This small shop by the Marche des Enfants Rouges, Paris' outdoor covered market, is definitely worth the stop. When I went, there was a long line that stretched through much of the block. They allow one group at a time into the shop for a fully curated Jamon Beurre experience. Yep, that is all you can get here. Ham sandwiches, but it's a much more involved experience than that. When you walk in, there is an entire wall with a cooler displaying every kind of ham possible. You have to pick whether you want cured or just baked ham. What region? They offer Italian, French, Spanish and then you have to narrow it down to the region! Then you do the same with the cheese. I ended up getting two sandwiches, the cured ham from Spain's basque country paired with Ossau-Iraty, or basque sheep milk cheese. My other sandwich was a French baked ham sandwich with comte. Which was the winner? I have to say, the cured meat from Spain was out of this world and in our taste test, was the top winner. I know, I shouldn't say that in France! read more

I came around 2:30pm on a Wednesday and there was only a very short line. They do take groups one by one so the speed at which the line will move depends on how quickly those ahead of you decide. The service is friendly and personalized. The owner is a very kind Italian woman who is very knowledgeable about the meats and the cheeses. She makes sure that you end up with a pairing you are happy with! They serve jambon beurre sandwiches which is basically just ham and butter on a baguette. However, you can add cheese for 4.50 euro. The decision tree really is: 1) cured vs cooked ham 2) cheese or no cheese 3) cow vs sheep's cheese. My husband and I both went for the cooked ham since this one is more traditional in France. The cooked ham has different flavors out of which we got one with truffle ham and the other with Bergamont which is a citrus fruit. We both got cheese: the truffle ham was paired with a buttery and sweet cow's emmental, while the Bergamont we paired with a nutty and earthy sheep's Ossau-Iraty. Both pairings worked beautifully! The baguette was perfect. It had a substantial crust without being too hard and had a fluffy and moist inside. The quality of the products was evidently very high. There is no seating inside so we took ours to the Temple Square a few blocks away since it was a beautiful day! Highly recommend you try. Not sure I would use longer than 20 min out of a trip to line up for it so I suggest you come during off hours. read more

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Worth the wait! Waited for only about 30 minutes for this lunch spot and it was well worth the wait! We had no idea what the menu said or what to get and the worker was so sweet and helped explain all of the options and what the favorites were. Small little shop, only allows 1 group at a time which honestly makes you feel like rushed/judged. We went with 2 types, one cooked and one curated meat and the one with Brie cheese and one with truffle cheese. Absolutely phenomenal and would recommend if youre in pairs! read more

Caractère de Cochon - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

A small specialty Jamon Buerre shop with a variety of high grade cured and uncured meats and cheeses for you to choose from. We're able to go right when they open so there was no wait and the lady was able to explain everything to us. Super friendly! We went with the highest grade cured ham and it's divine. The meat, butter, and bread combo was so simple yet it works so well together. read more

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I know the jambon buerre is highly rated but I just did not believe it would be THAT good. read more

Caractère de Cochon - Jambon buerre with aged french ham - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

The most famous ham sandwich in Paris on social media. And only 52 reviews on Yelp?? Worth the walk and the wait. Proprietor is funny and friendly. The myriad of choices is confusing. So many types of ham to choose from. Boiled or cured? No worries, whatever you choose will be delicious. Perfect baguette, ham, cheese, butter and some small cornichon pickles. Delicious ! A must stop for any foodie in Le Marais. read more

Caractère de Cochon - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

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I casually walked over to Caractère de Cochon after seeing the high yelp reviews, thinking I could just grab a sandwich for lunch. When I arrived around 3 pm and there was a huge line down the street, I hopped into the line and started researching it more - one of Bourdain's favorites, often rated as the best sandwich in Paris, etc etc. How naive of me, but really glad that I stumbled into it. The line moves slowly because they only let one party in the shop at a time and they don't rush people at all. When it was my turn, I opted for a jambon buerre with cured meat from France and added truffle cheese. I took it to the park down the street (as many others did) as there is no seating here, and it was perfect. All in all I probably waited about 40 minutes, and it was well worth it! read more

It's a tourist trap driven by trendy Instagram and TikTok videos. The jambon beurre isn't bad, but it's nowhere near the level of hype surrounding it. This is a very typical sandwich you can find anywhere in Paris, eaten regularly by locals. There's nothing particularly special about this version, and I wouldn't rate it any higher than any other standard jambon beurre you can get throughout the city. read more

This is the best sandwich in Paris. I honestly haven't got enough words to describe the beauty of a simple sandwich like these with spectacular ingredients made by true artists. Service was amazing. It is worth the wait ... and the experience is personal and not rushed. My go to spot for a sandwich in Paris. On a par with the best in Florence. Suggest pairing the Spanish black ham with the truffled sheep's milk cheese and butter ... thank me later. read more

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Don't let the long (and slow) line spook you: this is more than just another sqndwispot in a city overflowing with phenomenal food options. Every sandwich here is carefully curated for each individual. And I do not mean "curated" in a pretentious sort of way. Rather, the staff takes their time discussing all of the various meat options, cheeses, and combination of garnishes to choose from. And they will not hesitate to allow you to sample the various cured and baked hams before committing. The staff is extremely friendly and take enormous pride in the delicious food they prepare. The store is tiny, but more of a museum devoted to the love of the sandwich. So go, wait, listen to a podcast, talk to your neighbors in line, and be prepared to enjoy a magnificent and highly elevated sandwich worth every second in line. read more

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It was my wife's first time in Paris and we wanted to try the infamous jambon beurre - a beloved French sandwich consisting of ham, that phenomenal French butter, and a wonderfully crusty French baguette. Caractère de Cochon was our target. This humble little business consistently ranked among the best places in Paris to enjoy a jambon beurre. Moreover, it was a favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain, so we had to stop by. Caractère de Cochon is a little storefront tucked away in a Parisian side street. But, one step through the door and customers will immediately realize that they've found something special. The first thing you'll see are their refrigeration cases displaying some beautiful hams from around France as well as from other countries such as Spain and Germany. The delicious smell of cured meats, along with the smiles from the friendly proprietors, will beckon you to venture further into the shop. There you will find an assortment of wines, sausages, and other delicious goods. ___F O O D___ For our sandwiches, we opted for one of their French hams that was cured (instead of cooked). Delicious! It was simple, yet perfect. The fact that there were only three ingredients highlighted the quality of the ham, butter, and bread. We loved how the ham was wonderfully porky, tender, and slightly sweet. And the bread was stunning. Crispy outside and soft/tender interior with a nice flavor. Plenty of air pockets to contain the french butter that they so generously smeared into our sandwiches. That jambon beurre was everything we wanted. ___E X T R A. I N F O___ -You can request cornichons and cheese on your sandwich. -These guys are honest. We asked them what their best ham was. They pointed to some gorgeous hams from Spain. And having just arrived from Madrid a few days prior, we had to agree. -There isn't any room to dine inside the store. There aren't tables and chair outside either. Bring your sandwiches to the local park, find a nice bench, and take time to enjoy your meal. -They have boudin noir. read more

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The sandwich was okay. I've had just as good buying from a street vendor. The prices were too high for what it was. The service was friendly, but it's a counter spot. You buy and you leave. Honestly you are paying for the popularity. Plenty of less expensive spots around with just as good if not better sandwiches. A solid 3 star. read more

Caractère de Cochon - The menu. - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

Even in the rain, we stood in line and had a great time. They explained every meat they had. It's a one on one experience. read more

Caractère de Cochon - Best sandwich - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

The ultimate in the traditional French ham and butter baguette. Choose your ham and butter baguette. Choose ham from France Spain or Italy. Fabulous. read more

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Everything we saw on videos, read in the reviews, led us to this Saturday where we were prepared to wait in line for hours. I'm just kidding, not hours, but maybe 30 minutes, LOL. The line wasn't large, but the store owner only allows 1 group at a time, so you don't feel pressured to order something you don't want. The signature sandwich is the Jambon Beurre, a baguette smothered with butter and your choice of ham salted, cured, smoked from Spain, France, or Germany. If you want to add cheese, they offer sheep, cow, and goat. I ordered mine with Spanish ham and sheep's milk cheese. My wife ordered a cheese and butter. When talking with the owner, we purchased an additional 2 sandwiches for our flight home. I asked for the original Jambon Beurre, and my wife wanted the pastrami we paid and left our pick-up time tomorrow would be 11:00. Let's get to the meat of it, my sandwhich was Bomb!!! The baguette crunches, butter creamy, cheese sharp, and the spanish ham magnificent. Now it's Sunday morning, and I'm heading out to pick up the 2 for the road trip home. I showed up and there he was smiling and said, "Give 2 minutes. I want to package the sandwiches so you can eat them when you're ready on the plane or at home." When he came out, he handed me this beautiful package containing our sandwiches. She shook my hand and said until the next time you're in Paris. Let's just say we took them home and shared them with the kiddos, and they gave 2 thumbs up devoured both. Customer Service 5 Stars Store Experience 5 Stars Flavor 5 Stars Location Le Marais Don't take my word for it if in Paris stop by and grab one or two for yourself. You won't regret it!!! Oh, and if you want to sample the hame or cheese, just ask, and they will. read more

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Caractère de Cochon's jambon beurre is touted as the best sandwich in Paris, and after making a beeline there as soon as we got off the plane and tasting the sandwich in person, I believe it. So simple, so perfect. A small, crowded charcuterie mecca, it draw fervent crowds, though on a Saturday afternoon we only had to wait 10 mins. The proprietors are very friendly and welcoming. The sandwich menu was incredible; I wish I could've tried everything on it. No tables, but we brought our sandwiches to a nearby park and had a lovely picnic. read more

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Amazing sandwich shop. They offer simple meat, cheese, and butter sandwiches on a baguette. Definitely a must try if you enjoy meat/cheese boards and/or baguettes. There was a long line because it's popular and the service is excellent. They'll take their time and help you pick out the items for your sandwich. You can choose between French, Spanish, and Italian options for the meat and cheese. I enjoyed it so much I considered eating there a second time. It's a tiny shop, take out only, and you can also get wine to go. read more

Caractère de Cochon - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

So simple, so French and so damn good. Day 2 in Paris and a little wander in Le Marais. Honestly even after traveling through Paris an many other regions it's amazing how a simple Jambon du pays sando can make your day. read more

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On our recent trip to Paris, we had a Michelin starred meal. We waited two hours for dinner at another restaurant. We hit up a different bakery every morning. Yet this simple ham and butter sandwich may have been the best thing I ate. The trickiest thing about here is getting there when it's open. We came one day at about 3pm in the afternoon and they were closed. Came back a few days later, saw a line of people outside, and knew we were good. And there will always be a line if they're open because they only let one person or group in at a time. And here are two words I thought I'd never say: "ham consultant". Once you do get in the store the employees here will guide you through their whole selection to ensure you leave with the perfect jambon buerre. They separate their hams into two sections: the drier, cured kind more like a prosciutto, and the cooked uncured ham that's more reminiscent of a deli ham. They have several different hams in both categories and several cheeses as well. Each may have a different flavoring like garlic or rosemary, and you'll be walked through each option. I got their finest uncured ham with comté, while my wife got a cured truffle ham with truffle cheese (our ham consultant ensured us there's nothing wrong with doubling up on truffle). We took our sandwiches to a nearby park and chowed down on a couple of the finest sandwiches I've ever had. It's a simple combination of ham, butter, and cheese on a baguette but it's definitely worth the wait. read more

Over rated. I had better much better Jambon beurre asone Paris boulangeries. The sandwich was fine but nothing special. Unlike their outside board listing hot sandwiches, they only carry those on some months of the year. read more

Very good ham and cheese! I got the cured ham and it was about €18. Definitely worth it for the quality. The store is quite small so they only allow one person or a small group inside at one time. It's like any other deli in regards to how it smells in the shop - just a bunch of meat. And if you don't know exactly what you want, ask all of the questions that come to mind. They're very helpful. read more

Caractère de Cochon - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

Have been twice and loved it but went today at 2:10 and they said they were closed for the day (despite everything stating that they closed at three). They definitely still had plenty of food. Oh well -- still recommend it but a bit disappointing . . . read more

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The staff was nice enough to explain how the sandwich ordering process worked, however, the bread was hard and difficult to chew and the meat was kind of bland. Ok for a quick bite but nothing to write home about. read more

If you're looking for the best sammie in Paris, look no further. This place was recommended by a friend and it lived up to all my expectations. To top it off, walk down the street to the park to enjoy them on a bench. read more

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This sandwich shop is on so many best jambon-beurre lists, so I knew I could not miss it. The menu is extensive and a bit overwhelming for your overseas tourist, but the folks working at the shop were incredibly patient and so very helpful. If you look closely at the different types of meat and cheese they offer, you'll find individual sandwich pricing beneath each type. The left case is cured meats and the right is "raw" aka not dried meat. Cornichons can be added for a small fee to your sandwich. I opted to go totally traditional and just put meat and cheese on mine. This sandwich was DELICIOUS. Totally worth the 2,15€ metro ride across town. Don't miss this one! read more

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This place is overhyped. We waited 1 hour and the sandwiches tasted like any other. It was a little disappointing for me.

This was one of the best things we ate in Paris! We ate the truffle hams too fast, so I forgot to take pictures haha. We tried a few different meats: the truffle ham cooked, truffle ham cured, and the pate with pickles. I loved everything, the cuts of meat were so thin and tasty. If you don't like cured meat and don't eat salty, the cooked meat was just as good! The bread was amazing, and the butter and cheese went so well in the sandwiches. It's a little expensive, but it's worth the price! read more

Caractère de Cochon - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

We found this gem while researching for our trip on YouTube. It's truly a small shop packed to the ceiling with meats. The owner saw us standing by the menu outside like the confused tourist we are and invited us in and proceeded to tell us about all the meats we could choose from. There were so many to choose from that we were overwhelmed with choices. we asked the owner what he recommends and he laughingly said "the most expensive one" and of course we said, "bring it on!" Great guy. Very personable and explained everything so patiently to us. The most expensive cut was actually a cured meat from spain but we wanted French food so opted for the less expensive one from France (why buy Spanish meat in France? We will get that in Spain ) I posted the pic of the meat we got. It was delicious. We also go one that was a pate and one that was cooked with truffles. Delish! We want to come back to get some for our plane ride home read more

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A unique and delicious selection of cold cuts, fresh and flavorful bread, and truly outstanding service.

Tasty, fresh, and authentic!! Wanted to try a classic jambon beurre while in Paris! Small and charming place, were friendly in helping you choose which type of ham and if you wanted cheese. Went with the classic cooked ham as well as the cooked garlic ham with compte a cheese they recommend! Simple and delicious:)) read more

Caractère de Cochon - Classic cooked ham with cheese and white garlic cooked ham with cheese! - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

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On our two week long trip to Paris, my husband and I agreed that the Jambon Buerre from Caractère de Cochon was my favorite thing I ate the whole time. The shop owner was enthusiastic and helpful. Two years later and I still dream about that sandwich. Do NOT miss this place the next time you're in town! read more

The Jambon sandwich was awesome!!!! Worth the wait and the propietor was so kind as to serve us just before closing for afternoon ciesta. Great place! read more

Caractère de Cochon - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

Too good to be true . Couldn't take my hands off of u . Love this place . Whenever I visit . It's 1st on my list . Breakfast or lunch . It's hands down my favorite . Jadore" read more

Caractère de Cochon - Absolutely delicious and amazingly satisfying down to the last bite - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

Caractère de Cachon was tip on our list of must-try places in Paris. We saw on a Paris food vlog that the sandwiches from there were phenomenal. They simply come with butter, cheese, and meat, but it's the quality of the meat that speaks for itself. My fiancé and I stopped by around 4:00pm on a Thursday. The place wasn't too busy, so we got to exchange pleasantries with the server. He told us about the special diet of the Iberico pig, which is why it's at such a high premium per pound. I don't eat pork, but it was fun learning those facts. In general, the server offered great customer service and helped me pick out a type of for my sandwich. I don't recall the name, but I got a cured beef with an intense flavor. It had a nice, earthy taste to it. I had the sandwich with butter, cheese, and cornichons per recommendation of the server. As simple as thee sandwich was, it was absolutely epic. It was the most expensive sandwich I had at around 20€ and was also worth every penny. read more

This tiny shop is just outside the very busy Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges. And while there are long lines inside the marché for a variety of sandwicheries, I whole heartedly suggest this little shop. The owner/proprietor takes a little time to make suggestions for each patron. I got a spicy ham, manchego, butter, and pickles sandwich on a warm baguette--that the owner had just picked up from next door--and it was so delicious. Sure it sets one back about $12 but I'd pay it again in a heartbeat. read more

Caractère de Cochon - The interior of the tiny sandwicherie. - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

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This place is simply amazing! Who thought a simple sandwich with butter would be so highly regarded? The bread is fresh and crispy, the mix of cheese and cut of meat goes so well together and the butter gives it that creamy deliciousness. The owner who is always working the front is incredibly friendly and takes his time helping the customer find a personalized blend of the flavors that they'll enjoy. This is an absolutely personalized experienced where you won't feel rushed and can enjoy what they have to offer. There is no complexity to the menu as the owner helps you choose what you'd like by helping you understand what the flavors of each type of cut of meat and cheese is like. The line can build up here and there due to the one at a time experience you'll find here, but that isn't a negative in any way. The customer service gets an A+ and the food itself is just as amazing! Definitely a can't miss! read more

Caractère de Cochon - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

The best!!! We met the owner and spent some quality time with him in the city! Sweetest man! We are always visiting Paris and this is the only location we get our jambon buerre from! I really hope he can open up a place in NYC! read more

Caractère de Cochon - Delicatessen Near Me - Paris, 75

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The ingredients here are very fresh and good quality. I enjoyed the raclette sandwich. The shop is small so only one group goes in at a time. The workers here take their time to explain the different meats and cheeses so you can decide what you want. It was more expensive than what I usually pay for a sandwich in Paris, but worth the money because the ingredients really are high quality. read more

Ridiculously good sandwiches. Just incredible. Excellent cured meats, cheeses and bread. Cool little vibe and energy as well. This is a can't miss read more

Every time we come through Paris, we try to go to Caractere de Cochon for sandwiches. It's a small shop, but has such an amazing variety of meats and cheeses. It's France, so commenting on the excellent quality of the meat is a bit useless given that most French sandwich shops will have excellent meat quality. The people there are incredibly friendly and helpful as well. I've seen a few comments on here discussing the high prices, but my husband and I had no issue with the prices. The sandwiches were around 12-15 Euro which is standard for where we live in Chicago. read more