Visitors to Paris are often surprised when I tell them that France, for as gastronomically focused as it is, doesn’t really have a breakfast culture in the same way that England, Scotland, or the United States do. Small, sweet breakfasts are the norm, a tradition that began back in the 18th century, when drinking coffee or chocolate for breakfast came en vogue, and has continued to this day. Most of my French friends don’t eat breakfast at all.
That said, while savory breakfast certainly isn’t the norm here, brunch, alongside fanciful lattes, has arrived in the French capital, and for this expat, it’s sometimes a welcome treat.
That’s when I’d find myself in a place like République of Coffee.
Appropriately located just off Place de la République, République of Coffee is known for its charcoal latte, depicted above, which is flavored with a nice hint of vanilla. As someone who doesn’t take my coffee with sugar, it was a bit too sweet for me, but it certainly was beautiful.
The golden latte was far more up my alley: rich in turmeric and coconut flavors, it was far from being too sweet and just to my liking..
There was no contest when it came to my brunch choice: the minute I saw them on the menu, I knew I was ordering huevos rancheros.
Now let’s be frank for just one minute here.
France is not famous for its Mexican food, and while I’ve found a few exceptions – most recently Botanero – they remain just that: exceptions.
The huevos rancheros at République of Coffee are nothing like what you’d get back home. That said, they weren’t half-bad: nicely fried eggs, a tomato sauce with a hint of spice, roasted kale leaves, refried black beans, and a few roasted sweet potatoes, all served on a bed of rice. I could have done with a few more sweet potato pieces and maybe a bit more of the beans, but all in all, while it wasn’t exactly like home, it certainly was brunch.
République of Coffee - 2 Boulevard Saint-Martin, 75010