Like every year, couscous is one of France's favorite dishes! Originating in North Africa, its origins are still a matter of debate - both Morocco and Algeria claim paternity - but most sources agree that couscous was invented by the Berbers. Whatever the case, it's clear that couscous has become an iconic dish, and has been adopted by other countries and cultures over the centuries.
The original recipe for couscous involved cooking wheat semolina with water and salt until tender. The semolina was then poured onto a wooden tray and kneaded with the hands to give it a smooth, homogenous texture. The couscous was then served with a sauce and vegetables such as chickpeas, carrots and onions.
Over time, couscous was adapted in many Maghreb countries, and each developed its own version of the recipe. In Algeria, for example, couscous is often served with lamb and vegetables, while in Tunisia it is often prepared with chicken and raisins. Moroccan couscous is known for being spicy, with mutton and vegetables such as zucchinis and peppers. But in the end, every family has its own secret recipe!
In France, couscous became very popular in the 1960s and 1970s, and has since become one of the country 's favorite dishes. In Paris, you can enjoy delicious couscous in a number of restaurants, so if you're in the mood for a good couscous feast, here are the best Parisian addresses!
Sonia, an elegant and affordable Moroccan restaurant
Located a stone's throw from Place Pereire, Restaurant Sonia offers Oriental flavors in a setting inspired by a Moroccan riad. The dishes are generous and delicious. [Read more]
Maison Ambre, Moroccan canteen and tea room with home-made pastries, brunch and Ftour menu
Maison Ambre is the name of this canteen, tea room and pastry shop in the 15th arrondissement, just a stone's throw from Gare Montparnasse. Bowls to compose, tagine and pastries of the day await you. [Read more]
Figuig, the excellent Moroccan restaurant where tradition, modernity and a good atmosphere meet
Not far from the Arc de Triomphe, nestled in the Rue de Brey, the Figuig restaurant is an invitation to travel and celebrate! Here, you'll find authentic Moroccan cuisine prepared according to the rules of the art, with the added bonus of live music and Oriental dancing on weekends, all in a setting that's both elegant and exotic. [Read more]
Le Grand Colbert, the legendary Parisian brasserie listed as a historic monument
Just a stone's throw from the sublime gardens of the Palais-Royal, the Grand Colbert is a well-known Parisian restaurant for tourists and locals alike. Listed as a historic monument, this brasserie plunges us back into the Paris of yesteryear and delights us with a menu that puts French gastronomy in the spotlight. A gourmet embodiment of what makes Paris so charming! [Read more]
Friday Night, Jewish Shabbat specialties every day of the week
You don't have to wait until Friday night to celebrate. At Vendredi Soir, Shabbat is every day of the week, with Jewish specialties traditionally shared at family tables. [Read more]
Choukran, couscous and Moroccan sandwiches by Abdel Alaoui
Abdel Alaoui opens the Choukran restaurant in the 9th arrondissement. On the menu: couscous, chakchouka and Moroccan sandwiches. [Read more]
Le Méchoui du Prince, the Moroccan restaurant that bewitches the taste buds
Le Méchoui du Prince is a Moroccan restaurant in Paris where you really feel... like a prince. Here you can taste an authentic, tasty and generous Moroccan cuisine that gives you a taste of travel! [Read more]
Loov, tasty and (very) affordable couscous in République
A couscous full of flavor and love, and above all at a very reasonable price, you'll find it at Loov! [Read more]
Mama Nissa: the restaurant serving regional Algerian specialities in Paris
Mama Nissa is the place to go for a gourmet yet healthy voyage of discovery of the Algerian terroir. Nestled in the Montorgueil district of Paris, this warm, fast-good restaurant showcases regional Algerian specialities in authentic, generous recipes: rechta, calentica or shakshuka... take off! [Read more]
Mabrouk: Tunisian Jewish cuisine at Arts et Métiers
Mabrouk is a little piece of Tunisia in the Haut-Marais district. It's as if someone had cut out a piece of La Goulette and put it there, on the corner of Rue Réaumur and Rue Saint-Martin, opposite the church of the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers, a stone's throw from the eponymous metro station. [Read more]
A Mi-Chemin, surprising and generous Franco-Tunisian fusion cuisine
Located a stone's throw from rue daguerre in the 14th arrondissement, A Mi-Chemin takes us between Tunis and Paris to discover the cuisine of chef Nordine Labiadh and his wife Virginie. A beautiful story to discover. [Read more]
The delicious couscous is yours!
