Are you planning to try Best Foods to Try in France? If so, you know that one of the best ways to experience the culture is through its food. But with so many dishes to choose from, where do you begin?
France is rightly known as a paradise for foodies. From traditional provincial dishes to Michelin-starred haute cuisine, there are some delicious culinary delights to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for classic cheese, savory pastries, or hearty stews, French cuisine has something for everyone.
If you want a real taste of France on your next vacation, here are some of the best foods and drinks you should try while visiting la belle France. You’ll find something to please even the fussiest palate!
Foie Gras
Foie gras is a luxurious French dish made from the fattened liver of a duck or goose. It is considered an upscale delicacy and often controversial due to its production methods. Foie gras is typically served as an appetizer but can be expensive. The dish originates from France’s southwestern region and is often served as a pate alone or with a baguette or toast, as well as seared with a savory sauce.
The best places to enjoy foie gras in Paris and Strasbourg are Bistrot des Oies and Edouard Artzner shop respectively. Both restaurants offer exquisite dishes that showcase the delicate flavors of this luxurious dish. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or just want to treat yourself to something special, these two establishments are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Enjoying foie gras in either of these locations will surely make your trip to France even more memorable.
Pain au chocolat
Pain au chocolat is a classic French pastry that is sure to impress your friends and family. It is made with a baguette, which is the national bread of France, and filled with dark chocolate, eggs, liqueur, heavy whipping cream, and sugar. The baguette has a crisp golden crust and soft chewy crumb that make it irresistible. Pain au chocolat can be enjoyed for breakfast or as part of a sandwich with cheese to experience the full flavor of French cuisine.
Making pain au chocolat is surprisingly easy. All you need to do is cut the baguette into slices, spread the filling over each slice, roll them up into individual pastries and bake them in the oven until golden brown. The result is an indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth! Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for an extra special treat. Pain au chocolat is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Bouillabaisse
Boeuf Bourguignon is a classic French dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made with a fatty cut of beef, dry pinot noir, and fresh vegetables. The name comes from the famed red wine from the Burgundy region of France. Patience is key for success as it should be left overnight before serving to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Another popular French dish is Bouillabaisse, which was created by fishermen to use bony rockfish that couldn’t be sold. Common ingredients in bouillabaisse include mussels, crabmeat, and lobster. The dish varies depending on the season, household, or restaurant but usually includes a combination of fish and shellfish cooked in a flavorful broth with herbs and spices. It’s an excellent way to enjoy seafood without having to worry about buying expensive cuts of fish.
Croque Monsieur
The Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that can be found in Parisian bars and cafes. It is made with white bread, ham, Gruyère cheese, and a béchamel sauce. The sandwich can be grilled in the oven or pan-fried in a skillet until the cheese melts, then topped with more béchamel sauce. This combination creates an unforgettable flavor experience that will have you coming back for more.
A Croque Madame is the same as a Croque Monsieur but with an egg added on top. Both versions can also be made open-faced for a lighter meal. The addition of velvety béchamel sauce makes this sandwich even more special and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or something to satisfy your hunger, the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame are sure to hit the spot!
Cassoulet
Cassoulet is a classic French dish that has been around for centuries. Originating from the town of Castelnaudary, this hearty bean-centric ragout is made with various ingredients depending on the region. Common ingredients include duck confit, pork, sausage, mutton, and a breadcrumb topping. This traditional dish can take hours to prepare but Susan from The View From Great Island has created an easy Cassoulet recipe that can be made in just one hour. Her recipe takes Cassoulet back to its simpler roots and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. All you need are some basic ingredients like white beans, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and herbs and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make this classic French dish at home, head over to The View From Great Island for Susan’s simple Cassoulet recipe.
Gratin Dauphinois
Gratin Dauphinois is a classic French dish originating from the Dauphine region in southeast France. It is a simple yet delicious dish that consists of thin potato slices, butter, cream, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. The potatoes are layered in an oven-safe dish and then baked until golden brown. Authentic versions omit eggs or cheese; however, some grated Gruyère may be added according to the Larousse Gastronomique.
The key to making Gratin Dauphinois is to ensure that the potatoes are thinly sliced and evenly distributed throughout the dish. This allows for even cooking and ensures that each bite contains creamy potatoes with a hint of garlic and nutmeg. The cream adds richness while the butter helps to create a crispy top layer when cooked in the oven. Gratin Dauphinois can be served as a side dish or as a main course with some fresh vegetables or salad on the side. It is sure to please
Crêpe
Crêpes are a popular French dish that originated from the Brittany region. They can be savory or sweet, filled with ingredients such as ham, cheese, egg, sugar, jam or chocolate spread. The French celebrate “Day of Crêpes” on February 2nd each year and families often enjoy crêpes as a main course or dessert. Crêpes are a popular street food found in street carts, kiosks, and restaurants. Sweet crêpes can be filled with fruit, ice cream, and Nutella while savory crêpes can be filled with cheese, ham, veggies, and more.
Popular places to try crêpes include Breizh Café in Paris which serves traditional Breton-style crêpes made with buckwheat flour. Holybelly is another great place to try delicious sweet and savory crêpes in Paris. Chez Alain Miam Miam is a restaurant located in the south of France that
Baguettes
The baguette is a classic French food, characterized by its long, golden crust and chewy interior. It is best enjoyed plain, straight from the bakery oven. The crunchy exterior and soft interior make it enjoyable to eat plain or with butter or cheese for a delicious snack or meal. Baguettes are popular worldwide, but in Paris, two shops stand out for their award-winning and delicious baguettes: Boulangerie 2M and La Maison d’Isabelle.
Baguettes are an iconic part of French culture and cuisine, having been around since the 18th century. They are made with wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes oil or butter. The dough is kneaded until it becomes elastic before being shaped into a long loaf that is then baked in an oven at high temperatures. This creates the signature golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Baguettes can be enjoyed as part of a meal
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a traditional dish from Provence, France that is vegan and vegetarian-friendly. It is a French stew made without meat, consisting of chopped vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, zucchini, and eggplant cooked in olive oil and topped with melted cheese. Ratatouille can be served as an accompaniment to fish or meat dishes, making it an ideal meal for those who are looking for a delicious yet healthy option.
If you’re looking for the best ratatouille in France, then look no further than Miznon in Paris. This restaurant offers some of the most delicious ratatouille around. Other popular spots include Le Petit Bistrot in Montpellier and Illia Pasta in Nice. Ratatouille is a Mediterranean dish that can be enjoyed when visiting France, so make sure to try it out if you get the chance!
Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine is a classic French brunch item that originated from the Lothringen region. It consists of a butter crust and savory egg custard, with bacon or ham, eggs, onions, milk or cream, and cheese added for flavor. This dish has become popular worldwide and can be found in various forms with different flavor combinations. Cafe Angelina in Paris is known for its version of Quiche Lorraine which has a lot of bacon.
The combination of ingredients creates a unique balance between sweet and savory flavors. The buttery crust provides a crunchy texture while the egg custard gives it a creamy consistency. The addition of bacon or ham adds an extra layer of saltiness to the dish while the onions provide an earthy taste. Milk or cream adds richness to the quiche while cheese brings out its cheesy goodness. All these components come together to create an unforgettable brunch experience that will leave you wanting more!
Soufflé au Fromage
Soufflé au Fromage is a classic French dessert that is sure to please any palate. This delicious dish is made with simple ingredients like egg whites, butter, flour, and sugar combined with cheese. The most common cheeses used are Emmental or Gruyère for their rich flavor and creamy texture. French food is known for its combination of flavors and unique preparation techniques, but it doesn’t have to be complicated to make a great-tasting dish. With the right ingredients and some basic cooking skills, anyone can make a delicious soufflé au fromage in their own kitchen.
The key to making a perfect soufflé au Fromage lies in the technique used when combining the ingredients. It’s important to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks before folding them into the cheese mixture. Once all of the ingredients are combined, it should be poured into an oven-safe dish and baked until golden brown on top. The result will be a light
and fluffy soufflé with a cheesy center that is sure to delight.
Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert that is made with puff pastry, apples, butter, and sugar. This delicious tart originated in the Loire Valley in France and has become popular all over the world. The tart is usually served warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top. It can also be enjoyed as a snack or light dessert.
The afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tarte Tatin is a simple yet delicious dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone. The tart is made by layering the puff pastry dough, apples, butter, and sugar in an oven-safe dish before baking it in the oven. The result is a sweet and savory tart with a crunchy crust and soft apples inside. It tart is made by first caramelizing the apples in butter and sugar before adding the puff pastry on top. The tart is then baked until golden brown and served warm. The combination of sweet apples, buttery puff pastry, and caramelized sugar creates a unique flavor that is sure to please any palate.
Boeuf Bourguignon
Boeuf Bourguignon is a classic French stew made with beef, mushrooms, carrots, onions, and red wine. This hearty dish is usually served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles and it’s sure to warm you up on a cold winter night. The key to making Boeuf Bourguignon is to cook the beef slowly in the red wine until it is tender and juicy. The mushrooms, carrots, and onions are then added to the stew and cooked until they are soft and flavorful.
Boeuf Bourguignon is a great dish to make for a special occasion or just for a cozy night in. The combination of flavors from the beef, mushrooms, carrots, onions and red wine creates an unforgettable flavor that will leave you wanting more. The beef is cooked slowly in the red wine, allowing all of the flavors to meld together and create a rich and flavorful stew. Boeuf Bourguignon is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
French onion soup
French onion soup is a classic French dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made with caramelized onions, and beef broth, and topped with croutons and melted cheese. The sweet flavor of the caramelized onions combined with the savory beef broth makes this soup a favorite among many.
The traditional recipe for French onion soup calls for yellow onions, butter, sugar, salt, and pepper. The onions are slowly cooked in butter until they are caramelized and sweet. The beef broth is then added to the pot and simmered for several hours. The soup is then topped with croutons and melted cheese before being served.
French onion soup is a great way to enjoy a classic French dish that is both comforting and delicious. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted cheese creates a flavor that is sure to please any palate. French onion soup is a great way to warm up on a cold winter night or enjoy it as an appetizer before a meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, France is home to some of the most delicious and unique dishes in the world. From Boeuf Bourguignon to Ratatouille to French onion soup, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Each dish has its own unique flavor and texture that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a hearty stew or a light vegetable dish, France has something for everyone. So why not take a trip to France and try some of these delicious dishes for yourself?
