The food in France has been on my mind recently. My travels haven’t taken me to France for a while and although I have been enjoying exotic dishes around the world, I have been craving some of France’s traditional food.
It’s not only the famous French food but some of the lesser-known Fench food as well. There are of course classic French meals that are seasonal and delicious, but there are also a few French regional dishes that I just can’t get out of my mind.
I have a wide range of French recipes in my repertoire that I make on a regular basis, but it’s not the same as the famous food of Paris or a little restaurant in Normandy.
I have a busy year ahead and sadly a visit to France is not on the agenda at the moment so as an indulgence I thought that I would share some of the famous food from Paris and other typical French food for you to try either at home or when you visit France.
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Table of Contents
Exploring Popular Food in France
1. Tartiflette
This is a delicious dish and an extremely popular French food, especially in winter. Eat a portion of tartiflette and you instantly feel warmer. If you visit Paris over the Christmas period you can find this traditional French dish being prepared at many of the market stalls. It is made with potatoes, onions, lardons (bacon bits) and Reblochon cheese from the Savoy region of France. Traditionally it is baked, but at the markets this popular French dish, it is prepared in a ginormous paella like pan. If you love gooey cheese over a baked potato this is a must-try food in France.
2. French Cheese
When it comes to food to try in France cheese has to be on the French food list. There is just so much to choose from and you can buy the more popular French cheeses like Camembert, Roquefort (blue cheese)and Brie around the world. However, it’s the little gems that you find at the fromagerie ( cheese shops) that I love. The cheese that comes from Normandy is at the top of my list of famous food in France.
If you find yourself passing a shop like this go inside and ask to taste, or else head to a local supermarket and check out their selection. Some of my other favourite French cheeses are Tomme and freshly made fromages de chèvre (goat’s cheese).
3. Truffles
The earthy, funky, organic smell of truffles may put some people off, but f you can get past that try it. Steve proclaims not to like them, but when we were in Italy he was quite happy to enjoy a pasta laden with freshly shaved truffles.
Truffles or Truffe, known in France, are rare, seasonal, and expensive and used in classic French cuisine. There are two types, black and white, the black being the most expensive and sought after. Truffles are a type of fungus, like mushrooms, that occur naturally in wooded areas near oak trees.
Specially trained dogs or pigs are used to hunt them down. The classic French dishes that are made using truffles include foie gras with truffles and scrambled egg or omelettes topped with generous shavings of truffle.
4. Baguettes
Baguettes have to be one of the most popular foods in France. When it comes to traditional French food you have to try a baguette. Not all bread is created equally and baguettes in France are the perfect example. You may see loaves of bread that look like a baguette, but in fact, might be a baton. What’s the difference?
There is a specific requirement that was legislated in 1993 that a baguette needs to be made on the premises where they are sold. They may not be frozen or contain any additives or preservatives and may only contain 4 ingredients: wheat flour, water, salt and yeast. There is even a competition in France each year for the best traditional baguette. That’s just how serious the French are about their bread and for me one of the best things to eat in France.
5. Croissants
Another of the most popular foods in France has to be croissants. This is another traditional French food that has made its way around the world. I always love croissants, but over the years I have had more bad or average croissants than good. Of course, if you buy them from a French bakery, they are probably going to be as good, but that rich, buttery flakiness of the pastry is hard to find anywhere else.
The smell, when I walk into a boulangerie in the morning, has me instantly starving. Not only do I come away with regular croissants, but I have to buy a couple with the rich almond filling (aux amandes) as well. What a great way to start the day. YUM!
6. Snails AKA Escargots
Another seasonal favourite and traditional food for France is snails. Some of the best snails in France come from the Burgundy region. They are prepared differently from those you will find in Portugal or Spain.
Snails in France are served with rich parsley and garlic butter sauce that is finger-licking good. All you need is a couple of bits of baguette to mop up the sauce.
Escargots are often served as an appetiser. If you haven’t tried snails before be daring and enjoy one of the famous French foods. It is an unforgettable foodie experience.
The Christmas market has some of the best escargot in Paris.
7. Coq au vin (Chicken Cooked In Red Wine)
Coq au vin is another famous French dish that has its origins in a promise King Henri IV (1553 – 1610) made. He promised them “a chicken in every pot”, or at least that’s how the story goes and so a new dish was born.
It is one of the classic French foods to try. Coq-au-vin (rooster in wine) was traditionally from Burgundy. I prefer the version that comes from Alsace where Riesling is used. It is lighter in colour and has a more delicate flavour.
This succulent chicken dish has similar ingredients to Boeuf Bourguignon with onions, garlic, lardons and mushrooms. The easy part is letting it cook slowly over low heat. The longer you cook the dish the more intense the flavours become and the softer the meat. When it comes to famous French food this has to be high up on the list.
8. Bouillabaisse
I am not sure whether to describe this as a seafood soup or a stew. Bouillabaisse is popular throughout France and has to be featured on the list of famous dishes of France., The best examples can be found on the coast around Marseilles which is a classic example of French cuisine.
This is another simple dish that fishermen created. There are usually at least four types of fish and shellfish used to make this rich soupy stew as well as herbs grown in the south of France. Additional ingredients include egg yolk, mustard and tomatoes. This is one of the French meals that you should not miss especially if you like seafood.
9. Boeuf Bourguignon – Most Famous Food in France
No list of French food is complete without including this winter warmer that has its origins in the Burgundy region. Boeuf Bourguignon is a French stew made with beef braised in beef stock and red wine, naturally from the Burgundy region. Carrots, garlic, onions and a bouquet garni (fresh herbs tied together) are cooked slowly resulting in a hearty beef stew.
This is one of the recipes that Julia Child included in her first book Mastering the Art of French Cooking and it is a French national dish. Typically it is served with creamy mashed potatoes.
It a a good idea to enjoy a glass of good-quality red wine with this classic French dish.
10. French Onion Soup (Soupe à l’Oignon)
A version of this soup has been around since Roman times and is one of the most popular French foods to try. The modern form originated in Paris in the 18th century. The onions are caramelized slowly then meat stock and thyme are added. A slice of baguette topped with grated melted cheese finishes the dish. Here’s a delicious recipe by David Leibovitz that you might like to try.
11. Quiche Lorraine
Whenever I travel, I try and limit myself to eating local specialities only. I know that you might be thinking that a quiche is not that exciting but you would be wrong. The word “quiche” actually is German in origin from the word “kuchen” meaning cake.
This part of France was under German rule in the distant past and was known as Lorraine, and that’s how it became known as Quiche Lorraine. Originally the crust was made from bread dough, but this evolved into the lightest, melt-in-your-mouth pasty in the 20th century. The creamy, rich filling is made with gruyere cheese, lardons, onions and nutmeg. It just takes one bite of the real thing to know just how good quiche can really be.
It’s usually served warm for either lunch or dinner, but can also be enjoyed as a classic French entree.
12. Crêpes and Galettes
Crêpes originated in Brittany, but are popular throughout France. It is one of the famous foods in France that you have to try, Eating crêpes in France somehow always tastes better than it does at home. A good crepe is very thin and my favourite version is filled with chocolate. A simpler version is folded into a quarter size and is sprinkled with sugar (au sucre) or drizzled with lemon (au citron).
What is a galette?
A galette is another form of crêpe, made with buckwheat flour and is greyish in colour. These are the pancakes that traditionally have savoury fillings like ham, cheese or andouille, but these days if you visit a creperie you will find more creative fillings.
13. Cassoulet – bean and sausage casserole
Cassoulet, another traditional French food, originates in the Languedoc region in the south of France. It is a slow-cooked casserole that contains white beans, and duck. Pork sausage, mutton and sometimes goose.
The slow cooking makes the meat meltingly tender. It’s the perfect meal for a winter’s day served with a bit of crusty French bread.
There are slightly different versions depending on which town you try the dish. In Carcassonne, for example, they double the portion of mutton while in Castelnaudary duck confit is used instead of mutton and this is the version I prefer.
14. Steak Tartare
This is the perfect dish for meat lovers and it requires no cooking! It is an excellent example of simple and delicious French cuisine.
The finest quality raw meat ( I use fillet steak) is finely chopped, by hand, and seasoned. Onions, capers, cornichons and a raw egg are added to complete the dish. Only the best quality of beef can be used for this classic French dish.
I know it sounds a bit like it’s the perfect meal for carnivores, but it’s one of the famous French foods that’s delicious and may surprise you. It is also one of the foods from France that is easy to prepare at home.
On a recent trip to London, I had lunch at the Savoy Grill and ordered steak tartare. Here’s the Gordon Ramsay Savoy Grill recipe for steak tartare that I use to make it at home.
15. Macarons
No list of food in France would be complete without including macarons. Macarons, in France, are made with almond flour, egg white and sugar and sandwiched together with a buttercream or ganache. They come in a vast array of colours and flavours.
Good macarons need to be crisp on the outside and slightly chewy inside, but at the same time need to melt in your mouth. I can’t get enough of these heavenly bites when I am in Paris, but sadly they don’t transport or store well so you need to eat them on the day that you buy them.
French Food FAQ
Here are a couple of answers to some of the questions commonly asked about Frenc food,
What is the traditional food of France?
This is open to debate, but I think that the most traditional food of Frane is the baguette. The baguette is part of daily life in France. It is a staple on French tables and an essential component of classic French dishes.
What is a typical French breakfast?
A traditional French breakfast often consists of a croissant or pain au chocolat (chocolate-filled pastry), accompanied by a baguette with butter and jam. It may also include coffee or hot chocolate. In some regions, people might have yoghurt or fresh fruit as well.
What is a cheese course in a French meal?
A cheese course, or “fromage” course, is a quintessential part of a traditional French meal. It typically follows the main course and is eaten before dessert.
What is the difference between a boulangerie and a pâtisserie?
A boulangerie is a bakery that specializes in bread, while a pâtisserie is a pastry shop that focuses on sweet pastries, cakes, and desserts. Some establishments may offer both.
What is the significance of wine in French cuisine?
Wine is an integral part of French cuisine and culture. It is often paired with meals to enhance flavours. France is famous for producing some of the world’s finest wines.
What is a “charcuterie board” in French cuisine?
A charcuterie board is a selection of cured meats, pâtés, and terrines, often served with bread or crackers.
Food Tours in France
One of the best ways to enjoy French food is to join a food tour. I’ve listed some of the best food tours in France to inspire you.
Recommended food tours in France
- From Paris: Day Trip to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch
- From Bordeaux: St-Emilion Vineyards e-Bike Tour with Wine & Lunch
- From Aix-en-Provence: Provencal Market Walking Tour with Tastings
- Paris: Create Macarons with Pâtisserie Chef Noémie
- Paris: 3-Hour Chocolate & Patisserie Walking Tour
- Dijon: Cheese and Wine Pairing Session
Remember that French cuisine is diverse and regional. So whether you’re strolling through the bustling markets of Paris, savouring seafood on the Normandy coast, or relishing rustic fare in the heart of Provence, the French foods highlighted here are just a taste of the culinary delights that await you in this gourmet heaven.
More To Read
- Normandy:A food lovers guide to the delicious food in Normandy
- Normandy:14 Memorable things to do in Normandy, France
- Champagne:Beyond Bubbles: Discover the hidden gems of the Champagne Region of France
- French Wine: Unlocking the secrets of the French wine regions
- Paris:Delicious foodie gifts from Paris, France
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