Why I Prefer Cooking for Myself in Paris

I've lived in Paris for more than half of my life, and if there's one thing I want people who are planning to move here to know, it's that it's better to cook for yourselves at home instead of going out to eat. I get it! Paris is a famous food capital, and the restaurants, bistros, and cafes here truly are A+, but I'm here to suggest something different. I'd like to convince you that cooking for yourself is just as good and, I'd argue, more fulfilling. For me, it's all about saving money, improving skills, and using cooking as a form of meditation.

I Get to Practice and Improve My Cooking

Personally, my favorite part of cooking at home is getting to improve over time. It's not as if I'm gunning to be the next Gordon Ramsay or anything like that. As awesome as it would be, I have no plans of opening and competing against the Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris. But I would like to be a better cook, and I feel like I'm getting to that as time goes on. I'm a self-taught cook, so as far as my skills go, I'm at the bottom of the barrel. Cooking for myself allows me to get better over time and to hopefully show off my skills to my friends and family.

It's More Affordable Than Eating Out

I know this is a given, and it's so obvious, but this list isn't complete without it: cooking at home is more affordable. Don't forget that Paris is the most beloved food capital, so the places to eat here are expensive! That's expensive with a capital E! There might be fairly affordable hotspots here, even a few affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, but when they all add up over time, you'll realize that dining costs alone have already taken up a huge chunk of your money. At least, when you cook for yourself, you'll only have to pay for the ingredients.

I Get to Decide The Menu

As much as I love French food, it's not my favorite cuisine. I personally love Lebanese and Filipino food more, and while there are some in the city, there aren't a lot. And if I can only eat the same dishes again and again, I'd go crazy. Hence, I prefer to cook for myself and make the food I want to eat. Sure, it's extra work, and both these cuisines require lots of seasoning, but the result is always good (if I do say so myself!). So if you prefer other cuisines, you might want to cook for yourself instead of looking for the right place to get it.

I Always Ensure that I Eat Right

I'm already of a certain age so I can't be so carefree about what I eat anymore. I'm still healthy, don't get me wrong, but my body is already telling me that I can no longer eat certain food groups as much as I used to (or want). And don't get me wrong, I'm sure the finest chefs who work in Paris can easily make my favorite dishes a little bit healthier, but I just know that it's gonna cost me a lot more. So, instead of paying more, I can just shop at the flea market and cook healthier dishes for myself.

I Can Save Some Leftovers for Another Time

For those who don't know, the concept of leftovers isn't exactly common in Paris. Some do it, but generally speaking, the French prefer that you finish all your food at the dinner table. As someone who grew up in a different country, I know the value of leftovers and how they help me save lots of money. Paris is expensive, after all, so having leftovers is always a godsend! Luckily for me, I tend to cook a lot, and I leave what I can’t eat in the fridge to eat for the rest of the week. I can't tell you how much I was able to save because of that!

I Get to Use My Kitchen

I know this sounds weird, but hear me out! I've met and made friends in Paris now, and several of them eat out regularly. I'm not judging them or anything—to each their own—but what I can't wrap my head around is how they never use their kitchens. They're also some of the wealthiest people I've ever met, and their homes have amazing kitchens equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, lots of storage, and massive spaces. It drives me crazy that they don't use them! I, on the other hand, have practically scorched the entire kitchen!

I Find Cooking Meditative

I find cooking so meditative that it's become my go-to relaxation activity. I live in Paris and work a hectic job here. Something as simple as cooking is enough for me to calm down and rejuvenate. My friends have even shared their concerns about whether I'm okay when I cook. I just get so quiet when I'm in the kitchen that they think that stress has shut me up. Don't worry, it hasn't! It's the exact opposite—I tend to think more clearly when I'm chopping onions, boiling water, and seasoning meats. I'm sure it'll be the same for many of you!

It's a Great Bonding Activity

My neighbors came from Italy, and we've made it a monthly tradition to cook together when we're all free. Now, they're true-blue Italians, so you just know that they're passionate about cooking! They've taught me all sorts of tips and tricks that I'm sure have improved my skills to the point that I could run a small bistro somewhere in the 18th arrondissement. And as long as I'm cooking with my Italian friends, it's sure to be a fun experience! Even when I was back home, I've always used cooking to bond with friends and family. It's a fun experience to share with loved ones.



As much as I love and enjoy eating out in Paris, I have learned to love cooking for myself. I found that there are many benefits to it, including saving money, honing my cooking skills, and improving my diet.