Perpignan, in the south of France, is a city with a special charm, due to its wealth of history, its vibrant culture and its proximity to the Spanish border. With its unique blend of French and Catalan influences, Perpignan not only takes you on a stroll through its medieval streets, but also treats you to an amazing gastronomic experience.
This destination, where the Mediterranean meets the Pyrenees, invites you to explore a cuisine reflecting centuries of tradition, taking the best from both culinary cultures.
A delicious combination: the cuisine of Perpignan
The food in Perpignan reflects its cultural identity, with the typical flavours of France and Catalonia coming together to create a truly unique cuisine. From the fresh seafood to the succulent stews and sausages, the cuisine of Perpignan is the ultimate feast for the senses. Local produce such as olives, tomatoes, herbs and cold meat play a key role in the creation of traditional dishes that have been handed down through the generations.
Typical dishes in and around Perpignan
Boles de Picolat
This is one of the most iconic dishes of Perpignan cuisine. It consists of meatballs made from pork and beef, mixed with herbs and cooked in a tomato sauce with olives and mushrooms. It’s often served with haricot beans, making it a hearty, comforting dish, particularly popular during the colder months. The origins of Boles de Picolat can be traced back to home cooking, where Catalan families in the region would make this dish in large quantities to share at family gatherings.
Where to try it: The restaurant Le Garriane in Perpignan is highly recommended for its traditional interpretation of this dish.
Escalivada
Escalivada is a typical salad from Catalonia which is also well established in the cuisine of Perpignan. It consists of roasted vegetables, such as aubergines, red peppers, onions and tomatoes, served cold and dressed with olive oil, garlic and salt. This dish is a celebration of fresh produce and is generally served as a side dish or starter. Escalivada is very popular in the summer and tends to be a part of meals enjoyed al fresco, making the most of the region’s warm, sunny days.
Where to try it: The restaurant Le Divil serves a delicious escalivada made with the finest fresh ingredients.
Bunyols de Vent
Bunyols de Vent are sweet fritters traditionally made during Lent and for Easter. These sweet little delicacies, light and fluffy, are made with a dough consisting of flour, water and egg. They are deep-fried and then sprinkled with sugar. Whilst common in many parts of Catalonia, in Perpignan they’ve become an integral part of its celebrations and are a symbol of nostalgia and tradition for the locals.
Where to try them: The patisserie Les Halles Vauban is famous for its sweet fritters, especially during Lent.
Rousquilles
These are traditional doughnuts from the region, distinctively ring shaped and topped with lemon or aniseed icing. Rousquilles are a symbol of Catalan patisserie in Perpignan and are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. Their origins date back centuries, and the recipe has been carefully preserved and handed down from generation to generation. Rousquilles are popular at any time of the year but particularly for family celebrations.
Where to try them: The Maison Gaby is one of the city’s oldest and most renowned patisseries, where you can try some authentic Rousquilles.
Cargolada
Cargolada is a snail dish, hugely popular in the region, and full of Catalan influence. The snails are cooked on a grill, often with herbs, salt and olive oil, and are served with aioli. This is a typical dish for large celebrations and local festivals, where it’s shared among family and friends.
Where to try it: To enjoy an authentic Cargolada, the restaurant La Table de Thomas is an excellent choice.
The cuisine of Perpignan is a living testimony to its rich cultural heritage, where French and Catalan influences are interwoven to create a unique culinary experience. Whether you opt for a comforting dish such as Boles de Picolat or a traditional sweet such as Rousquilles, the city will delight you with its fusion of flavours and traditions. And if you want to find out more about this destination, you can read our article on what to see in one day in Perpignan.
