Socca (France)
Socca is a savory, thin pancake or flatbread from Nice, France, made from a simple batter of chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. It's traditionally cooked in a large, wood-fired oven on a round pan, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a tender, slightly spongy interior. Often served as street food or a light meal, it's a staple of Niçoise cuisine.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Socca is naturally gluten-free and a good source of plant-based protein and fiber from the chickpea flour, with healthy fats from the olive oil. A typical serving (about 100g) provides roughly 200-250 calories, making it a satisfying yet relatively light option.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Folate | 60 mcg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.8 mg |
| Selenium | 5 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.5 mg |
Per 1 piece (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Socca is deeply tied to the social fabric of Nice, often enjoyed at communal gatherings or from street vendors, and it's a key part of the city's culinary identity. Nutritionally, its chickpea base offers a complete protein profile when paired with other foods, and its simplicity highlights the Mediterranean diet's emphasis on whole, minimally processed ingredients.
