Traveling to Paris for three weeks with my 4 year old. Is it appropriate to ask for kid's menu?

Question

Often in USA I look at the childrens' menu, as the palate of a 4 year old is very restricted. For her, chicken nuggets is a big deal. Since I want to dine in establishments (not all of the time since I rented an apartment) I would like to know if there are "kid meals" or kid friendly dishes. Is there a commonly served alternative to chicken nuggets? Or is there a french dish that kids enjoy?

Answer 1

you will often find yourself without a 'kids' option but there is always something.  if you're in a cafe, you can always order an 'omelette nature avec frites' which is a plain omelette (very light on the palate) and chunky french fries (which kids always seem to love).

the only place you'll find chicken nuggets or anything close to them is in mcdonalds...

Answer 2

The French can take offense at almost anything at any time. I would not risk it. Remember to try and speak a little French to get better service. As long as you make a little effort they will be more likely to oblige you in a better way-

Answer 3

Most European countries Do Not Have Kids Menus!! Many eateries will not allow you to dine with "Small" Young children as well.

Answer 4

Generally speaking there won't be a "kid's menu" in most French eating establishments but as has been noted there are things that kids will enjoy.

I'd add crepes to the suggestions given. The first full sentance  my daughter learned to say in French was "Je voudrais un crepe avec  la confiture fraise s'il vous plait" (I'd like a crepe with strawberry jam please")

Hot dogs and pizza are also pretty common in France so its not going to be hard to feed your child palatable food.

And , if worse comes to worst, there are plenty of McDonald’s  and the French equivalent called "Quick" which is nearly identical (a happy meal is called a "magic box" and their "Big Mac" is the "Giant").

Also the previous comment about teaching your child to say a word or two in France is very apt. My daughter would flash a big smile, say "Bonjour Monsieur" to waiters, their hearts would melt and they fell all over themselves cooing and fussing over her.

Of course, as her dad, I was convinced she was the prettiest girl in the world.

I hope you build the same wonderful memories of this trip with your child as I have of my travels with mine.

Answer 5

As a general rule only chain restaurants and cafes have kid menus, you can however discuss to have a special dish for your child. Ask the waiter - with a rueful smile - explain how children that young cannot appreciate good food and what could the waiter offer. Most of the time the waiter will offer you choices. If they are not too busy they may even offer to have the chef cook something just for the kid.

French kids usually like steack hache avec des frites (meat patty with fries), or chicken (not nuggets, the real clucking kind). In cafes and brasseries you can have Croque Monsieur, toasted bread with melted cheese and a slice of ham.

French restaurants accept kids and you will find the French generally very accepting of kids and going the extra length for them but they have to behave. No loud voice, no running around, and please and thank you. French rules, sorry *gallic shrug* If you teach your daughter to say thank you in French I can guarantee a softening of the famous French non-smile rule.

Have a nice trip.