12 Authentic French Dishes To Eat Like a Local
All recommendations on World Wild Schooling are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links.
We all know that French cuisine is iconic, but did you know that the French gastronomic meals and all the surrounding rituals have been a UNESCO Cultural Heritage since 2010? This alone should make you book that French vacation as a foodie.
While the UNESCO recognition goes a long way in telling you how French dishes are at the next level, there is more to it. Sampling French dishes is not just about how delicious they are but also an opportunity to enjoy recipes that have been passed down from one generation to another. It is an opportunity to learn about the culture and recipes the French have valued for centuries.
While there are a lot of “typically French” dishes to try, there are some must-tries you cannot afford to miss on your French vacation. That said, on your next French trip, we highly recommend skipping fast food restaurants and trying these 12 French dishes.
Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend
Which French dish tickles your taste?
This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.
© SEVENNINE 79 / Adobe Stock
© Oksanamedvedeva / Adobe Stock
© Qwartm / Adobe Stock
© Beataaldridge / Adobe Stock
© Aleksashka 89 / Adobe Stock
Results
1
2
3
4
5
Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin is a hearty French dish that showcases the country’s skill in transforming simple ingredients into rich, flavorful meals. Traditionally, it was a way to cook an old rooster (coq) to make it tender and delicious. This dish is made up of chicken (traditionally rooster), red wine (typically Burgundy), mushrooms, onions, garlic, bacon, and herbs.
Red wine provides a deep flavor to the dish, while bacon adds a smoky note. The herbs and garlic enhance the overall taste. The ingredients are systematically prepared, following a specific recipe for slow cooking and marination.
Coq au Vin is usually served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the rich sauce.
Many cafes and traditional French restaurants across France, especially in Burgundy, serve Coq au Vin. However, you will note slight variations from region to region, especially with the type of wine used and the additional ingredients included. All in all, wherever you eat coq au vin in France, it is an opportunity to sample the peak of authentic French dishes.
Read also: Small Towns in France
Boeuf Bourguignon
The recipe for Boeuf Bourguignon involves turning budget cuts of meat into a haute gourmet dish. It is another dish from the Burgundy region and traditionally uses the Burgundy Pinot Noir to add deep flavors to the stew. The dish is prepared with beef (preferably a tough cut like chuck or brisket), red wine (Burgundy), beef broth, carrots, onions, garlic, mushrooms, bacon, and herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley.
Boeuf Bourguignon is often served during special occasions, Sunday family dinners, or in winter for its warming qualities. However, it can be found in many local restaurants across the country. It is traditionally served with baguettes, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
Read also: Best European Destinations for Food Tours
Croque Monsieur
We cannot get enough of how French cuisine exemplifies the art of transforming simple everyday ingredients into an enriching gourmet experience. Croque Monsieur, a staple in French cafes and restaurants, is another perfect example of how innovative French cuisine can be.
Although there may be some recipe variations, Croque Monsieur is typically made of white bread, ham (preferably Paris ham), Gruyère or Emmental cheese, Dijon mustard, béchamel sauce (butter, flour, milk, nutmeg), and sometimes a hint of grated Parmesan. It is perfect for a quick lunch, a cafe snack, or maybe just a casual meal with friends.
Feeling a little more adventurous? Add a poached or fried egg to the croque monsieur, and you will have a Croque Madame instead.
Read also: Cheapest Places to Visit in France
Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine is a savory pie from the Lorraine region. It is known for its rich, creamy custard filling combined with the smoky flavor of bacon. Quiche Lorraine is typically made of shortcrust pastry, eggs, heavy cream, milk, bacon, onions, Gruyère or Emmental cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. The recipe is simple and can be easily followed for a homemade Quiche Lorraine.
It has become a loved dish, not just for its deliciousness but also for its versatility. It is appropriate for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s also famous for picnics and potlucks.
Many French bakeries, pâtisseries, and cafés serve Quiche Lorraine, often as part of their daily menu.
Read also: Awesome Street Foods To Try Across Europe
Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a traditional Provençal fish stew from Marseille. This dish combines various types of fish, shellfish, spices, and herbs, creating a Mediterranean dish you should not miss when exploring Southern France.
To narrow down to specifics, Bouillabaisse is made from a variety of Mediterranean fish (such as rascasse, sea robin, and conger), shellfish (mussels, clams, shrimp), tomatoes, onions, leeks, fennel, garlic, olive oil, saffron, and herbs. It is often enjoyed as a main meal, particularly for special occasions or festive gatherings. To fully appreciate it like the French, eat it with baguette and rouille, accompanied by a chilled white wine or rosé.
Read also: Best European Destinations for Coffee Aficionados
Ratatouille
Looking for vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes to try in France? Ratatouille is a great option. It is a classic Provençal vegetable stew, originally from Nice, known for its vibrant colors and fresh, wholesome flavors.
This typical Mediterranean cuisine is made with tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, and herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and basil). The vegetables are simmered to meld their flavors together, creating a rich, savory dish.
Save this
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
What makes it even more authentic is that during preparation, each type of vegetable is sautéed separately in olive oil to ensure even cooking and to develop their flavors. The sautéed vegetables are then combined in a pot, seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, and simmered together until tender. Some recipes layer the vegetables in a dish and bake them.
While Ratatouille is often served as a side dish, it is also eaten as a main course, especially for vegetarians.
Read also: Tasty Dishes To Discover on the Greek Islands
Duck à l’Orange (Canard à l’Orange)
Duck à l’Orange is a classic French dish that combines the richness of duck meat with the bright, tangy flavors of orange. It is a stand-out French dish, thanks to its perfect balance of savory and sweet.
The dish comprises duck (typically whole or breasts), oranges (juice and zest), sugar, vinegar, Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur, chicken or duck stock, and butter. It is usually served with side dishes such as roasted potatoes, green beans, or a light salad and pairs well with a robust red wine like Pinot Noir. Many fine dining establishments and traditional French restaurants serve Duck à l’Orange, especially those specializing in classic French cuisine.
Read also: Awesome Wine Destinations in France
Escargots à la Bourguignonne
Escargots à la Bourguignonne (Burgundy snails) is one of the best ways to enjoy snails, a meal that is considered classically French. The dish’s main ingredients include snails (typically Helix pomatia, also known as Burgundy snails), garlic, parsley, butter, shallots, and sometimes white wine. The snails are cooked in a mixture of garlic, butter, parsley, and shallots, creating a savory and garlicky flavor you cannot resist.
This dish offers a taste of traditional French gastronomy and is a must-try for adventurous eaters seeking to experience the full range of French cuisine. Typically eaten as an appetizer, Escargots à la Bourguignonne is not only an opportunity to sample bold flavors but also to create unforgettable memories in France.
Read also: European Destinations for Wine Lovers
Cassoulet
Cassoulet, which originated in Languedoc in Southern France, started out as a peasant dish but has now become a comfort food widely enjoyed throughout the country. This hearty dish is made from white beans, pork sausages, confit duck or goose (sometimes pork), pork belly or shoulder, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and sometimes breadcrumbs.
The dish is slow-cooked to develop deep flavors from the meats, beans, and aromatic vegetables, often flavored with herbs like thyme and bay leaves. For preparation, beans are typically soaked overnight and then cooked until tender. Meats are browned separately to render fat and develop flavor. The beans, meats (sausages, confit duck, pork), tomatoes, onions, and garlic are then layered in a deep casserole dish or pot to create Cassoulet, which is slowly cooked for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Some recipes call for stirring or topping with breadcrumbs during cooking to create a crusty top. Cassoulet is served in many traditional French restaurants, especially in the southwest part of the country.
Read also: Top Destinations Across the World for Foodies
Soupe à l’Oignon (French Onion Soup)
Traveling through France any time soon? Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy Soupe à l’Oignon, or French onion soup, which has become a comfort food typically enjoyed on chilly days. This soup is known for its rich, caramelized onion flavor, which goes a long way in salvaging the cold. The soup creatively combines onions (typically yellow onions), beef broth, white wine, butter, thyme, bay leaves, garlic, crusty bread (baguette), Gruyère cheese or another cheese suitable for melting to create a deep savory flavor.
French onion soup is often enjoyed as a starter or light meal and is served hot, straight from the oven. You can always order it in many restaurants across the country or get a recipe online and make it from home.
Read also: Amazing Delicacies To Try When in the Caribbean Islands
Pâté de Foie Gras
Often served as an appetizer in fine dining restaurants, pâté de foie gras is a French delicacy made from the liver of a fattened duck or goose. It is highly prized for its rich and buttery flavor. Besides duck or goose liver(foie gras), this dish comprises butter, cognac or Armagnac, herbs, and spices like salt and pepper.
The dish is served cold or at room temperature as an appetizer or starter, often with toasted brioche or baguette slices and a sweet accompaniment like fig jam or onion marmalade. You can always enjoy pâté de foie gras in restaurants, cafes and markets.
Read also: Perfect Foodie Destinations in the States
Tarte Tatin
Have a sweet tooth? Tarte Tatin is a treat you cannot afford to miss when touring France. Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert featuring caramelized apples and buttery pastry. This upside-down tart is named after the Tatin sisters, who allegedly created the dish by accident at their hotel in Lamotte-Beuvron, in France’s Centre-Val de Loire region.
This delicacy is made from apples (traditionally firm varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn), butter, sugar, and puff pastry or shortcrust pastry. The caramelized apples, cooked in butter and sugar, form a topping for the crisp, buttery pastry. To best enjoy this dessert, you can accompany it with vanilla ice cream.
You will also love how straightforward it is to prepare Tarte Tatin. You can find a simple recipe online and follow it or enjoy it from establishments that bake and sell it, like bakeries.
Read also: Greek Dishes To Try for Authentic Greek Gastronomic Experience
Pin It Now, Read It Later
