Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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As a coastal city, Perpignan cuisine includes a significant number of dishes accompanied by seafood and fish. Furthermore, Perpignan is a land conducive to wine production. Roussillon is a renowned wine region throughout France, offering wine enthusiasts the possibility to taste red, white and even rosé wines, ideal when the intense heat arrives, while being on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
1- Boles de Picolat
Boles de Picolat, the dish with a thousand flavors. Hold on tight because this dish contains a multitude of ingredients as delicious as each other. It's sure to delight many. It is traditional to serve it during family meals or on festive days. A Catalan dish, boles de Picolat consists of simmered meatballs, prepared with a mixture of ground beef and pork, bacon, parsley, garlic and bread soaked in milk. You think the recipe stops there, don't you? Well, that was only the first part. These meatballs are then coated in flour and browned in olive oil. The cooking of these meatballs is finished in a sauce composed of red wine, tomatoes, onions, black olives and mushrooms. The dish is often accompanied by potatoes. All these ingredients give a unique taste to this dish, a true explosion of flavors.
2- Catalan-style anchovies
Also originating from the Catalan region, this anchovy preparation makes the rounds at aperitif tables. It's an essential element when you order tapas. Traditionally very salty, Catalan-style anchovies are desalted after being thoroughly washed. Once this step is completed, the anchovies are marinated in a mixture of wine vinegar, chopped garlic, red pepper and parsley. The anchovies are usually accompanied by a good slice of crispy bread. Summer seems rather peaceful in Perpignan.
3- Cargolade
Cargolade, undoubtedly one of the most popular dishes of Languedoc-Roussillon, also appreciated by a large majority of French people. These are small snails grilled over a fire of vine shoots. They are seasoned with a mixture of garlic, which is very renowned in southern France and serves as seasoning in a significant number of dishes; parsley, olive oil and salt. Once cooked, they are served with aioli, a mayonnaise made with garlic, or vinaigrette. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine, preferably dry. If you visit Perpignan during summer, you're likely to find them everywhere. This essential dish is savored in convivial moments outdoors, and during festive days.
4- Catalan cream
Let's vary the pleasures a bit now. This dessert, as its name indicates, comes from Catalonia. Everyone is crazy about it, and it's understandable. Catalan cream is similar to crème brûlée, but differs by the addition of lemon zest and cinnamon, giving a unique taste to this cream. The preparation is identical to that of crème brûlée, and when the cooking of the cream is perfect, a thin layer of sugar is added to burn it with a blowtorch.
5- Catalan sauce
Here's a condiment that will accompany your dishes wonderfully. As mentioned above, garlic is an essential ingredient in Catalan cuisine and more generally very used in southern France. Besides garlic, this sauce is composed of grilled tomatoes, toasted almonds or hazelnuts, stale bread soaked in vinegar, olive oil, red pepper and white wine (depending on where you are). Everything is blended and ready to be served delicately on meat, grilled vegetables or even fish.
6- Ollada
This very substantial dish is one of the well-known culinary specialties of Perpignan. Ollada is a stew composed of several meats, vegetables and dried vegetables. Among the meats, you'll find beef, chicken and pork. Regarding vegetables, white beans, cabbage, potatoes and carrots are sufficient for this traditional dish. This stew is served over a vermicelli or rice broth. Little tip: avoid this dish in summer if you have things planned during the day, you might suffer the consequences!
7- Côtes du Roussillon
Whether white, rosé or red, Côtes du Roussillon is savored throughout the seasons. The white wines of this appellation are renowned for their freshness, their fruity and floral aromas, excellent with Catalan-style anchovies. The red is more full-bodied and spicy, it pairs very well with ollada and meat dishes. Finally, the rosé is idyllic in summer, without any particular accompaniment.
8- Muscat de Rivesaltes
Produced in the Roussillon wine region, Muscat is known for its sweetness and lightness. Its aromas are such that it is preferable to serve it for a fresh aperitif, or for a dessert like a fruit salad
9- Rousquille
This little delicacy similar to a donut is made with popular products from the Perpignan region: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, all flavored with lemon and anise. After cooking, a thick layer of powdered sugar coats the delicacy for a bit more indulgence.
10- Catalan coques
These traditional Catalan pastries can be found both in sweet and savory forms. This generous taste comes from the addition of anisette or orange blossom, very popular in the region. Essentially, fruits are added for even more flavor.