My sister recently visited me in Paris and I was looking to give her the most complete culinary experience. Outside of traditional French plates like boeuf bourguignon, France offers some of the best Northern African food thanks to the vibrant immigrant communities, and I wanted to take full advantage of this opportunity. Up to this point, I hadn’t indulged and didn’t know that it would be possible, since many plates include couscous, a side dish like rice or quinoa, but made from wheat.
My fears were assuaged, however when I discovered Couscous Deli in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. For 2 euros more, they offer gluten free couscous, and make their plates using vegan broth. An easy walk from our apartment, we were glad to find the cutest blue restaurant with a charming, eclectic interior.
Fresh and homemade, their concise menu offers interesting choices and the possibility to add brochettes of meat or fish. Their helpings are delicious and hearty and we walked away not being able to finish our plates, despite our best efforts. They do offer both gluten free and gluten containing options, so the risk for cross-contamination is present, but I didn’t have a reaction, and the staff seems knowledgeable and conscientious.
For me, it was such a pleasure to be able to partake in the culinary culture and more importantly, my sister said it was her favorite meal of the trip!
Find more information about Couscous Deli on their website at: http://www.couscous-deli.com
