Even the simplest Parisian desserts can be the best in a bistro. Parisian patisseries and bistros showcase an artistry where even the most basic sweet treat is elevated to an experience of its own. You may know the famous profiteroles, but there are a few that were new to us when we first visited, and we think it would be good to know before you go what they are so you wont miss them! Here’s a handpicked list of desserts that, whether grand or simple, truly stand out in the Parisian landscape:
Soufflé Chocolaté or Soufflé Grand Marnier: These are light soufflés. You can get them with chocolate or orange-flavored liqueur. You can find one of the best Grand Marnier ones here.
Profiteroles: Small cream-filled choux pastry balls with chocolate sauce on top. They’re very flavorful.
Tarte au Citron: This is a lemon tart. It’s tangy and sweet with a buttery crust. Sometimes, there’s powdered sugar on top. They’re typically a single serving, but you can find a mile high one at Le Loir dans la Theiere but it can be very touristy with a giant line. We’ve heard it’s good for brunch but the one time we attempted to go the line was way too long for a slice of tart.
Mille-Feuille: People also call this the Napoleon. It has many layers of puff pastry and cream.
Clafoutis: This is like a flan with cherries or other fruits inside. We make this at home a lot too.
Île Flottante: This means “floating island”. It has meringue on creamy custard with caramel on top.
Riz au Lait: This is rice pudding. It’s creamy rice with milk and sugar. Sometimes, it has cinnamon or vanilla on top.
Mousse au Chocolat: This is a fluffy chocolate mousse. It’s soft and has a strong chocolate taste. If you’re looking for the Emily in Paris scoopable mousse, you can find it at Chez Janou.
Pavlova: This is a meringue dessert with fruit and whipped cream. It’s crispy outside and soft inside.
Crème Caramel: This is a creamy custard dessert with caramel on top. It’s very smooth and rich.
Crème Brûlée: This is vanilla custard with caramelized sugar on top. It’s crunchy on top and creamy inside.
Baba au Rum: This is a soft Italian cake with syrup and rum.
Café Gourmand: This is a set of small desserts with coffee. It’s good for trying many things at once but it’s not something I’ve ever fell in love with.
Try something you know you love but we’d also challenge you to try something new. Not every dessert is the same from restaurant to restaurant. Order a few and share with friends! A Partage