Local culinary specialities
In Marseille, traditional cuisine is part of the city’s soul, and certain famous dishes have been enjoyed for generations. These include bouillabaisse, a fish and seafood soup originally made by fishermen with fish they couldn’t sell; panisses, fried chick pea slices, a bit like chips; and pissaladière, an onion and anchovy tart. What’s more, everyone has their own recipe! Those who grew up with these flavours are often deeply attached to their most authentic versions. They know exactly where to go to have the best bouillabaisse with freshly-caught fish and a creamy soup, served with croutons and rouille, a kind of garlic mayonnaise. The majority of Marseille residents prefer to savour these dishes in traditional restaurants on the Vieux-Port or in local bistros where recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. These places remain landmarks for purists who swear by the authenticity of these traditional dishes.
If you’ve just arrived in Marseille, you can try local specialities without going to the often expensive, touristic restaurants. You’ll soon find takeaways and modern canteens that have popped up over the last years, offering jazzed-up versions of the city’s specialities with a touch of modernity, whilst still remaining true to the spirit of local cuisine. These places offer dishes at more affordable prices, perfect for young people or newcomers to the city who want to discover the culinary heritage of Marseille without breaking the bank. You can find modern bouillabaisse with different kinds of fish, or lighter versions which reinterpret the classic dishes, at Bouillabaisse Turfu, for example.
What makes the Marseille culinary scene even more exciting is the way in which residents with ties to other countries have enriched local cuisine with their own influences. Many of them enjoy mixing flavours from their home countries with those of the south of France, making surprising and often delicious dishes. Blending the traditional cuisines of two countries is called ‘fusion’. In Marseille, you’ll find French cuisine skilfully infused with Korean, Mexican or Egyptian influences, to name but a few. The restaurant Ginger Phoenix, for example, combines Asian cuisine and Mediterranean dishes. This mixing of cultures enhances Marseille’s gastronomy and creates a kind of culinary patchwork where you can find influences from across the globe.
Ultimately, if you’re looking to uncover some new culinary delights, whether you were born in Marseille, are passing through, or you’ve moved to the city, there’s something for everyone in Marseille’s cuisine. From authentic dishes in traditional restaurants to innovative creations in modern canteens, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re curious, there are many flavours to explore, influenced by global cuisines that blend harmoniously with local specialities. The cuisine of Marseille is above all a story of sharing, diversity, and passion, with a mix of tradition and new flavours.
Header photo : Léa PRADEL
