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Take a trip to the Maghreb with these covetable couscous joints - including free couscous bars
Whether it's with merguez, chicken, royale (that's lamb, merguez and chicken) or just plain and simple couscous, there is a serious Parisian love affair with this comforting Magrebian dish. It's one of the top ten most-loved in France and judging by the sheer number of cosy couscous restaurants, perhaps it's in the top five for Parisians.
But where to start when there's so many shrines to semolina? Our handy guide should help you find the city's best broth, spiciest merguez and most perfect pastilla. And because there's nothing better to soak up cheap beer than a mountain of this gorgeous grain, we've also found the bars that serve free couscous with your booze.
10th arrondissement. These four brothers specialise in kebabs and couscous, with their showpiece being the ‘4 frères’ meal of 16 skewers (four each of liver, lamb, beef and merguez) at €17.50. Avoid coming after 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, as tables get snapped up quickly and the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations.
11th arrondissement. With its pleated fabric ceiling, giant mirrors, mosaic-topped tables, and lanterns and candles throughout, Le Tagine sets the right scene for what we reckon is the best couscous in the city.
13th arrondissement. Among the good spots in Butte-aux-Cailles, Chez Mamane is an institution. A tiny room on the Rue des Cinq Diamants, this couscous canteen is packed with neighbourhood regulars drawn to what is known as the ‘best broth in Paris’.
Have yourself a perfect afternoon at this vast Hispano-Moorish mosque, including a visit to the peaceful La Mosquée café for thé à la menthe, along with syrupy, nutty North African pastries, sorbets and fruit salads. Bliss.
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