In France, the cuisine is so rich and diverse that it’s impossible to pick just 10 dishes that are representative of it.
If you’re going there for the first time or for a vacation, here are 10 traditional french dishes that you can’t miss!
Boeuf Bourguignon
There are few French dishes more iconic than Boeuf Bourguignon. This rich, beef stew is slow-cooked in red wine and aromatic vegetables, resulting in a dish that is packed with flavor. While it may take some time to prepare, Boeuf Bourguignon is well worth the effort and is sure to impress your dinner guests.
Quiche Lorraine
A classic French dish, quiche Lorraine is a savory custard pie typically made with eggs, cream, and bacon. The dish is named for the region in France where it originated, and it is one of the most popular quiches in the country. Quiche Lorraine can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and it is often served at brunch or lunch.
Coq au Vin
There are few French dishes more iconic than coq au vin. This rustic dish of chicken cooked in wine is deeply rooted in French culture, and its rich flavor is sure to satisfy your taste buds. While it may seem like a complicated dish to prepare, coq au vin is actually quite simple. All you need is a good bottle of red wine, some fresh herbs, and a little patience.
When it comes to choosing a wine for coq au vin, you want to pick something with a bit of body that can stand up to the stewing process. A Burgundy or Bordeaux will do nicely. As for the chicken, you can use any cut you like, but thighs and drumsticks are traditionally used in this dish.
The key to making the perfect coq au vin is to cook it low and slow. That way, the chicken has time to absorb all of the flavors from the wine and herbs, and the sauce reduces down into a thick, rich gravy. Serve your coq au vin over some hearty mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, and enjoy!
Tourte aux Raisins et Amandes
One of the best French dishes to try when you visit is tourte aux raisins et amandes. This dish is a sweet tart made with raisins, almonds, and puff pastry. It is typically served as a dessert, but can also be enjoyed as a breakfast or snack.
This dish is believed to date back to the 18th century, when it was created by the Duke of Richelieu. The Duke was known for his love of sweets, and is said to have created this dish as a way to use up leftover raisins and almonds.
This tart can be found in many bakeries across France, and is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraiche. If you are looking for a truly authentic experience, try this tart at one of the many famous bakeries in Paris such as La Maison du Chocolat or Pierre Hermé.
Cassoulet à la Toulousaine
Cassoulet à la Toulousaine is a traditional dish from the south of France that is made with beans, meat (usually pork or duck), and vegetables. The dish is slow-cooked in a pot (usually earthenware) for several hours, which allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, hearty meal. While cassoulet can be found in other parts of France, it is most commonly associated with the city of Toulouse.
Salade Niçoise
There are few dishes more French than the classic Salade Niçoise. This dish originates from the city of Nice on the French Riviera, and is a staple of Provençal cuisine. A traditional Salade Niçoise is made with tomatoes, olives, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, and tuna fish. It is typically dressed with a vinaigrette made of olive oil and vinegar.
While the ingredients in a Salade Niçoise are simple, the key to making this dish great is using high-quality ingredients. The tomatoes should be ripe and flavorful, the olives should be fresh and salty, and the tuna should be extra virgin olive oil packed. If you can find all of these ingredients, you’re sure to make a delicious Salade Niçoise that will transport you to the French Riviera.
Soupe à l’Oignon
When it comes to French food, there are a few dishes that stand out above the rest. One of those dishes is soupe à l’oignon, or French onion soup. This soup is made with beef broth, onions, and croutons, and is topped with cheese. It’s a hearty dish that is perfect for a winter meal.
Crepes Suzette
Crepes Suzette is a classic French dish made with crepes, butter, sugar, and Grand Marnier. The crepes are usually served with a orange sauce and vanilla ice cream.
This dish is said to have been created by accident in 1895 at the Café Anglais in Paris. Henri Charpentier, the 16-year-old assistant waiter, was preparing a dessert for the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII of England) and his companions. He accidentally set the dish on fire, but instead of being angry, the Prince loved it!
Henri later became a famous chef and wrote about the dish in his autobiography. He said that he named it after a young woman he was in love with at the time, Suzanne Massiot.
Quiche Provençale
This is a classic French quiche that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with a savory pastry crust and filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, Gruyère cheese, and ham. The quiche is then baked until golden brown and served warm.
Croque Monsieur
Croque monsieur is a classic French dish that consists of a toasted sandwich with ham and cheese. The sandwich is then topped with a béchamel sauce and more cheese, and baked until golden brown. This dish is typically served with a side of salad or fries.
Why are these particular French dishes the best of the best?
There are a few different reasons why these French dishes are the best of the best. For one, they are all incredibly flavorful and will leave you wanting more. Additionally, each dish is representative of a different region in France, so you’ll be able to get a taste of the country’s diverse cuisine. And lastly, these dishes are all relatively easy to make, so you can enjoy them even if you’re not a experienced cook.
So without further ado, here are the best French dishes to try when you visit:
1. Coq au vin – This dish is a classic French chicken stew that is cooked in red wine and garlic. It’s rich and flavorful, and perfect for a winter meal.
2. Bouillabaisse – A seafood stew originating from the port city of Marseille, bouillabaisse is loaded with fish, shellfish, and potatoes. It’s typically served with bread and rouille (a garlic mayonnaise), making it a hearty and filling meal.
3. Cassoulet – Another winter favorite, cassoulet is a rich stew made with beans, meat (usually pork or sausage), and vegetables. It’s hearty and comforting, and will definitely stick to your ribs.
4. Croque monsieur – A simple yet delicious sandwich made with ham and cheese on crusty bread, the croque monsieur is often considered one of France’s national dishes.
How can you make this dish at home for a fraction of the cost?
If you’re looking to try some of the best French dishes without spending a fortune, there are plenty of ways to make them at home for a fraction of the cost. Here are a few tips:
-Skip the expensive cuts of meat and opt for cheaper alternatives like chicken or ground beef.
-Make your own sauces and seasonings instead of buying them premade.
-Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, and buy in bulk to save money.
-Get creative with leftovers – turn them into new meals or freeze them for later.
With a little effort, you can enjoy all the flavor of French cuisine without blowing your budget. So what are you waiting for? Start cooking!
Is it worth it to invest in a cookbook before visiting France?
If you’re planning on spending any time in France, or if you’re simply interested in trying some authentic French dishes, then investing in a good cookbook is definitely worth it. There are many different regional cuisines within France, so a cookbook can help you narrow down which dishes to try depending on where you’ll be visiting.
Additionally, even if you don’t plan on cooking while in France, a cookbook can still be a great way to learn about the country’s food culture and discover new recipes to try when you get home. So whether you’re an experienced chef or a complete novice, investing in a quality cookbook is always a good idea when preparing for a trip to France.
When you visit France, there are a few dishes that you absolutely must try. From the classic French onion soup to the decadent chocolate mousse, these 10 dishes are sure to leave you wanting more. So next time you find yourself in France, be sure to sample some of these amazing dishes — your taste buds will thank you!
