Paris eats on the cheap

🇫🇷 Cheap Eats in Paris: Savoring the City Without Breaking the Bank

Paris may be synonymous with haute cuisine and Michelin stars, but you don’t need a platinum card to eat well in the City of Light. From street-side crêperies to hidden gems serving global flavors, here’s your guide to eating affordably in Paris—without sacrificing taste or charm.

---

🥖 Boulangeries: The Everyday Hero

- What to expect: Fresh baguettes, flaky croissants, and hearty sandwiches.

- Price range: €3.50–€6 for sandwiches; combo “formules” (sandwich + pastry + drink) for €7–€8.

- Tip: Grab a sandwich and pastry, then picnic in one of Paris’s many parks like Jardin du Luxembourg or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

---

🧆 Falafel & Street Food: Flavor on the Fly

- L’As du Fallafel (Marais): Legendary falafel pita for around €7.

- Chez Cleopatre: Turkish kebabs and burgers for just €6.

- Best Tofu: Affordable Asian vegan dishes with generous portions.

---

🥘 Ethnic Eats: Global Cuisine at Local Prices

- Le Relais Tropical (20th arrondissement): Caribbean comfort food like chicken colombo and salt cod accras. Plates start at €7.

- Restaurant Al Assil: Lebanese flavors with warm hospitality and budget-friendly prices.

- Ya Bayté by Hébé: Mediterranean dishes with rave reviews for authenticity and value.

---

🧀 Crêperies: Sweet & Savory Classics

- La Crêperie and Rozell Café: Crêpes complète (egg, ham, cheese) for around €10.

- Midi 12: Famous for Crêpes Suzette and gluten-free options.

---

🍔 Quirky & Cool

- Tata Burger: A funky, LGBTQ-friendly spot serving juicy burgers and fries for under €12.

- La Baguette du Relais: A baguette version of steak frites—thin ribeye slices, fries, and Entrecôte sauce in a sandwich for €14.

---

🧺 DIY Picnic: Parisian Style

- Supermarket haul: Baguette (€1), cheese, charcuterie, fruit, and wine.

- Best spots: Canal Saint-Martin, Champ de Mars (with Eiffel Tower views), or Place des Vosges.

---

💡 Pro Tips for Eating Cheap in Paris

- Lunch deals: Many restaurants offer fixed-price lunch menus (“formules”) for €10–€15.

- Avoid tourist traps: Stay away from cafés near major landmarks unless you’re just grabbing a coffee.

- Tap water is free: Ask for “une carafe d’eau” instead of bottled water.

---

Paris proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to eat like royalty. Whether you're craving a flaky pastry, a spicy kebab, or a cozy sit-down meal, the city offers delicious options for every budget. Bon appétit!