be the best choice.
2. Steak Tartare
Steak tartare is raw minced beef mixed with spices, egg yolk and other ingredients. While some people love it, raw meat can be hard to stomach if you’re not used to it. There’s also a risk of foodborne illnesses if it’s not prepared properly.
3. Foie Gras
Foie gras is a luxury food made from the liver of a duck or goose. It has a rich, buttery taste, but many people avoid it due to ethical concerns about how the animals are treated. It's also quite high in fat, which might not be the healthiest option.
4. Andouillette Sausage
This sausage has a strong smell and taste because it’s made from pig intestines. Even though it's popular in France, many visitors find the taste too strong or unpleasant. It's definitely an acquired taste!
5. Frog Legs
Frog legs are another French delicacy. The texture is often compared to chicken, but some find the idea of eating frogs off-putting. If you're not feeling adventurous, this might be a dish to skip.
6. Blood Sausage (Boudin Noir)
Boudin noir, or blood sausage, is made from pork blood and fat. While it’s popular in France, the dark color and rich, earthy taste can be too much for some people. If you’re not a fan of organ meats, you might want to avoid this dish.
7. Sea Urchin
Sea urchins are spiny sea creatures that are considered a delicacy in some parts of France. They have a very strong ocean flavor that can be overwhelming. If you don’t love seafood or strong tastes, this might not be the right choice.
8. Oysters
Oysters are popular in Paris, especially in seafood restaurants. While fresh oysters are enjoyed by many, their slimy texture and raw taste can be unappealing to some. If you're not used to raw seafood, you may want to pass on this dish.
9. Brains (Cervelle de Veau)
Yes, in Paris, you can find dishes made from the brains of animals, usually calves. The texture is soft and creamy, but the idea of eating brains is enough to make some people avoid it. It’s a dish for the truly adventurous eater.
10. Pungent Cheeses
France is famous for its wide variety of cheeses, but some, like Roquefort or Epoisses, have very strong flavors and smells. If you're not a fan of pungent cheeses, you might want to stick to milder options like Brie or Camembert.
Tips for Dining in Paris
- Ask questions: If you’re unsure about a dish, don’t hesitate to ask your server for more information.
- Start slow: If you’re new to French cuisine, try something simple first, like a croissant or quiche, before diving into the more adventurous dishes.
- Respect your tastes: It’s okay if you don’t like everything. French cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes, so you’ll always find something you enjoy.
Bon Appétit or Bon Avoid?
Paris is a city filled with amazing food, but not every dish will suit everyone’s taste. If you’re not feeling adventurous or if certain foods don’t sit well with you, it’s perfectly fine to skip them. Enjoy your trip and explore the many other delicious options that Paris has to offer!
Read on to learn about some foods to avoid while traveling through Portugal.