Are you familiar with soul food? The term first appeared in the 60s, when the word 'soul' was commonly used to refer to African-American culture. But the origins of soul food go back much further. Originating in the southern United States, particularly Louisiana and cities such as New Orleans, this traditional, popular, family-style cuisine was brought to the Americas by black slaves in the late 17th century, along with West African foods such as sorghum and okra.
Influenced byWest African dishes, soul food also includes elements of Southern American cuisine, such as corn, beans, sweet potatoes, pork and chicken. Among the must-try dishes, it's impossible to miss the famous fried chicken & waffle, a piece of fried chicken placed on a sweet waffle and covered with maple syrup; or jambalaya, a Louisiana specialty made with rice, chicken, shrimp and cayenne pepper.
Although sometimes criticized for its impact on health due to its high levels of saturated fats, salt and sugar, soul food remains a cultural pride for African-Americans and a generous cuisine rich in history that is perfectly possible to enjoy in Paris.
Here are the best places to enjoy soul food in Paris, as well as the best places to eat fried chicken, the emblem of soul food, in the capital!
Cocoricains, finally a quality American bistro in Paris!
At last! The real American bistro that Paris has been waiting for is Cocoricains, an ebullient address a stone's throw from the Grands Boulevards, run by two Franco-American friends. [Read more]
Chick'n Lover, the temple of fried chicken!
Chick'n Lover is the brand-new fast food restaurant on rue du Faubourg Montmartre in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. A halal chicken street food restaurant where everything is homemade, from sauces to spicy and non-spicy tenders, not forgetting the hot roast chicken sandwich. [Read more]
Kuti, a free and generous pan-African restaurant in Strasbourg Saint-Denis
From Ghana to Nigeria to Senegal, Kuti unveils his pan-African cuisine at Strasbourg Saint-Denis, and it's a real treat. [Read more]
Barbecue King, the Korean restaurant in the 15th arrondissement
Barbecue King is the name of a Korean restaurant in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, where families and friends can enjoy bentos, bibimbaps and grilled meats to share. [Read more]
Jōyō, Asian-American fusion cuisine at Opéra
Jōyō unveils Asian-American fusion cuisine a stone's throw from the Opéra Garnier. [Read more]
MariMari, the street-food shop where you can discover Korean kimbap
MariMari is the street-food stall where you can discover kimbap, a cult Korean street food dish. [Read more]
Dogma, the gourmet fried chicken burger restaurant
Dogma is a new street food restaurant offering a delicious interpretation of fried chicken in Paris's 10th arrondissement. From generous fried chicken to varied burgers, we reveal the spot. [Read more]
Label Broche: Top Chef David Gallienne's new Paris rotisserie hotspot
We take you on a tour of Label Broche, the fine French rotisserie designed by Top Chef 2020 winner David Gallienne, nestled in the heart of the Nouvelles Tables du Gourmet at Galeries Lafayettes in Paris. [Read more]
Nakatsu, a responsible Japanese fried chicken restaurant perched in the 18th
Perched on the heights of the 18th arrondissement, the Nakatsu restaurant specializes in karaage, the famous Japanese fried chicken, offered in burger and donburi. [Read more]
Mosugo, African street food and fried chicken burgers by Mory Sacko
Gone are the white tablecloths and silver cutlery of his Michelin-starred restaurant; at Mosugo, Mory Sacko dabbles in street-food and fried chicken. [Read more]
Mao Fry, Taiwanese street food, XXL fried chicken and burgers to die for
Mao Dumpling Bar's little brother, Mao Fry takes a closer look at another mainstay of Chinese street food: the XXL fried chicken of Taiwan's night markets. [Read more]
Bonchon, the fried chicken restaurant opens its doors
Bonchon, the world-famous Korean fried chicken street-food chain, is coming to Paris on March 9, 2023. Head to the 2nd arrondisseemnt to (re)discover the best chicken wings by Business Insider. [Read more]
Baba Zulu, the American soul food restaurant to try in Paris
Head to the United States for a regressive taste trip with Baba Zulu. Head to the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, in the 11th arrondissement, to taste gourmet dishes made with waffles and chicken. Intrigued? We tell you more... [Read more]
New Soul Food Le Maquis, the temple of Afropean street food
New Soul Food, the famous foodtruck, is opening a "bricks-and-mortar" restaurant a stone's throw from the Canal Saint-Martin. At Le Maquis, you'll savour Afropean street-food dishes that are original and, frankly, delightful. [Read more]
Street BKK Fry & Beer, the spot dedicated to Malaysian cuisine and fried chicken
At Street BKK Fry & Beer, you'll enjoy recipes from Malaysian gastronomy, and in particular a dish that everyone loves: fried chicken, in mild or spicy versions. [Read more]
Street food in Paris, our street food tips and addresses
Here's a list of street food addresses to take you on the road! [Read more]
So, are you ready for the fried chicken and waffle combo?
Street food in Paris, our street food tips and addresses
