Top 10 culinary specialities in Reims

Reims, a small town in the north-east of France in the Champagne-Ardenne region, pronounced in one syllable, is a little corner of paradise. Its great Notre-Dame cathedral and exquisite champagne make this city a jewel. But what’s good to eat in Reims? What are the culinary specialities to try, and what do you need to know about them? In this article, you’ll find everything you need to get your stomach ready for a tasty meal!

What to eat in Reims

1. Pink biscuits, a great classic

These little rectangular pink cushions sprinkled with icing sugar are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The intoxicating pink colour is enough to arouse our curiosity (and especially our stomachs). These must-tries come from the charming Champagne-Ardenne region. In the town of Reims, you can buy a whole load of them in the supermarket, or enjoy them on the terrace of a café. To accompany them? A delicious cup of green tea or coffee!

2. Reims Ham, one of the tastiest in France

Once you’ve dropped your bags off at a charming little hotel and set off down the slopes and streets of Reims, it won’t be long before you can smell the ham fresh from the stock. Boned, it is worked by the shoulder, then after cooking, is moulded in a terrine dish. It is known for its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture, and is particularly easy to chew and digest, while still being slightly salty. The locals like to eat it with gherkins and fresh bread, which makes for a perfect contrast between the sweet and crunchy sides on the plate.

3. The rosette, a delicate pearl

If you’re a fan of cheese and dairy products, Reims has just what you’re looking for! Focus on the rosace de Reims, named after the rose window on the city’s famous cathedral. Without a doubt, you won’t taste any other cheese with such a unique flavour. Created in 2015 by Emmanuel Picault, a Rémois, this cheese will be forever etched in your mind. Pressed and uncooked, the organic goat’s or cow’s milk gives it a taste of magical sweetness. An exceptional dish!

4. La nonnette, an ancient and exquisite delicacy

It’s tea time! It’s tea time, and when you’re having a snack in Reims, cups of tea and plates of cake go hand in hand. The nonnette is a great classic, recognisable by its circular shape of around twelve centimetres, with a slightly puffed surface similar to a muffin. What are its main ingredients? As well as everything else you might find in a cake, the Rémois like to add gingerbread and orange marmalade. You might be wondering where this pastry got its name from? Well, nuns in the Middle Ages used to bake them, and it was a traditional dessert during the feast of Saint Nicholas.

5. Champagne and wine, the king of drinks

It goes without saying! Wine in Reims is like rum in Martinique, its own identity, its DNA. This world-famous drink, which delights your palate at the same time as it goes down your throat, is consumed throughout the Champagne-Ardenne region. To be more precise, the region is known for producing two wines: Rosé des Riceys and Coteaux champenois, vinified as red, white or rosé. It’s hard to decide which one is the best, so we’ll let you taste it and let us know what you think!

6. Gingerbread, the secret of which only the region knows

Reims gingerbread is made partly from flour, rye and several types of honey, such as meadow honey and buckwheat honey. Why is it so popular in the region? Well, quite simply because it was in Reims that the very first master grocers’ breads were made! It’s one of the oldest recipes in Champagne-Ardenne. Young and old alike love it, and its slightly caramelised taste due to the caramelised sugar pearls gives it a special place in the hearts of the people of Reims.

7. Potée Champenoise, so varied and rich

A speciality of the Champagne-Ardenne region, Potée Champenoise quickly became a firm favourite in Reims. Very often served at family gatherings or major events, it is generally prepared with pork and potatoes. However, there are several versions of this dish, depending on the region: it can be cooked with carrots, turnips, celery, beef, lamb, chicken… So many possible choices that it never tastes the same!

8. Croquignoles, crunchy biscuits

Pink or white, they look like meringues and are made from flour, egg white and sugar. They can be baked in elongated or round shapes, and are one of the most popular desserts at snack time. What’s interesting about this recipe, as well as being extremely easy to make, is that you can vary the flavours to suit your preferences: are you more partial to chocolate, raspberry or vanilla? Choose as you like, and enjoy!

9. Andouillette pies with baby vegetables, a delicious pie

Andouillette is rarely cooked, as many consider it too rich and too fatty. However, with a few vegetables, you won’t feel guilty about eating it! This recipe, which is also very famous in the Champagne-Ardenne region, is renowned for its exquisite flavour. Many people like to enjoy it with a small fresh salad on the side, or a few slices of bread. This simple, light dish tends to be served as a starter at family dinners. What a delight!

10. Gratin of leeks with lamb, a famous European dish that Reims is crazy about

Let’s finish with a gourmet dish! Who here isn’t crazy about gratins? Perfect for winter days, this recipe tends to warm and comfort. The tender, moist lamb goes perfectly with the crunchy, melting leeks. It’s sure to make your mouth water! Leek and lamb gratin is a succulent dish that’s perfect for enjoying with the family after a long day out visiting Reims and the surrounding area. Bon appétit!