You’ve probably heard that the word “bistro” comes from Russian soldiers yelling “bystro” (meaning “quickly”) in Paris after the Napoleonic Wars.
It’s a great story, but it’s not true.
In this clip from Fishwives of Paris, Emily Monaco and Caroline Fazeli break down the popular myth behind the origin of the bistro and explain why this widely believed story doesn’t hold up historically.
If you’re interested in French food history, Paris dining culture, and myth-busting the stories behind iconic dishes and terms, this episode is for you.
New episodes of Fishwives of Paris drop every other Tuesday.
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