What to eat in Amiens? Our selection of 10 Amiens specialties

Where do the products that make up an Amiens plate come from? As we know, Picardy is a flat, vast and fertile land. Abundant harvests are favored by a humid climate, regularly punctuated by long rainy periods. This humidity also delights cows and cheese lovers. All these productions offer the region a superb variety of fresh products, which you'll find in most Amiens recipes.

1. Ficelle Picarde

Ficelle Picarde is definitely the emblematic dish of Amiens and, more broadly, of Picardy. Created in 1955 by chef Marcel Lefebvre, the ficelle continues to delight locals and passing epicureans. Note that a good ficelle consists of a light crepe, filled with finely sliced mushrooms, sautéed with shallots and white wine. The mushrooms are then wrapped in a slice of white ham, then drizzled with fresh cream and baked with grated Emmental cheese. The original recipe is protected by the Brotherhood of Ficelle Picarde Companions. In Amiens, you can laugh about anything, but not about ficelle!

2. Duck Pâté en Croûte

In Picardy, all occasions are good for spreading some pâté on crusty bread! Among the local pâtés and terrines, the most famous Amiens specialty - and appreciated by all - is duck pâté en croûte. If the original recipe involved a whole duck, now Amiens charcutiers prepare it with deboned duck. The poultry is stuffed with a mixture of meats, foie gras and apple compote. Everything is then baked, surrounded by a golden pastry crust, not puff pastry but shortcrust pastry. Duck pâté en croûte is an irresistible specialty to enjoy as an appetizer, accompanied by a small salad.

3. Picardy Cheeses

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Rabotte, Tricorne Picarde, Rollot, Tomme with hay or Picardy cider... How zealous the region's cheese makers are! Cheese is a very French pleasure and Amiens gastronomy honors it. Order a cheese board to share or follow the good advice of an Amiens cheese maker to discover them. Soft or creamy cheeses and cow's milk cheeses will undoubtedly be the great favorites of the selection.

4. Oysters

The Baie de Somme and its good seafood are just a few wing beats from the Picardy capital. Thus, seafood is regularly offered on the menu. Including the famous Baie de Somme oysters that Amiens residents adore. For tasting, nothing fancy: beautiful local oysters, a drizzle of lemon, a good glass of wine and that's it!

5. Moules Marinières with Frites

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You'll recognize several similarities between the culinary specialties of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and those of Picardy. Starting with the omnipresence of seafood! Following the arrivals from Baie de Somme, you'll find bouchot mussels on the menu of all local restaurants. Different sauces, each more delicious than the last, compete with each other. Nevertheless, nothing beats one or two liters of moules marinières. This delicious cooking in white wine, celery (and other herbs) is a real treat. Accompanied by a generous plate of fresh french fries, whose cooking only northerners master. A true regional specialty worth the detour.

6. Chocolate Tuiles

Craving something sweet? Head in search of these chocolatey delights typically from Picardy, originating from the 20th century. You'll find tuiles made with roasted almonds and dark or milk chocolate, scattered throughout downtown Amiens. The particularity of Amiens tuiles is that the tuile batter is entirely replaced by chocolate! A more recent variant incorporates candied orange peels into the preparation. Just imagine the level of indulgence...

7. Gâteau Battu

Here's the star brioche of the flat Picardy country! Even the locals don't hesitate to confess the excess of good things that compose it, that says it all. Indeed, gâteau battu is prepared with a large quantity of egg yolks and butter. The dough is beaten for a long time (as its name indicates) to become softer and more airy than that of a classic brioche. The cake is then baked in a large fluted mold, which will give it its singular shape of a chef's hat. Gâteau battu is an emblem of Picardy pastry, found for all occasions, starting with the hearty breakfast.

8. Amiens Macarons

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Amiens macarons are probably the city's most renowned specialty. Where does this enthusiasm come from? From their history, since the trademarked "Macaron d'Amiens" in 1989 to the grand prize for "best regional specialty" at the international Intersuc salon in 1992. Yes, but especially from their flavor! These small sweet blocks have a firm and slightly grainy texture, pure indulgence. In the mouth, they release a delicious almond aroma. Some Amiens artisans don't hesitate to add honey or a fruity touch to their preparation: candied fruits, apricot marmalade or even apple compote. Among all the manufacturers of this Amiens delicacy, Maison Trognon has a storefront! Trogneux macarons have conquered Amiens residents thanks to their intense almond flavor, due to the sweet almond oil and bitter almonds that compose them.

9. Beer Crepes

Crepes hold a very special place in Amiens residents' hearts (as evidenced by ficelle picarde). Like the vergeoise crepe from Lille, the beer crepe from Amiens, topped with sugar is a pleasure we couldn't do without! For an after-school snack, on a terrace after a shopping trip or as the theme of an evening with friends: Amiens residents love crepes. To give this particular aroma to the batter, some add a little blonde beer with milk, and others replace it entirely! You can enjoy one, two or three fluffy crepes on the terrace of most Amiens restaurants and bistros. It's up to you to choose which one makes them best.

10. Beer

Northern France is synonymous with beer and Amiens is no exception to the rule. On the contrary, Amiens bars boast of having superb beer selections: blonde, brown, white or amber, there will be something for all tastes. You'll recognize northern beers by their pronounced taste. Always to be consumed in moderation, Amiens beers will pair perfectly with most local specialties.