The brunch custom was once alien to France, but has now sneaked into the country and become a rage today. In fact, France, and, of course, Paris, for that matter have never seen brunch becoming a traditional part of French food. However, thanks to British and American influences, the brunch has become a part of Paris culture now. Visit any restaurant or bar in the French capital on weekends, you will find them open on weekends well before midday serving the delicious mix of breakfast and lunch, now famously called the Brunch.
Brunch is typically American phenomenon and has made a place right into the hearts of the French people. Over the past 10 years ever since it was exported from America, many new cafés have been opened in Paris, particularly specializing on Sunday Brunch. Before you visit these cafés to enjoy the fabulous brunch, a brief insight into the trend in Paris would not be out of place.
If you have enjoyed your brunch anywhere else in the world other than Paris, you are sure to know the difference. In Paris it’s somewhat different than other places in the world. A typical Parisian brunch might take nearly two hours to be fully enjoyed when served on the table. Elsewhere outside France, it usually doesn’t take much time. Just like all other French meals, brunch too is served in several courses, unless you choose to go for a buffet. A typical meal of this kind in the country usually consists of a green salad, smoked salmon, eggs, yogurt, baguette with preserves and butter, croissants, grapefruit or orange juice, coffee or tea, in addition to a selection of desserts and fruits as well. Sometimes the restaurants or cafés might also offer a bagel as part of this meal.
Now that you have got an insight into what might be a typical brunch in Paris and elsewhere in the country, here are some of the best cafés providing this typical meal at highly affordable rates. The popular cafés to consider include Les P'tites Indécises, Le Valmy, L'Estaminet, Bal Café, Breakfast in America and Casa Lola. Let us undertake a virtual tour of some of these fabulous places and see what all they have to offer.
Les P'tites Indécises
If you are the one with a huge appetite and pinched wallet, then the Les P'tites Indécises restaurant is the place to head for. The brightly illuminated restaurant has a scenic setting in the midst of a sunlit square close by Parmentier. This magnificent place is renowned for offering two varieties of brunch – the ‘p’tit dej’ and the ‘complet’. Both the varieties offer an unlimited bread basket complemented with a wide choice of spreads, fresh fruit juice and a hot beverage of your liking. If you decide to go in for the reasonably priced 'p’tit dej', You will be offered a choice of dessert such as a hazelnut brownie and decadent chocolate or yoghurt with berries. The entrée served includes bacon and fried eggs, and a seasonal treat such as Italian mozzarella salad or ham and melon. The ‘complet’ is however somewhat expensive. It is an added main course offering an assortment of Petites Indécises specialities and good French bistro classics.
Le Valmy
Visit the Le Valmy on Sundays to enjoy the best brunch. Consider visiting it when the weather is fine and its south-facing tables are bathed in sunlight on the pavement outside. The menu is okay here and consists of beetroot, tabbouleh, smoked ham, vegetables dipped in tzatziki, and peas. The dessert includes honey or red fruit sauce, and soft cheese. You will enjoy eating the affordably priced brunch in the sun and sitting next to Saint-Martin Canal.
L'Estaminet
The L'Estaminet is a small, organic canteen situated in central Paris. This welcoming and warm tavern located in the heart of Enfants Rouges market is indeed a boon for tiresome urban travelers. Locating it might sometimes be difficult, but you can always ask for directions from the local people. It is best to visit during the summer. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays to enjoy the delicious brunch, which is low-priced for under Euro 20. The menu served here include cottage cheese, fruit salad, cold cuts and assorted cheeses, salad, scrambled eggs, jam and scones. You will be required to pay an additional Euro 2 for a fish menu, which comprises of taramasalata, mackerel, herring, cheese with smoked salmon, and sausage.
Casa Lola
Casa Lola is famous for its prompt service. It would not be wrong to say that even before you have settled in your chairs, the staff starts serving on your table. Everything from jam bottles, lemon flavored curd, butter, sweet, chocolate spread appear from nowhere is spread for you gorge in. freshly baked breads, fresh fruit juice, hot and cold drinks and soft and moist cake are the sweet tastings on offer. And if you do not have a sweet tooth then there are ample savory choices and are served along with onion rings and coleslaw.
Breakfast in America
With delicious food and warm décor, this cosmopolitan and cheerful café lead by a team of young enthusiasts has become talk of the town. Scones, porridge, bacon and other Britain-style dishes jostle to make their presence on the menu. Seating is done on first come first serve basis in this limited seating restaurant. And what do when waiting for your table, simply step into BAL, a documentary photography, film and new media museum to see its display or do some shopping at the next door chic and artsy bookshop.
These are some of the best places in Paris where you can have a fulfilling and hearty brunch, which are cheaply priced and available just only under Euro 20.
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