Must-try Dishes
La Bouillabaisse - Fish Stew - A rich broth made with various local fish, saffron, and herbs, usually served with a side of rouille (garlic mayonnaise). Locals often enjoy it on Sundays at family gatherings, savoring the flavors while recounting tales along the coast.
Panisse - Chickpea Fritters - Delightfully crispy chickpea cakes, golden-fried until crunchy on the outside yet soft inside. Commonly found at street food vendors, they make for a tasty snack to grab on the go, perfect after an afternoon stroll in the Old Port.
Navette de Marseille - Traditional Biscuit - A uniquely shaped biscuit flavored with anisette, often enjoyed as a light breakfast or snack. Locals love to dip them in coffee at their favorite café, combining the crunchy texture with a cozy ritual.
Pieds et Paquets - Stuffed Tripe - A hearty dish made with lamb tripe and stuffed with chopped meat, cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce. This classic Sunday meal brings families together, and you can often spot locals sharing it in their homes or in family-run bistros.
La Socca - Chickpea Crêpe - A thin, crispy crêpe made from chickpea flour, often enjoyed as a savory street food favorite. Best around lunchtime, you can find locals enjoying it topped with spicy sauce while lounging in the sun at outdoor markets.
Tian de Légumes - Vegetable Tian - Layers of fresh, seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, baked with herbs. In summer, you’ll find locals savoring this dish at picnics, highlighting the essence of Provence in every bite.
Fouettée - Savory Soft Cheese Spread - A delightful blend of local cheeses, spread over crusty bread for a light meal or snack. Perfect during wine tastings at local markets, it’s a common gathering dish served alongside fresh garden vegetables.
Pastis - Aniseed Spirit - While not a food dish, this local favorite is a refreshing drink often enjoyed as an aperitif. It’s customary to sip it slowly while sharing laughs with friends, capturing the essence of Marseille’s laid-back lifestyle.
Desserts & Drinks
Café au Lait - Café au Lait (coffee with milk) - A rich blend of dark, bold coffee mixed with steamed milk, creating a creamy kickstart to your day. Locals savor this at cafés in the morning hours or during leisurely afternoons, often paired with a flaky croissant.
Pastis - Pastis (anise-flavored aperitif) - This iconic anise-flavored drink combines absinthe and water, creating a milky-white hue that hints at the Mediterranean. Typically enjoyed as a pre-lunch ritual, it’s often served over ice and accompanied by a handful of olives or nuts.
Granité - Granité (frozen fruit slush) - This delightful frozen treat is made from crushed ice and flavored with fresh fruit, often citrus like lemon or orange, giving a refreshing burst of flavor. It's especially popular in the sweltering summer months and is an essential pick-me-up at local beaches.
Navette - Navette (orange-scented pastry) - These soft, spiced biscuits are shaped like little boats and infused with orange blossom, a nod to the city’s maritime heritage. Commonly enjoyed during the Lenten season, they’re best with a cup of coffee or tea.
Fougasse - Fougasse (sweet bread loaf) - This sweet, fluffy bread is dotted with fruits like figs or raisins and has a slightly crunchy crust, making each bite a delightful chew. You’ll find this typically served during holidays, and there's nothing like a warm slice right out of the oven. By the way, it pairs beautifully with a glass of rosé!
