We searched far and wide for Le Camion Qui Fume, for one reason; many call them the best burgers in Paris, a statement I don’t take lightly. And so at lunchtime on a freezing February lunchtime in France we got on the train to Port Maillot, an area of Paris I’ve never ventured to before.

Le Camion Qui Fume is a clear sign that the French are beginning to take the hamburger seriously… not just a novelty on the menu anymore but an important part of the dishes on offer. Many sneered when I set out to discover the best burger on my last trip to Paris, but this time it seemed to be a more acceptable challenge.

And it is all thanks to Kristin Frederick, a Californian who studied at the French culinary school Ferrandi, and now takes her food truck, Le Camion Qui Fume, around the Paris curbs. Flicking through her lovely burger-orientated cookbook whilst in line, it is clear she is an authority on the topic. Her recipes are innovative and exciting, great flavour combinations and interesting ingredient choices. I’d seen the mouth-watering pictures but waited for the proof in the tasting.

I have queued for my fair share of burgers in London and New York so I wasn’t surprised to see a line of about 40 people already waiting for their piece of the action. Initially I had to convince my companion that it would be worth it, but after sticking it out for 40 minutes of waiting we finally reached the front of the queue… several dozen hopefuls behind us had been turned away, and so I felt very lucky to be privileged and relieved when it was finally my turn to be awarded with a Camion burger.

The crew on board the van seemed to be having a great time, tossing handmade chips and exchanging witty remarks. Bitterly cold and hungry we could do nothing but stare up at them, our fate completely in their control. I opted for the standard Classique burger. Clutching our brown paper bag we ran ready to gorge in the first place warm place we could find. This happened to be the photomaton machine in the nearby metro station… but nothing could ruin this event. It was incredible. Excellent meat – tender inside and crispy on the outside, subtly seasoned – melting cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato and crunchy white onion give extra flavour and the lightly toasted bun encases the ingredients whilst being deliciously soft and slightly sweet itself, a lick of mayo keeps the lot together. Chips are moreish and salty with the potato skin still on some of them giving a more earthy taste.

… not only the best burger I’ve tasted in Paris, but one of the best I have ever tried.

Le Camion Qui Fume
www.lecamionquifume.com
Opening times and location: @LeCamionQuiFume
Burger: 8 €; 10 € for a burger and fries

Thanks to the Paris Tourist Board, more information here.