Bistros are one of the most iconic parts of Parisian dining culture, but they didn’t start as restaurants at all.
In this clip from Fishwives of Paris, Emily Monaco and Caroline Fazeli explain how the first “bistros” were actually known as bougnats, small shops where people bought coal and wood before slowly evolving into places that sold wine.
Originally, a bistro wasn’t even a place, it referred to a person, the wine seller. These early spaces were not about food, but about community, conversation, and quick stops to grab a drink or supplies.
If you’re interested in French food history, Paris culture, and the real origins of everyday terms, this episode breaks it all down.
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