Neither doughnut, nor churro, nor classic chichi, the Chichi Fregi has an identity all its own! Popularized by factory workers in Estaque, it was originally made with chickpea flour. Its Provençal name means “small piece of fried chickpea“. Today, the recipe is well preserved, but it is scented with orange blossom, fried and coated with powdered sugar. Gourmets prefer it filled with chocolate, jam or whipped cream. Whichever option you prefer, we reveal the best places to enjoy a good chichi fregi.
Three must-try places in l’Estaque
To enjoy your Chichi Fregi, you’ll have to go to the far north-west of Marseille. Located in the 16th arrondissement, the Estaque district jealously guards the three best addresses for Chichis Fregis. These long fritters, scented with orange blossom, fried in oil and covered in sugar, are sure to make anyone’s mouth water. Marseille Secrète reveals these three must-try spots.
Lou Goustado de l’Estaco
From the name alone, you can tell there’s a certain nobility to the Chichis Fregis found at Lou Goustado de l’Estaco. Nobility and a little eccentricity too. Stéphane, the owner, goes off the beaten track and gives his chichis fregis a big doughnut shape, a far cry from the traditional long spiral you’re used to seeing. And for those with a sweet tooth, there’s always the option of Chichi filled with nutella or whipped cream.
📍 38 Plage de l’Estaque plage, 16th arrondissement
Chez Magali
Here you’ll find authentic, unique chichi fregi in a dream setting overlooking the sea. Surrounded by panisses and other southern sweets, you’ll find the traditional chichi, which is even better on Sundays (according to legend). Michel is the boss here. And he cooks his chichis the old-fashioned way, just like in Italy. Always choosing the right natural ingredients. Like his chickpea flour, imported straight from the Moulin du Champ Verneil in Vaucluse.
📍 42 Plage de l’Estaque plage, 16th arrondissement
Chez Freddy
Chez Freddy has been open for nearly 40 years. And as you’ll have guessed, that makes it the most unmissable of all unmissable addresses. In this fuss-free institution, everything is homemade and made to order for the most impatient gourmets. Freddy, who has already appeared on TV to share his culinary expertise, is sure to delight you!
📍 86 Plage de l’Estaque plage, 16th arrondissement