I completely love the meals in France! I’ve visited France a number of instances every year for so long as I can bear in mind, and one in every of my favourite issues about this wonderful nation is how straightforward it’s to seek out unimaginable meals there.
From conventional dishes like boeuf bourguignon and onion soup to fashionable twists on French delicacies, there’s one thing about French meals that I can’t get sufficient of. For those who’re questioning what to eat in France, this put up is for you.
The French have significantly excessive requirements with regards to meals, and so regardless of the place you go in France, you’ll discover the standard of meals on provide is superb. Even a visit to a French grocery store is an incredible expertise in itself (and I hate procuring!).
Most Well-liked Meals in France
Most of my household are robust Francophiles and I ate a whole lot of typical French meals rising up. Maybe that’s why I at all times really feel nostalgic once I’m tucking into conventional meals in France.
Inside this information, I’ve put collectively an inventory of my favourite must-try dishes in France. I really like each one in every of these dishes and I like to recommend attempting as a lot of them as you may!
1. Boeuf Bourguignon (Actually, Burgundy Beef) – Most Well-known Meals to Attempt in France Total
Firstly, apart from croissants and baguettes (extra on these under) boeuf bourguignon has a robust declare to be thought of the nationwide dish of France. It’s made by slow-cooking beef in crimson wine with garlic, onions, bacon, mushrooms, and carrots.
For a typical meal in France, beef bourguignon is often served with mashed potatoes and is likely one of the most warming and satisfying dishes conceivable, particularly through the lengthy winter.
The big quantity of crimson wine is what provides it such a novel style, and I extremely suggest choosing a superb high quality Burgundy crimson to get pleasure from alongside this traditional French dish (you may cook dinner with a less expensive bottle!). The flavors work collectively so completely and it’s one in every of my favourite meals to have once I’m in France.
As its identify suggests, this dish is initially from Burgundy, a area in central-eastern France. Among the best locations to strive it’s Le Boeuf Blanc, within the regional capital, Dijon.
Le Boeuf Blanc Info
Handle: 7 Bd de la Trémouille, 21000 Dijon, France
Telephone: +33 3 80 72 10 50
Working Hours: 9 am–2 pm & 6 pm–10 pm, Weds-Sat; 12 pm–3 pm & 6 pm–11 pm, Solar (closed Mon-Tue)
Common Price of Dish: €16
Web site: fb.com/myrframsha
2. Cassoulet (Bean & Sausage Stew)
For those who’re ever in southwestern France – particularly the areas of Gascony and Languedoc – then make sure you strive the traditional dish of cassoulet. This can be a hearty white bean and sausage stew made with pork, duck or goose, garlic, and herbs all cooked for hours over low warmth.
The slow-cooking course of brings out the scrumptious flavors of the meats, garlic, and herbs and creates a hearty meal that’s good for warming you up on a cooler winter’s day. It makes a superb lunch or dinner and is often served with crusty bread and a glass of native wine.
The restaurant Au Gascon in Toulouse is likely one of the greatest locations to do this, in addition to many different scrumptious regional Gascon specialties.
Au Gascon Info
Handle: 9 Rue des Jacobins, 31000 Toulouse, France
Telephone: +33 5 61 21 67 16
Working Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm & 7 pm–10 pm, Mon-Sat (closed Sundays)
Common Price of Dish: €17
Web site: au-gascon-restaurant-toulouse.eatbu.com
3. Coq au Vin (Hen Cooked in Purple Wine)
Coq au Vin is one other traditional French dish from Burgundy that’s change into common all over the world. This conventional rooster and crimson wine stew is made by slow-cooking rooster in crimson wine with shallots, mushrooms, bacon, and herbs.
The tender items of rooster are simmered for hours till they’re succulent and flavorful. The lengthy cooking course of actually helps deliver out the flavors of the components, making this dish extremely scrumptious and comforting.
Coq au Vin is often served with mashed potatoes or steamed greens and polenta; it’s the right selection for a comfy family-style dinner.
You’ll discover this well-known dish of France on menus throughout the nation. It’s significantly widespread in Burgundy the place it originates and a fantastic place to strive it’s at Restaurant Au Coq Bleu within the city of Beaune, simply south of Dijon.
Restaurant Au Coq Bleu Info
Handle: 10 Rue Carnot, 21200 Beaune, France
Telephone: +33 3 45 63 58 98
Working Hours: 12 pm–2 pm & 7 pm–9 pm, Solar-Tues; 12 pm–2 pm & 7 pm–10 pm, Fri-Sat (closed Weds-Thurs)
Common Price of Dish: €18
Web site: au-coq-bleu-restaurant-beaune.eatbu.com
4. Croissants and Baguettes
You in all probability don’t want me to let you know that croissants and baguettes are two of essentially the most iconic French meals gadgets of all time.
A typical breakfast in France virtually at all times consists of croissants. These buttery, flaky layered pastries will be eaten plain or filled with candy or savory fillings reminiscent of jam, Nutella, ham, and/or cheese.
The most effective croissants are those freshly made in French bakeries, so be sure to strive some if you’re in France – simply comply with your nostril to seek out the closest place! My favourite sort is the ache au chocolat, which is a otherwise formed croissant that has two strips of wealthy darkish chocolate operating by.
Baguettes are one other traditional meals merchandise synonymous with France, a lot in order that the baguette itself has just lately been given UNESCO Heritage standing! These scrumptious lengthy loaves have a crusty exterior and a gentle and chewy inside that pairs completely with cheese or different components of selection for an incredible sandwich.
Baguettes will also be eaten plain or dipped into soups or sauces.
French individuals have a tendency to go to their native boulangerie (bakery) each morning to choose up recent bread and/or pastries, and so they’re greatest loved as near being baked as attainable. Making a morning journey to a standard French boulangerie is likely one of the greatest and most genuine native experiences you may have.
You may decide up scrumptious baguettes and croissants from just about each bakery, wherever you might be in France. I’ve robust childhood recollections of biking to Boulangerie Banette within the city of Villeréal, near the place my grandparents lived, to choose up the each day bread and pastries. If you end up in that a part of France, I like to recommend a go to.
Boulangerie Banette Info
Handle: Bd de Plaisance, 47210 Villeréal, France
Telephone: +33 5 53 71 25 85
Working Hours: 6 am–8 pm, Mon-Tues & Thurs-Sat; 6 am–1 pm, Solar (closed Wednesdays)
Common Price of Dish: €1 for a baguette, €1 for a croissant
Web site: N/A
5. Cuisses de Grenouilles (Frogs’ Legs)
No, French individuals don’t eat frogs’ legs all the time. However sure, they do typically. Cuisses de grenouilles (frogs’ legs) are literally fairly a delicacy in France and will be discovered on restaurant menus all through the nation.
It could sound unusual to some individuals, however I promise you the style is scrumptious, and so they’re value attempting a minimum of as soon as when you’ve got the possibility – don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!
Frogs’ legs are usually served in a garlic butter sauce, making them extremely flavorful and juicy. They’re additionally typically served with French fries or steamed greens both for dinner or lunch.
A tremendous place to pattern this well-known dish in France is La Taverne de Montmartre in Paris, a comfy little restaurant that’s identified for serving incredible conventional French delicacies.
La Taverne de Montmartre Info
Handle: 25 Rue Gabrielle, 75018 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 7 64 44 47 39
Working Hours: 12 pm–2 pm & 6 pm–9 pm, Mon & Fri; 12 pm–4 pm & 6 pm–9 pm, Sat; 12 pm–4 pm & 6 pm–8:30 pm, Solar (closed Tues-Thurs)
Common Price of Dish: €17
Web site: fb.com/pages/La-Taverne-de-Montmartre
6. Quiche Lorraine
One other widespread meals in France, quiche lorraine is made with eggs, cream, bacon, and cheese baked right into a pastry shell. It’s often served heat for both lunch or dinner, however will also be loved as an entree.
The dish originates from the Lorraine area of jap France, which runs alongside the border between France and Germany. This a part of France shares many similarities with southwestern Germany, and there’s numerous crossover between the delicacies of each locations.
Quiche lorraine is splendidly wealthy, creamy, and stuffed with taste. The mixture of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry makes this dish actually mouth-watering. Penning this has given me a robust urge to eat one proper now!
This traditional French dish can be pretty straightforward to make your self – particularly should you cheat and purchase a pre-made pastry base (that’s what I do!). You probably have a gluten-free food plan, strive the quiche lorraine from the bakery L’Eden Libre de Gluten (Gluten-Free Eden) in Strasbourg – it’s heavenly.
L’Eden Libre de Gluten Strasbourg Info
Handle: 15 Pl. du Temple Neuf, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Telephone: +33 3 90 41 74 95
Working Hours: 10 am–6 pm, Tues-Fri; 10 am–5 pm, Sat (closed Solar-Mon)
Common Price of Dish: €4
Web site: boulangerie-eden.fr
7. Ratatouille (Vegetable Stew)
French meals tends to be pretty meat- and/or dairy-heavy. Nonetheless, should you’re a vegetarian or vegan, the most effective conventional French dishes so that you can strive is ratatouille. It mostly consists of greens like eggplant, onion, garlic, zucchini, and tomatoes slow-cooked collectively in olive oil till tender.
The mixture of flavors and textures makes it a really scrumptious vegetable-based meal that may be served as an entree, a facet dish, or the primary course. Ratatouille additionally freezes very well, so I are inclined to make a big batch and freeze no matter isn’t eaten. Simple to defrost and reheat, it’s a superb, straightforward, and wholesome meal if you’re quick on time.
This dish originates from the southeastern area of Provence. In case you are planning to go to the coastal metropolis of Good, take a look at Restaurant Alounak, a fantastic Mediterranean/North African place that serves a variety of scrumptious vegetarian and vegan dishes, together with incredible ratatouille.
Restaurant Alounak Info
Handle: 3 Rue d’Alsace-Lorraine, 06000 Good, France
Telephone: +33 4 93 85 86 50
Working Hours: 12 pm–2:30 pm & 7 pm–10:30 pm, Mon-Sat; 7 pm–10:30 pm, Solar
Common Price of Dish: €9
Web site: alounak.wordpress.com
8. Salade Niçoise
Salade Niçoise is a traditional French dish from the south of the nation that’s typically served as a lightweight lunch or dinner. It beautifully makes use of high-quality recent native components reminiscent of tuna, potatoes, inexperienced beans, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, and is often dressed with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
It’s a very nice dish to get pleasure from on scorching summer season days within the south of France and can depart you happy with out being uncomfortably full The mixture of flavors makes this one in every of my favourite salads, and it’s additionally a really wholesome choice.
The most effective Salade Niçoise I’ve ever had was at Restaurant La Farigoulette, which can be one in every of my favourite eating places in France, within the superbly picturesque medieval city of Tourtour.
Restaurant La Farigoulette Info
Handle: Pl. des Ormeaux, 83690 Tourtour, France
Telephone: +33 4 94 70 57 37
Working Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm, Mon-Solar
Common Price of Dish: €15
Web site: N/A
9. Soupe à l’Oignon (Onion Soup)
Traditional French onion soup is made with caramelized onions, beef broth, white wine, butter, bay leaves, and thyme simmered collectively till the flavors have blended completely. As soon as it’s been decanted into bowls, the soup is then topped with croutons and grated Gruyère cheese, earlier than being completed off beneath the grill.
The lengthy cooking course of provides the soup its amazingly wealthy taste and silky texture, and it’s one in every of my favourite dishes to sink into within the wintertime. I particularly love including some further freshly grated Gruyère as soon as it’s been served for an extra dose of tacky goodness.
The origins of this dish will be traced again to 18th-century Paris, and there’s no higher place to get pleasure from it than the French capital. Head to La Jacobine, a superb and cheap little restaurant near the Pont Neuf bridge that’s cherished by locals and vacationers alike. Their onion soup is known.
La Jacobine Info
Handle: 59-61 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 46 34 15 95
Working Hours: 12 pm–11 pm, Tues-Solar (closed Mondays)
Common Price of Dish: €11
Web site: fb.com/pages/La-Jacobine
10. Crêpes and Galettes (Candy and Savory French Pancakes)
These are two several types of pancakes which might be common meals in France. Crêpes are usually candy, and stuffed with issues like Nutella, sugar, and fruits; whereas galettes are savory and stuffed with cheese, ham, mushrooms, or spinach.
Each are scrumptious and will be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re additionally enjoyable to make at dwelling if you wish to strive one thing particular and quintessentially, French for your self.
You could find crêpes and galettes being offered by road meals distributors throughout France. They’re significantly widespread (and scrumptious) within the western area of Brittany although, and the most effective crêperies is a spot known as Crêperie Dan Ewen within the fairly medieval city of Vannes. Come right here for the crêpes and galettes; keep for the incredible Breton cider.
Crêperie Dan Ewen Info
Handle: 3 Pl. du Général de Gaulle, 56000 Vannes, France
Telephone: +33 2 97 42 44 34
Working Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm & 6:30 pm–9:30 pm, Mon & Sat; 11:30 am–2 pm & 6:30 pm–9 pm, Tues-Fri (closed Sundays)
Common Price of Dish: €3-8 (relying on what toppings you select)
Web site: creperie-danewen.fr
11. Escargots (Snails)
Yep, one other barely rogue one right here. For those who like the flavour of butter and garlic (who doesn’t?) and also you don’t thoughts a barely chewy texture, you’ll seemingly discover snails fairly tasty! They’re often served of their shells with butter, garlic, and parsley, giving them a savory taste that’s surprisingly good.
Escargots are sometimes loved as an appetizer however they will also be included in different dishes like soups and stews for an additional increase of taste. For those who’ve by no means tried them earlier than, I’d positively suggest giving escargots a go when you’re in France – it’ll be an unforgettable meals expertise if nothing else!
You could find escargots on menus throughout France, however they’re significantly widespread within the jap areas. Try Restaurant le Cheval Noir in Beaune which is thought for its wonderful and genuine model of this dish. There’s at all times the aptly-named L’Escargot restaurant in Paris too.
Restaurant le Cheval Noir Info
Handle: 17 Bd Saint-Jacques, 21200 Beaune, France
Telephone: +33 3 80 22 07 37
Working Hours: 12 pm–1:15 pm & 7 pm–8:45 pm, Thurs-Mon (closed Tues-Weds)
Common Price of Dish: €14
Web site: restaurant-lechevalnoir.fr
12. Coquilles Saint Jacques à la Créme (Scallops in a Creamy Sauce)
Coquilles Saint Jacques à la créme is a traditional French dish that consists of seared king scallops (coquilles Saint Jacques) in a creamy sauce (à la créme).
The scallops are often cooked till they’re simply accomplished, giving them a agency texture on the surface whereas their facilities stay tender and juicy. When the scallops are virtually prepared, the pan is de-glazed utilizing white wine and/or cognac earlier than the combination is left to scale back with the addition of just a little cream.
The dish is often served as a starter, though it will also be a primary too. Each time I see this dish on a menu in France, I order it. Coquilles Saint Jacques can be comparatively easy to make at dwelling and makes an incredible addition to any feast or big day – your visitors can be suitably impressed!
For those who’re ever in Marseille, head to Coquille – Bistrot Marin to pattern this unimaginable dish.
Coquille – Bistrot Marin Info
Handle: 8 Rue Euthymènes, 13001 Marseille, France
Telephone: +33 4 91 54 14 13
Working Hours: 7:30 pm–10 pm, Mon-Tues; 12 pm–2 pm & 7:30 pm–10 pm, Weds-Solar
Common Price of Dish: €17
Web site: N/A
13. Raclette
Raclette is the identify of an Alpine mountain cheese. Technically, correct raclette comes from simply throughout the border in Switzerland, nevertheless it’s generally eaten everywhere in the French Alps.
Essentially the most conventional (and greatest) solution to get pleasure from raclette is by melting it on a specially-designed tabletop grill and serving it with potatoes, cured meats, and pickles.
This is likely one of the most enjoyable meals for sharing and is a factor of magnificence, particularly after a chilly winter’s day within the mountains. Raclette is certainly an indulgent meal, however it may be made (barely) more healthy by including extra greens.
You’ll discover raclette on the menu in most French Alpine cities and ski resorts. Le Monchu in Chamonix is especially good, and never too overpriced (not like most of the different eating places there).
Le Monchu Info
Handle: 1 Rue du Lyret, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Telephone: +33 4 50 53 04 80
Working Hours: 11:30 am–11 pm, Mon-Solar
Common Price of Dish: €25 per particular person
Web site: lemonchu-chamonix.fr
14. Steak Tartare (Finely Floor Uncooked Beef)
Steak tartare (also called tartare de boeuf) is a standard French dish that consists of finely floor uncooked beef served with chopped onions, capers, and seasonings. It’s often eaten as an appetizer and is commonly served with toast or crackers.
Steak tartare isn’t to all people’s style however, personally, I like it not only for its wonderful taste but in addition for its versatility – it may be spiced up with chili peppers or different spices, or stored actually easy. Essentially the most conventional model is served with a uncooked egg cracked excessive, which provides to the silky texture.
After all, you must solely ever eat uncooked meat that’s extraordinarily recent and of top quality. I’d solely ever order this dish in a restaurant that I belief (like L’Atelier Roulière in Paris). And solely try to make this at dwelling should you’re assured that what you’re doing!
L’Atelier Roulière Info
Handle: 24 Rue des Canettes, 75006 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 43 26 25 70
Working Hours: 12 pm–2:30 pm & 7 pm–11 pm, Mon-Thurs; 12 pm–2:30 pm & 7 pm–11:30 pm, Fri-Solar
Common Price of Dish: €22
Web site: fb.com/AtelierRouliere
15. Soufflé au Chocolat (Chocolate Soufflé)
Lastly, no put up about meals in France can be full with out mentioning chocolate soufflé! This traditional French dessert is made with egg whites and darkish chocolate, leading to an ethereal texture and wealthy taste.
Chocolate soufflés are greatest loved whereas they’re nonetheless heat, straight out of the oven. I really like serving them with a dollop of crème fraîche or ice cream so as to add distinction and actually benefit from the flavors.
Le Soufflé restaurant in Paris makes a number of the greatest soufflés identified to humankind. After all, it’s essential to strive their chocolate one, however in addition they make soufflés in a wide range of different flavors (candy and savory), together with vanilla and almond, goat cheese and rosemary, salmon, ricotta and dill, and even beef bourguignon!
Le Soufflé Info
Handle: 36 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 42 60 27 19
Working Hours: 12 pm–4 pm & 7 pm–10 pm, Tues-Sat (closed Solar-Mon)
Common Price of Dish: €12
Web site: lesouffle.fr
Meals Excursions in France
A good way to get acquainted with a number of the most common meals in France is to affix a meals tour. These will be discovered everywhere in the nation, however I’ve listed a couple of well-reviewed ones under:
Paris Strolling Meals Tour in Saint Germain des Prés
Uncover Paris’ most historic neighborhood and style a few of its greatest meals on this 3-hour strolling meals tour of Saint Germain des Prés. You’ll meet native grasp artisans who will train you about their craft and invite you to style a variety of their high quality merchandise, together with pastries, olive oils, conventional candies, charcuterie, cheese, and bread.
Vieux Lyon 4-Hour Meals Tasting Tour
Discover the historic coronary heart of Lyon, thought of by many to be the gastronomic capital of France, on this 4-hour food-tasting tour. Your information will take you to a number of the medieval metropolis’s most genuine hidden corners, the place you’ll pattern varied native dishes, components, and different delicacies.
Montpellier Wine & Meals Journey to Pic Saint-Loup
This tour begins within the southern French metropolis of Montpellier and takes you on a foodie journey by the picturesque countryside of the Coteaux du Languedoc wine area. You’ll go to wineries, meet grasp winemakers, and style a few of their wine earlier than having fun with a scrumptious conventional home-cooked farm-to-table meal in idyllic village environment.
Paris: Full-Day Cooking Class with 3-Course Lunch
For those who’d prefer to discover ways to make wonderful, genuine French meals your self, that is the tour for you. You’ll be taught quite a lot of traditional French cooking methods utilizing top-quality recent produce from the native market. Then, hone your abilities to make your very personal luxurious 3-course meal, accompanied by a couple of glasses of wine – naturally.
Good Metropolis Meals Guided Strolling Tour
Within the sunny Côte d’Azur metropolis of Good, this guided strolling tour takes you to a number of the greatest cafes, eating places, and historic eateries within the metropolis. You’ll style a variety of native merchandise, together with road meals, olive oil, tapenade, typical Provençal wine, pastries, ice cream, and different candy treats.
You’re certain to depart with a new-found appreciation of this lovely metropolis.
Lyon 3.5-Hour Meals Tour with a Native Information
One other incredible meals tour in Lyon, this one may have you tasting a variety of regional specialties together with ice cream, native cheeses, white wine, craft beer, candies, and praline pie. Your native information will even train you concerning the historical past and tradition of town, its individuals, and customs.
Lyon is alleged to be one of the habitable cities in France – this tour will provide help to perceive why.
France Meals: FAQs
Listed below are solutions to some commonly-asked questions concerning the conventional native meals in France.
Essentially the most conventional meals in France embrace ratatouille, coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, escargots, and – in fact – baguettes and croissants.
Dinner is often served between 7 pm and 9 pm in France, though this will differ relying on the area or event. French individuals usually prefer to get pleasure from lengthy, leisurely dinners and night meals can go on fairly late into the night.
Lunch tends to be served between 12 pm and a couple of pm. Once more, the French prefer to take time to correctly get pleasure from their meals, and plenty of companies shut for as much as 2 hours for lunch all through the week.
There isn’t actually a set time for breakfast – it relies on what time you rise up. Bakeries often open early (round 6 am), and lodges are inclined to serve breakfast between 7 am-10 am.
France doesn’t have a giant tipping tradition and the nation has robust labor legal guidelines guaranteeing that ready workers are paid correctly. Nonetheless, should you obtain good service in a restaurant, the workers will at all times respect a small tip and a mean of 10% is completely enough.
Some eating places add a service cost to your invoice. On this case, there’s no want to depart an extra tip.
French meals is extremely different, however recent bread is served with most meals. Nearly all of French individuals eat a good quantity of meat and cheese, though veganism is on the rise, significantly in bigger cities.
There are regional variations too. Within the north, many individuals get pleasure from wealthy, warming dishes with a number of butter and cream, particularly through the winter. In southern France, the delicacies has extra of a Mediterranean affect. Seafood may be very common on the coast too.
France doesn’t have a single nationwide meals, though beef bourguignon would have a robust declare, as would the standard baguette which might be the commonest staple meals in France.
Paris has the second-largest variety of Michelin-starred eating places on the earth (after Tokyo). Nonetheless, Lyon is commonly stated to be the gastronomic capital of France due to its very good vary of eating places, from casual eateries to fancy fantastic eating institutions the place you may get pleasure from a number of the greatest meals in France.
There are such a lot of nice areas to remain in France, however a few of my favourite locations within the nation embrace the medieval cities of the Dordogne, Provence, and the French Alps.
To Summarize
Total, France has a number of the greatest meals the world has to supply and these are simply a few of my favourite dishes that I sit up for consuming every time I’m there. Whether or not you’re visiting France for the primary time or the fiftieth, these must-try French meals are assured to make your journey much more particular.
Lots of the conventional dishes in France are surprisingly straightforward to cook dinner at dwelling and make nice additions to any feast. If any of your visitors are vegan, I discover that making a hearty ratatouille often goes down very properly!