Paris-Brest
Paris, France
Paris-Brest is a ring of choux pastry filled with praline-flavoured cream, usually finished with sliced or chopped almonds. The pastry is light but rich, with a crisp exterior giving way to a soft choux centre and a nutty, creamy filling.
Despite its elegant appearance, the pastry has a surprisingly direct connection to cycling: its ring shape was created in the early twentieth century in the Paris region and was inspired by the Paris-Brest cycle race. Today it is a classic of French pâtisserie and a particularly fitting sweet to seek out in Paris.
Why locals eat it
Paris-Brest is part of the city's deep pastry tradition, where technically demanding classics continue to sit alongside newer creations. Paris's tourism office lists it among the city's characteristic pastries and notes its connection to the famous Paris-Brest cycling race.
Local tip
If you like hazelnut and praline, this is the Paris pastry to look for. The best versions balance the rich filling with enough crispness from the choux pastry that the dessert doesn't feel overwhelmingly heavy.
Typically made with
Choux pastry, Praline paste, Butter, Egg yolks, Almonds, Powdered sugar. Recipes vary — always check with the vendor if you have allergies.