What to eat in Bayonne?

1. Bayonne Ham

The tradition of Bayonne ham has its origins long ago, during the Gallo-Roman era, it's one of the oldest dishes in the city of Bayonne. It's said that a local count went hunting, wounded a pig, but couldn't find it. Later, he discovered the animal's body, perfectly preserved...in a river rich in salt, hence the taste of well-salted meat. The name 'Bayonne Ham' was born. The city's inhabitants love to slice it thinly, it tends to melt in your mouth and pairs with any type of food.

2. Basque Chicken

Now it's the chicken's turn to be praised! Basque chicken is famous for its tender meat perfectly seasoned in a smooth sauce, which is none other than piperade. It's a sauce made with red and green peppers, some tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, herbs, and a hint of white wine. All simmered over low heat and you get a succulent meal, served with rice. Very easy to cook, Basque chicken is a must-have of Basque cuisine. Will it become a must-have in your list of favorite recipes?

3. Ossau-Iraty Cheese

This pressed uncooked cheese has the reputation of being particularly consumed in the mountains. When you go out in the city, you'll certainly find it in the traditional market among dairy products. Why this particular name? It's a tribute to the mysterious Iraty forest located in the Basque Country as well as the beautiful Ossau valley in Béarn. With some slices of fresh bread, you'll be happy to taste this 100% local product made from sheep's milk. Considered by many as a cheese with character, know that it was elected twice as the world's best cheese, therefore, it amply deserves its place in this ranking!

4. Espelette Pepper

We all know it, as it has at least once enhanced one of our dishes. If you're passing through Bayonne, take a tour in the Espelette region, populated with small colorful houses. This pepper originally from Latin America was then imported to Bayonne by Basque sailors, who used it for their fish-based dishes. Today, Espelette pepper is considered an exceptional product that every city inhabitant must have in a corner of their kitchen, for successful dishes! Rest assured, classified as a mild pepper, you won't risk choking when you put it in your mouth, it's a refined delicacy that pairs with all types of food.

5. Basque Blood Sausage

It's a perfect delicacy to start a meal, beginning with the appetizer. Served cold, a bit like pâté with some onions, Basque blood sausage is spread on a small slice of bread. This makes an excellent aperitif, and tends to open our appetite for what follows! It's one of the oldest charcuteries, it comes from Basque Country black pied pigs whose meat is renowned for being tender. Bayonne residents love to enhance it with duck fat, some leeks, and of course, Espelette pepper. This little appetizer is widely consumed in the city, you'll find it without great difficulty on every street corner.

6. Basque Omelet

Do you like eggs? Then you'll be delighted to eat Basque omelet! Add a touch of piperade and Espelette pepper and you're done. It's a pleasant dish to savor, and it tends to melt in your mouth. The most interesting thing is that the soft tender side of the eggs pairs perfectly with piperade and brings out the slightly sweet taste of it well, not forgetting the famous pepper that enhances everything. Some meat? Bayonne Ham cut in cubes or thin slices will be perfect to accompany this dish.

7. Bayonne Chocolate

Were you waiting for it? It's finally here! This food is so famous in this region that there's even a school to learn its history and cook it in different ways: 'The Bayonne Chocolate Academy'. Far from the industrial chocolates that can be sold to us, in Bayonne chocolate is crafted from cocoa beans, spices, and a little sugar. This confection is like an art whose reputation has continued to grow in recent years. Today throughout France, and certainly in the world, chocolate workshops in honor of the city of Bayonne are established. This prestigious chocolate is a jewel that makes Bayonne residents proud.

8. Basque Cake

Original and artisanal, Basque cake is several generations old. Impossible not to recognize it, so much its dignified Basque cross makes it unique. In every bakery you pass, you'll surely find this delicacy sold by slice or whole. Tender and soft, it makes an excellent snack accompanied by some fruit and a cup of tea or coffee. Some like to add blackberry or cherry jam, or even a few spoonfuls of melted chocolate. Legend says that in the past, being able to be preserved for several days, sailors would stock up on it before going to sea. This had the ability, besides giving them energy, to make fishing rather good.

9. Veal Axoa

This veal hash with Espelette pepper is a traditional Basque recipe using the tenderest parts of veal such as the shoulder or stewing meat. Served with peppers, onion and garlic, it's the kind of dish we love to eat after a long day of visiting the city and its surroundings. Nice and hot, veal axoa will warm your stomach. Its gentle and fragrant aroma will tickle your nostrils, and its delicious flavor will remain one of your most beautiful memories in Bayonne.

10. Saint-Jean-De-Luz Macarons

We end this little culinary tour with Saint-Jean-De-Luz macarons, both soft and cracked. Generally, they're used to decorate cakes, but they can just as well be enjoyed alone. A bit sweet and almond-based, just like Basque cake, they can be kept for several days. Particularly easy to cook, this gourmand pleasure is accompanied by a glass of cider and a little walnut cream. Exquisite. It's a treat we love to eat during little hunger pangs or for snack time. Their golden beige color, partly due to egg whites whipped into peaks, gives us the impression that they're little treasure balls.