Marseille is a wonderful coastal town in Provence, Southern France. It is a multicultural hub that goes back to the Ancient Greeks, who founded the port under the name of Massalia.
Marseille today is a synonym for sophistication and culture, and you can see it in the food. Mediterranean cuisine is well represented in Marseille, which means one delicious meal after another. This is the food to try in Marseille, dishes that will make you feel on the sunny Mediterranean coast.
1. Bouillabaisse
This is the famous dish in Marseille and one of the most popular soups in France! We’re talking about a sea-scented broth with chunky fish, mussels, crabs, and sometimes even octopus.
Legend says fishermen made a soup with the seafood they didn’t sell during the day, resulting in a flavorful meal that charmed everyone in the coastal city.
Olive oil and garlic are typical ingredients as well, and so are the famous Herbs de Provence, which give personality to this rich stew.
2. Aioli
This creamy condiment is popular all around the Mediterranean Basin, but it has special significance in Provence. Think of homemade garlicky mayonnaise, made with puréed garlic and olive oil, although it might also contain egg yolks!
This tasty emulsion gets its name from the old French terms for garlic and oil, the most significant ingredients. You can use aioli as a dip for veggies or a condiment for fish soups and other seafood specialties.
3. Anchoiade and Tapenade
These are two unique spreads found only in Provence, and you’ll arguably find the best in Marseille.
Anchoiade is an anchovy paste — salty and oily, with a garlicky flavor and a fishy aftertaste, and it’s addictive, mainly if spread on toast.
Tapenade, though, is a much more popular spread, and it’s made with olives, garlic, capers and a few condiments. Everyone has their recipe. Enjoy this savory delight with bread or veggies. This is a popular way to start any meal in Marseille.
4. Ratatouille
Made famous for the Disney movie, ratatouille has actually been around for a while. This is a combination of sliced eggplant, zucchini, peppers and tomatoes, all cooked to tender perfection and seasoned with garlic, herbs and local olive oil.
Ratatouille can be a typical side dish, but it’s also a meal in its own right. Served over polenta or with a side of your choice of protein, ratatouille gives color to your plate and flavor to your meal!
5. Pastis
Although not properly a food item, you can’t talk about Marseille and its food traditions without mentioning pastis.
This is a cloudy, anise-flavored alcoholic drink with lovely sweetness, and it’s a beautiful way to end a meal, especially if dining outside under Marseille’s clear skies.
Diluting pastis with a splash of water is not uncommon. In fact, it’s the water reacting to the sugar in pastis that gives it its milky color. Try pastis, and you’ll feel in Marseille with the first sip!
The Côte d’Azur, As sophisticated as Always
Marseille is one of the most beautiful cities on the Mediterranean coast, and people here make the most out of the lovely veggies and seafood that grow under the radiant sun that makes southern France special.
Photo by Stephan Coudassot on Unsplash
