While the list of famous French dishes seems to go on for pages, the list of traditional Parisian dishes is actually pretty short. That’s because while different regions in France are home to all sorts of classic peasant dishes, and Paris, as the culinary capital, is the shining center of Michelin-starred haute cuisine, the food of the Parisian poor actually doesn’t appear on too many people’s radars.
(That could be because throughout Paris’ history, the poor have had to make do with everything from horse to cat to rat, but that’s another story for another day.)
There are, of course, a few exceptions, most of which are traditional bistro, brasserie, or café fare. (If you’re interested in knowing more about the differences between these dining establishments, check out my guide.) The famous sandwich parisien or jambon-beurre (a ham-and-butter sandwich – yes, simple, but also life-changing) is one such staple, as is the croque monsieur.
I’ve written pretty extensively about the modern croque monsieur revolution happening here in Paris, but that doesn’t change the fact that the croque monsieur nearest and dearest to my heart has long been the one at a relatively nondescript café (which still boasts a stellar sidewalk terrace): Le Nemrod.
Le Nemrod can be found on rue du Cherche-Midi, so named for a sundial on a building just across the way from the café, near a painting of people who “cherchent midi à quatorze heures” – literally, “looking for noon at 2pm” or looking for trouble.
But there’s no trouble deciding what to order at Le Nemrod: go for the croque complet, which is an open-faced croque made with ham, cheese, Poilâne bread, slices of tomato, and a fried egg on top. There’s a little green salad to go with it and a delicious homemade vinaigrette… and that’s pretty much it.
And honestly, while there are tons of fancy versions of this sandwich throughout the city, sometimes the simplest is the best.
Le Nemrod – 51, rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006