France vs. USA: Why French Fast Food is Different

In this video we put French fast food up against the big US chains in Paris. Antoine and Mick, our local Parisian, try three French fast food spots famous in Paris and three American chains, and tell you which one actually stands out. If you are curious, or travelling with kids who just want a burger, this will help you choose.

The French side

• O’Tacos: forget everything you know about tacos. It is a huge grilled wrap with fries, sauce and cheese inside. Our small one with tenders and samurai sauce came to €12.90 when we filmed. Very filling, but the flavors were weak.
• Quick: the French answer to McDonald’s from Antoine’s childhood, now fading as many locations become Burger King. The Giant and the Long Bacon cost €17.30 together. Not great, not horrible.
• Big Fernand: a gourmet burger made to order on the grill, with French beef and a baker’s bun, for €14.90 each. Lots of fries and great sauces.

The American side

• McDonald’s: different menu items like the raclette burger and macarons at the McCafé, potato wedges with a creamy sauce, and staff who bring food to your table. Our limited-edition burger was disappointing.
• Burger King: reusable fry containers and cups, and a pepper sauce burger that was hot and fresh. A decent meal.
• Popeyes: no biscuits on the French menu, French-sourced chicken and a popular green sauce. It came to about €19.48 for two, but it was greasy and nowhere near good Southern fried chicken.

Our verdict

Among the French spots, Big Fernand wins with no question. On the American side, Burger King was the most solid meal. If you want fast food in France, spend a little more and go for the burger you can sit down and enjoy. All prices are from when we filmed.

For proper meals, our guide to the 125 best restaurants in Paris lists our curated favorites by arrondissement. To eat your way through the city with a local, book a Devour food tour. And our Paris Guide Bundle has restaurant picks by neighborhood.