Instead, let’s discuss knowing which dishes are worth trying in Paris, no matter what restaurant you choose. Sushi, pizza and burgers abound in Paris, but here are five dishes that you may not get back home quite as easily. Look for them on the menu and give these classics a try!

1. Duck confit

Duck leg cooked in its own fat? Done. You can thank the fat-loving southwest of France for this dish. Usually served up with roasted potatoes, this is a staple of many Parisian bistros and cafés, and it’s hard not to love. Even the cheapest ones are pretty good. Look for confit de canard on the menu.

2. Escargot

These slimy little buggers are made entirely appetizing with some butter and maybe some garlic and parsley. They are much easier to eat than Julia Roberts would have us think in Pretty Woman. While seemingly kitsch, snails are still something to try when in Paris as a starter, just to see what all the fuss is about.

3. Beef bourguignon

Your mother may have made Julia Child’s version of this iconic beef stew. While Amy Adams tried so desperately to recreate the dish in the movie about Child, the real thing isn’t quite as tricky to make. You’ll find versions of it on menus all across town, so leave any preconceived notions at home.

4. Steak tartare

Instead of getting cooked beef, why not just get the fresher version? Steak tartare is raw ground beef mixed with various seasonings and a raw egg. Sounds gross but that doesn’t stop people from ordering it—though I wouldn’t suggest getting it at just any café since quality ingredients are important for a raw dish like this one. Many tourists gripe about not being able to get meat well-done, so why even bother? Just go with the flow on this one.

5. Foie gras

If you’re from California, you might feel like you’re breaking the law, but foie gras is still very much appreciated in Paris. Fatty duck or goose liver may not be grown in the most humane way (what really is force-feeding anyway?) but the result is divine. Served with toast, maybe a bit of jam and some coarse salt, it’s the perfect way to start a meal or to indulge with a glass of wine. Just don’t think too much about it.

The post Dining in Paris: Five meals to try before you leave town appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Much has been written about this inexpensive joint, with mostly favorable reviews. Others are not so convinced, claiming that Chartier’s beautiful interiors mask its unremarkable cuisine. It’s time for EuroCheapo to weigh in on the debate.

Getting there and getting in

Le Boullion Chartier is located in the 9th arrondissement, in the Grands Boulevards neighborhood. You can take Metro lines eight and nine to the Grands Boulevards station that’s just around the corner. Once you arrive, you’ll surely be greeted by a line of Parisians and fellow travelers (remind you of somewhere?). This line moves surprisingly quickly, and soon you’ll be welcomed through the antique wooden doors into the majestic, busy dining hall. Don’t be shocked if you’re placed at a table next to other diners—this mixing and mingling is part of the charm.

How to order a memorable meal

We recommend starting with the house wine, which will be cheap and handpicked by the chefs.

Starters range from €1.80-6.80, and you can choose from classics like Oeuf dur mayonnaise (hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise), Salade frisée aux lardons (salad with bacon), and even escargots. The portions will be small by American standards, but generous by French eating habits.

Most main courses are around €10, which is shockingly cheap for Paris. You can choose from all of the classic dishes you might have dreamed about trying, like Steak frites, Côte d’agneau grillée (grilled lamb), and even Tête de veau (calf’s head). Side note: Chartier is not a vegetarian-friendly place, so if you don’t eat meat, you might want to have a bite to eat before and just enjoy the ambiance.

For dessert, finish with fromage. A selection of cheeses are available for less than €3 each. If you’re still hungry, all the classic French sweets are also offered, like Baba au rhum (rum cake) and Pêche melba (peach melba), all for €4 or less.

Tip: Order all your food at once, because it will be hard to get your busy server’s attention after the first encounter. Dressed in black bow ties and white shirts, they will jot down your order directly onto your paper tablecloth.

Everything is classic at Chartier, right down to the waiters’ uniforms. Photo: Sophoco

Grading the food and experience

The fare at Chartier is simple and classic, with no-frills. Don’t expect a five-star meal here or beautiful presentation. You will receive perfectly acceptable dishes; they will not blow your mind, and they won’t be the most delicious food you try in Paris.

However, this restaurant is all about preserving the Belle-Epoque style dining experience, including the dishes. So come for the experience and the wonderful selection of traditional French foods, not the originality. At Chartier, you can afford to have the French meal you always wanted, with wine, a starter, a main, cheese and dessert, all without breaking the bank.

A final thought

We believe that le Boullion Chartier is the perfect way to start a trip to Paris. A meal here can be a great introduction to French food, French restaurants and French servers without the seemingly obligatory steep prices. Get a taste for authentic dishes á l’ancienne, and then you’ll be ready to dine out in France with confidence.

Le Boullion Chartier
7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre|
9th arrondissement
01 47 70 86 29
Métro: Grands Boulevards (Lines 8 & 9)
Bus: L74
www.bouillon-chartier.com

Check out more Paris restaurants on EuroCheapo for the best deals and food around the city.

The post Traditional Parisian dining on a budget: The classic Chez Chartier appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.