France is famous not just for its historical and cultural heritage but also for its culinary expertise, which makes it a top destination for foodies. French dishes are recognisable for their variety of fresh ingredients, simple herbs, and delightful flavours. They showcase the cultural and historical values of ancient regions of France in detail.
Its popular cuisines, such as Croissants, Quiche Lorraine, Crêpes, Coq au vin, etc., inspire new and modern food recipes worldwide. This is why French food has its own significant worth and offers a delightful experience. In this article, all the top French cuisines that you must try during your visit are highlighted.
Top 10 Famous Food in France
Here is the list of the top 10 foods that you must try in France:
- Croissant
- Quiche Lorraine
- Crêpes
- Coq au Vin
- Beef Bourguignon (Boeuf Bourguignon)
- Ratatouille
- Tarte Tatin
- Macarons
- Camembert en Croute
- Éclair
1. Croissant
This is the top famous food in France and is named after its crescent-like appearance. The pastry’s shape is inspired by the Austrian kipferl, which is also a crescent-shaped bread roll. Croissant has a flaky texture, having multiple layers of dough with butter between each layer. Croissants are famous not just in France but worldwide, and they are available in different variants. In France and Spain, they are usually served without any filling. In other countries, such as the United States and Germany, they are preferred with different fillings like chocolate, almond paste, spinach, cheese, etc.
The first step is to make dough using flour, water, in-dough fat, yeast, salt, and sugar. The next step is the lamination of pre-dough and butter to give the pastry a traditional multi-layered structure. Fermentation is done for around 30 minutes, expanding the dough more than twice the original, and at the end, it is baked for 12 to 20 minutes. Croissant making is not a piece of cake, and only experts can prepare the perfect flaky texture with maximum layers. Le Moulin de la Croix Nivert, The French Bastards – Saint-Denis, La Vieille France, etc, are famous bakeries in Paris that offer authentic croissants with different fillings.
2. Quiche Lorraine
This dish originated in the 16th century from the French region Lorraine and has undergone various transformations. The modern Quiche is available with cheese on top of the tart. Some of the key ingredients of Quiche Lorraine are eggs, thick cream, and ham or bacon. This recipe is equally famous for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is often served with brioche rolls, potato wedges, roasted cabbage steaks, greek fries, etc.
Quiche Lorraine is an enriched source of protein and starchy carbohydrates and helps with weight gain with its ingredients like butter and cheese. It is served at room temperature, but in various regions, it is preferred when slightly chilled. Some of the top restaurants in Paris for enjoying this traditional recipe are Wine Therapy Bar à Vins, A. Lacroix Patissier, Sathees, La Couleur des Blés, etc.
3. Crêpes
Crêpes are commonly available street food in France and are also on the list of popular food in France. This dish is easy to cook and requires just a few minutes to serve. You must prepare its batter and then spread it on a greasy pan. Cooking for 4 to 5 seconds is enough to make them ready. Crepes are also healthy in offering a variety of nutrients, protein and fibers depending upon the toppings you choose alongside. That is why, they are often enjoyed as breakfast with different fruits and vegetables alongside. They are prepared using less oil to be a good choice for weight loss.
Some of the key ingredients that are used to make the dough of these French-style pancakes are wheat flour or buckwheat flour, milk, eggs, etc. They come in both sweet and savory flavors. Sweet variants are made with wheat flour and savory ones with buckwheat. Common toppings are whipped cream, fresh fruits, meat, sauces, etc. Le Bac à Glaces, La Crêperie du Clown, Les Crêpes de Louis-Marie, Crêperie Little Breizh, etc., are some of the authentic cafes for enjoying crepes in Paris.
4. Coq au Vin
This is another French dish that is famous for its unique ingredients like wine, lardons, mushrooms, and garlic. Commonly used wines for this recipe are Burgundy wine, coq au vin jaune, coq au riesling, coq au pourpre, coq au Champagne, etc. The chicken is braised in wine until it becomes tender. Some of the common spices that are used for enhancing the flavours are salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, etc.
This dish also has multiple variants, and the ingredients vary accordingly. The authentic recipe is based on red wine using button mushrooms. However, in recipes where vin jaune is used, morels are used in place of white mushrooms. Although alcohol is a permanent ingredient in making this traditional dish, it is still not harmful. The long cooking and simmering processes neutralise the alcohol, making it safer for everyone. Some of the key restaurants that are offering this French dish in different styles are Le Calife, Le Coq, Le Coq & Fils, La Jacobine, etc.
5. Beef Bourguignon (Boeuf Bourguignon)
If you are looking for an authentic beef stew with all the right flavours, then try out Beef Bourguignon. This French dish takes a lot of hours to cook, but the end result is irresistible. On the basis of its delightful and velvety taste, it is also labelled as the mother of all stews, It is highly popular in France and nearby regions. The key ingredients are beef, bacon lardons, carrots, onions, mushrooms, red wine sauce, etc. It is a healthy food option as it is an enriched source of protein, iron and potassium.
The secret step that is behind a delightful stew is the marination of beef overnight in the red wine. This way, more flavours are infused into the meat, and you will enjoy next-level Beef Bourguignon. This traditional recipe is often served with mashed potatoes and cabbage wedges to add more flavour and nutrients. Le Cafe du Musees, Au Bourguignon Du Marais, Le Clos Bourguignon, Joséphine Chez Dumonet, etc, are some famous food points in Paris that offer this beef stew in its finest form.
6. Ratatouille
This healthy French dish contains various ingredients, such as eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, herbs, garlic, onion, and carrots. The idea for this dish was given by French farmers in the 18th century. As Ratatouille is full of vegetables, it offers multiple nutrients like dietary fiber, potassium, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, etc.
There are different variants of the French dish, such as Classic Ratatouille, Ratatouille Pappardelle, Spiralized Ratatouille, and Chicken Ratatouille. Each one has unique flavours depending upon the ingredients. Some of the widely used accompaniments with this main meal are crusty bread, fresh salad, pasta, mashed potatoes, quinoa, and rice.
There are multiple restaurants that are offering this recipe in both old and modern versions. Some highly recommended places in Paris for this French dish are Le Bistro Marbeuf, Le Bosquet, LeTemps des Cerises, La Rotonde, and Le Florimond.
7. Tarte Tatin
This apple tart has a flakey pie dough base, and caramelized apples are set underneath the dough. Some other ingredients that are part of this dessert are sugar and butter. This recipe was invented by mistake by a restaurant run by two sisters named Caroline Tatin, and Stéphanie Tatin in the 19th century. Behind their names, it was named Tarte Tatin. You can call it an apple pie and currently it is enjoyed in both sweet and savory flavours.
Tarte Tatin is often served with tea and coffee, and multiple cafes and restaurants offer authentic recipes. Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie, L’Auberge des Deux Ponts, La Fontaine de Mars, La Jacobine, etc., are the finest names offering this French food in both traditional and modern ways.
8. Macarons
This is one of the finest desserts that is famous worldwide with its origin in France. Macarons consist of two almond meringue discs. In between these discs, various fillings are applied like jam or buttercream.
Macarons are not just eaten as dessert; rather, they have multiple health benefits. For weight-conscious people, macarons are a good choice as they are low in calories and contain fewer carbohydrates and cholesterol. Also, they are an enriched source of protein and help improve immunity.
Some of the key flavous that you can enjoy in this dessert are raspberry, chocolate, vanilla, lemon, rose, Vanilla-raspberry, etc. In Paris, you can enjoy this dessert from food points like Pierre Hermé Bonaparte, Maison Georges Larnicol, Pâtisserie Stohrer, Laduree, etc.
9. Camembert en Croûte
If you are a cheese lover and looking for an authentic food option to satisfy your carvings, then this is the right recipe. Camembert en Croute is another popular French dish composed of puff pastry and camembert, which is cow’s milk cheese. Some of the other ingredients are thyme, egg, watercress, cherry tomatoes, cranberry jelly, etc. It is a good source of protein, fibre, and carbohydrates and one of the healthiest French cuisines with its camembert ingredient.
This cheese-based dish is often enjoyed along with buttery caramelised pears and walnuts. It is quite easy and quick to bake at home, or you can try it by exploring fine-quality French restaurants. The top picks to have Camembert en Croute in its original form are iPedzouille L’Etable, Le Petit Pontoise, Chez Fernand Christine, La Jacobine, L’Empreinte, A La Cloche D’or, etc.
10. Éclair
This is one of the top French desserts, famous worldwide. Antonin Carême is a French chef who invented it in the 19th century. Its main ingredients are a pastry bun, chocolate topping, and whipping cream. It is enjoyed as a side dish with tea or coffee. You can also enjoy it for breakfast as it has healthy ingredients, or you may choose its nutty version to enhance the nutrients and the overall flavour.
Different restaurants and cafes are offering this French dessert in France and it is famous all over the world. People love to try this dessert in flavours like milk chocolate, hazelnut, dark chocolate, and traditional eclair. The overall texture of the desert doesn’t not change and its flavors are dependent upon the toppings. Boulangerie Pâtisserie l’Équilibre, Bopain, Bulle, Sain Gravilliers, etc., are some authentic food points in Paris that are offering it in unique flavors for the ultimate pleasure.
Conclusion
France is a perfect location to enjoy a diverse dining experience by trying a variety of snacks, meals, desserts, etc. Whether you go for its savory dishes or sweet treats, every single food is packed with nutrients and offers heavenly flavours.
This country is also reliable in terms of its top-notch food points, including cafes and restaurants, which use the finest ingredients and spices in their recipes. You can enjoy international food brands or local points to try out both French and other cuisines. Here, some of the top French culinary delights are mentioned that are worth trying for the ultimate dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Food in France?
Pot-au-feu is the national dish of France, made with meat and different vegetables. Beef is commonly used to prepare this dish, and it also has different variations based on regional differences.
Is Food in France Available at Affordable Prices?
Generally, food in France is more expensive than in other countries, and a meal for one person costs around €10.00 to €15.00. However, it also offers budget-friendly street food or takeout meals if you are on a tight budget.
What Do People in France Eat For Breakfast?
People in France usually consume croissants with butter for breakfast. Other common French breakfast items are baguettes, Tartines, and Viennese pastries. Fresh fruit juice and hot coffee or tea are also essential.
What Desserts Are Popular in France?
France is famous in the world for its variety of sweet treats, and some of its finest desserts are Crème brûlée, Chocolate Soufflé, The Mille-Feuille, Fruit Tarts, Tarte Tatin, etc.
What Beverages Are Famous In France?
France is famous for its variety of beverages, including wines, hot drinks, cocktails, etc. Some of the most commonly used are Cognac, Absinthe, Armagnac, Bourgogne, Bordeaux, etc.
What Is the Most Popular Restaurant in Paris?
Paris is the hub of various restaurants and top-notch cafes offering French, Italian, and other cuisines. Some of its popular food points are Assanabel Paris, Bistrot Instinct, Naï Naï, Boutary Restaurant, Akabeko Restaurant, and Bistro Chez Pradel.
