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Must Try Restaurants in Paris

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Must Try Restaurants in Paris

1. Chez L'ami Jean

Location: 27 Rue Malar, Left Bank

Located on a quiet street near the Eiffel Tower, Chez L'ami Jean is not for the dieters or vegetarians. With gut-bursting portions and authentic parisian dishes, they are worth your every penny. They have a lively ambience as the restaurant is always filled with people and Chef Stephane Jego is always shouting across the restaurant for waiters to serve the newly cooked dishes. Their menu are made with seasonal ingredients such as crabs, oyster, fish to pigeons, beef and deer. 

[PARIS-DESSERTS https://www.bonappetour.com/mesny/learn-how-to-make-macaroons]
 

2. Le Bistrot Paul Bert

Location: 18 Rue Paul Bert

This bistro offers the classic French selections. They have fixed priced menus of 19Euros of 38Euros which consits of an appetizer, a main course, cheese or dessert for 19Euros. One recommended dish is the Paris-Brest Puff pastry that is stuffed with hazelnut cream. It is absolute heaven. One tip is to make a reservation as early as possible as this place can be packed to the brim.

3. L'Office

Location: 3 Rue Richer

With a new chef, Kosta Miloevic, joining their highly capable team, you can expect the food to be made with the best ingredients and skills. Their food has the finess, elegance and healthyness to attract the stomachs of not only locals but people from all around the world. Try their entre of a shrimp raviolu with green peas and one asparagus, served in a light veggie broth. The serving may be small but the taste is definitely fantastic.

4. L'As Du Fallafel

Location: 34 Rue de Rosiers

It has the reputation of having the best fallafels in the world. Need I say more. If you are in Paris, you definitely need to give this kosher Middle Eastern restaurant a go. You can see it's popularity from the long snaking queue. Their fallafels are crispy, golden but still light. If you are hungry, you can give their fallafel wrap a go. Rememer they are always closed on Shabbat (Saturday).

5. Authentic Parisian dinner in classic 18th century apartment in Champs-Elysees

In the center of Champs Elysees, there is a magical 18th Century home, filled with tasteful ancient tapestries, woodworks and furniture, that is bound to leave you spellbound in its beauty. And then you will realise that it is actually a home, owned by an amazing chef, who will be serving you a 4 course French meal, complete with the entree, mains, cheese, wines and desserts. Her son, a tour guide, will show you around the house, and tell you interesting things about Paris. Reservations in advance only, so make your booking beforehand. 

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Foodies Alert! MUST Eat Food in Paris

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Foodies Alert! MUST Eat Food in Paris

The French take their food seriously. Some of the food are so popular that they have become the signature of French cuisines or even national dishes. A typical French meal consists of a hors d'oeuvre (entree), a plat principal (main course), a fromage (cheese) or dessert. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a meal to last anything up to two hours. 

Hors d'oeuvres – The Entree

1 Basil Salmon Terrine

A terrine is made with grounded meat emulsified with fats shaped into a loaf. In this case, the choice of meat is salmon and basils are added. Usually eated chilled, the perfect combination of salmon, fats with a hint of basil makes it a great entree for dinner parties or other special occasions.

[PARIS-DESSERTS https://www.bonappetour.com/mesny/learn-how-to-make-macaroons]​
 

2. Bisque

Bisques are creamy, thick and flavour soups. Some of the most popular bisques of the French origin are made with lobster, crayfish, shrimps or other kinds of seafood. Vegetable bisques such as tomato or pumpkin are also popular choices. This dish will not disappoint you as it warms your stomach with its rich creaminess and opens up your appetite for the main course.

3. French Onion Soup

This dish is as popular as the Eiffel Tower. The flavour beef stock is balanced perfectly with the lightly brown caramelized onions. Gratineed with coutons or cheese, this soup is the epitome of French comfort food. Try it at Ann's home restaurant!

4. Foie Gras

Foie Gras is the signature of French luxury cuisines. It is rich, buttery, delicate and has a unique flavour. It is even listed under the French law as the protected cultural and gastronomical heritage of France. Often served whole or in a mousse, parfait or pate form, it is a delicacy that few could afford but many would want to try.

Plat Principals – The main course

1. Pot-au-feu

Pot-au-feu is essentially a one pot beef stew. It is the most celebrated family dish in France. This one pot stew consists of beef, which is the main ingredient, and vegetables such as potatoes, celery, carrots and onion. Not only does it tastes good, it also gives you a taste of french family cuisine.

2. Duck a l'orange

If you are lucky enough to be invited by a French family for dinner, you are very likely to get this dish. This duck in orange sauce is typical of french family cuisines. The flavour of the roasted duck is enhance by the tangy citrousy orangy sauce that make it so very refreshing.

3. Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is a fish stew that originates from Marseille. This is different from other fish stews from it's ingredients. It uses a variety of Provencal herbs and spices in the soup and the fish used are from the local Mediterranean sea. Also, when served, the fish and soup are served separately. This is often eaten with slices of bread.

Fromage – Cheese

1. Brie De Meaux

It originates from the Brie region. It is very versatile and has a soft, creamy texture.

2. Roquefort

 

It is one of the most well known blue cheese in the world. It is white in colour and has a crumbly texture with distinctive green mold. When you take a bite of it, it will first have a slightly mild sensation and then sweet then becomes salty and smoky. 

Dessert

1. Creme Brulee

When you are in Paris, this is the one dessert that you cannot miss. Popular throughout the world, the balance between the rich soft custard and hard caramel is a perfect way to end your meal.

2. Macaroons

What's a Paris trip without some macaroons. I think this picture is pretty self explanatory. Who can resist these cute little colourful pastries? It is heaven in a bite. Try your hands at making these tiny pieces of heaven in Paris, and showcase what you've learnt to your friends back home. 

Are you tempted by all the classic French cuisines? Check out our Bonappetour hosts in Paris, they have all the right skills and ingredients to whip up your favourite French dish.

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Italian Desserts you MUST Try

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Italian Desserts you MUST Try

Italian cuisine is renowed for its great variety, not only when it comes to mains but also when it comes to desserts! Those with a sweet tooth will know that no meal is complete with dessert and there certainly is no better way to round off a hearty Italian meal than with some mouth-watering desserts!

Here are some Italian desserts you will want to try when you visit Italy!

1. Panna Cotta

If you love your pudding, you will love panna cotta too. This Italian classic features on the menus of most Italian eateries so it will be hard to miss an opportunity to test it. Although the traditional panna cotta calls for a caramel sauce, you will often find it served with strawberry or chocoate sauce. The more outlandish amongst you may want to push the boat out and try cinnamon or aniseed!

2. Tiramisu

There are so many variations of this well-loved dessert – it can be a cake or served in a cup, wine glass and even a shot glass! Who said coffee is just for mornings?

3. Cannoli

Cannoli is a Sicilian pastry dessert with a sweet and creamy ricotta filling. While cannoli may have originated in Sicily, the Arabs were the ones who came up with this classic when they dominated Sicily region. 

4. Zabaglione

This light custard dessert typically contains Marsala wine, a sweet wine produced in the Marsala region of Sicily. If you like your desserts with a hint of alcohol, you will not be disappointed with a serving of zabaglione!

5. Ricotta pie

Ricotta pie is arguably an Italian take on cheesecake, albeit a lighter and less sweet version so do not expect it to taste like the rich and sinful cheesecakes you have had before. Nevertheless, lovers of cheesecake should still be open to trying out something different – you may well love it!

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Street Food in Japan: The Ultimate Guide

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Street Food in Japan: The Ultimate Guide

Japan holds more than 100,000 festivals and events each year, with street food being an intergral part of these festivals. Food vendors are known as Yatai in Japanese and they sell both savoury and sweet snacks that are well liked by locals and tourists. What's on offer often depends on the region as there is an amazing amount of variety to be explored!

1. Takoyaki

Takoyaki are small balls made from flour with fillings such as squid, ham and cheese.. This is one of the most popular street food in Japan and can be seen almost anywhere. They are served with mayonaise and fish flakes.

2. Crepes

Although a well-loved French dessert, the Japanese have their own take on this sweet treat, making it a little on the crispier side. Japanese crepes are very popular, especially among Japanese school girls and can be found in harajuku among many other places. They are usually rolled up into a cone for easier eating and often contain fresh ingredients like fruits and savoury eggs. 

3. Korokke

Another French-inspired snack on our list, the Korokke is the Japanese version of the croquette. It is made of chopped meat, seafood, vegetables and mashed potatoes. This savoury snack is yummy and can act as a pick me up when you are hungry.

4. Dango

Dangos are sweet glutinous rice balls made from rice flour. It is often grilled to give it a smokey grill flavour. It may be plain or come with fillings such as sweet red bean paste and green tea. It can be eaten as a savoury snack too with soya sauce.

5. Yakisoba

If you are feeling very hungry, you might want to try some Yakisoba which is fried noodles in soya sauce with vegetables and meat. It may even be served in a hotdog bun.

6. Gyoza

Gyoza is the Japanese version of fried pot stickers. Filled with seasoned grounded pork and vegetables, they are delicious with a little soya sauce. Some gyozas can be made from shrimp, mushrooms, cheese or shiso leaves.

If you love gyoza or would love to try some, why not join in for an experience with our lovely Sachii-san or Kei-san in Tokyo where you can learn to make your own gyoza and taste typical Japanese dishes.

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