29 Must-Try Traditional French Dishes to Experience at Home

Summary

Discover the richness of French cuisine and its traditional dishes.
Explore the 29 best French dishes that you must try, whether dining in France or making them at home.
Learn about the origin and ingredients of each dish for an authentic experience.

France is renowned for producing some of the finest food that the world has ever tasted. In fact, in France, cooking is a professional sport! This serves as a testament to how much France values its culinary heritage.

If you are eager to discover the 29 best French dishes, then this article is for you. Whether you travel to France or decide to recreate these dishes at home, this guide will introduce you to the best French food available.

Table of Contents

Traditional French Food

Having visited France numerous times, we always enjoy sampling various French foods. It typically involves a delightful combination of rich flavors, paired with unique cooking techniques that make French dishes so exquisite. Importantly, you don’t need the skills of a Michelin Star chef to prepare any of these delightful meals. Great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. Continue reading to learn everything essential about French food and recipes.

1. Salmon En Papillote

This traditional French dish translates to “Salmon in Parchment.” It is one of the most unique ways to prepare fish. The concept is simple: wrap salmon and vegetables in parchment paper and let them cook together.

This process allows each flavor to meld beautifully, resulting in a delicious meal. This popular French dish is definitely worth trying during your travels to France. Even if you don’t have plans to visit soon, this meal is a great choice for when entertaining friends and family. Check out this delicious recipe.

2. Boeuf Bourguignon

For beef lovers, this dish is a must-try. Translating to “Beef Burgundy,” Boeuf Bourguignon always brings to mind the wonderful film starring Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia.

Originating from French peasants, this dish has risen to fame with its blend of beef, bacon, onions, wine, and carrots creating one of the best flavors in French cuisine. Planning a gathering? Consider preparing this signature dish for your guests.

3. Quiche Lorraine

This flavorful dish gained popularity in the United States only in the 1950s, yet remains a traditional French offering. Although it has seen various American adaptations, Quiche Lorraine continues to embody its French roots.

With a rich filling of bacon, onion, Swiss cheese, and eggs, this dish is sure to satisfy hunger and delight your taste buds. If given the chance to visit France or simply wish to experience French dining at home, this dish should be on your list. Try making it tonight.

4. Potatoes Dauphinoise

If unusual French dish names are daunting, continue reading, as this article is tailored for adventurous food enthusiasts.

This potato dish combines butter, thyme, cream, cheese, and garlic to yield an amazing creation that everyone must try. Not only is it straightforward to prepare, but Potatoes Dauphinoise offers a taste of France in your home. Try this recipe for maximum flavor!

5. Crepes Suzette

This fascinating dish was invented by Henri Charpentier in 1894 when he accidentally set the sauce aflame. Surprisingly, instead of reprimanding the young chef, the dish earned acclaim from the Prince of Wales, who requested the dish be named after a girl in his entourage named Suzette. Today, Henri is remembered for creating the beloved Crepes Suzette. We adore this recipe that we made at home!

6. Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse originates from the French port city of Marseille. While France excels in various culinary categories, it has also established itself as a seafood haven. Interestingly, there is no single type of fish used in this dish—varieties like sea bass, cod, and haddock are all common. Discover how to prepare it on the Food Network.

7. Salade Landaise

Ever wondered what duck tastes like in a salad? This dish innovatively combines duck with rich, warm potatoes, creating a flavor that rivals other French foods. A traditional treat, this dish may encourage you to extend your stay in France.

8. Duck Pâté en Croûte

It’s impossible to discuss famous French cuisine without mentioning pâté. This signature dish is a labor-intensive blend of meat and fat, taking over 24 hours to prepare, but entirely worth the effort! The pâté is encased in homemade pastry, and some enjoy topping it with a bit of gelée.

9. Butternut Squash Boulangère

While trying to pronounce its name, ponder on this incredible dish, which is flavorful and features some of the best-tasting squash.

This crowd-pleaser deserves careful preparation. Cooking is an art; therefore, take your time while creating this dish.

10. Financier

This is the first of several French desserts we will explore. Originating in the 17th century created by nuns, Financier is a small almond cake that earned its name from the rectangular mold resembling a gold bar.

These delectable little cakes are sweet and buttery, found throughout France. Often made with almond flour, egg whites, and brown butter, this traditional French recipe is a joy to attempt at home.

11. Terrine

This dish is essentially a French version of meatloaf, combining meat and fat for a delightful blend of flavors that leaves a lasting impression. Traditionally made by peasants, this dish is just one example of how French culinary artistry can be traced back to simple beginnings.

12. Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate Mousse combines dark chocolate, eggs, liqueur, heavy whipping cream, and sugar into a famous French delicacy. Whether you’re visiting France or want to impress at home, this dish is not only delicious but fairly simple to make with a straightforward recipe.

13. Soupe De Poissons

Despite the name sounding misleading, this dish is a delightful French fish soup. The Soupe de Poissons exemplifies French kitchen expertise: simple, economical, and utterly delicious. Consider preparing it for your next family gathering.

Gluten-Free French Food Guide

For those with gluten intolerance, our friend Jodi at Legal Nomads offers expertly translated gluten-free cards in French. These resources help travelers with celiac disease safely navigate dining in France. Carry them for easy communication with restaurant staff. For more details, purchase your gluten-free France card for just $8.99.

14. Meunière

France excels at making every type of food taste extraordinary, especially when it comes to fish. This classic, known as “in the manner of miller’s wife,” features a fish fillet lightly dusted with flour and sautéed in butter, delivering the delightful flavors that French cuisine is famous for.

15. Chicken Confit

If you’re seeking a delicious way to prepare chicken, Chicken Confit is highly recommended. It’s salty, tender, and cooked slowly in its fat to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Nowadays, using lard or olive oil is more commonplace.

Say goodbye to cravings for unhealthy foods; Chicken Confit showcases French culinary prowess. This recipe is straightforward and effective.

16. Coq Au Vin

An examination of peasant cuisine reveals a commonality with today’s popular dishes. “Coq Au Vin,” meaning “rooster and wine,” is a traditional French stew featuring ingredients like mushrooms, onions, chicken, or pork blood, and rooster or hen meat. This dish is acclaimed and is rated as the 94th most popular meat dish globally.

17. Spring Vegetable Stew

This simple dish blends various vegetables simmered together to create harmony in flavors. Among its main ingredients are onions, carrots, artichokes, turnips, and peas, offering a comforting taste of French home cooking.

18. Escargot

If you’re searching for something authentically French, trying Escargot is a must during your trip to France. This unique dish features cooked land snails, vegetables, and assorted sauces, meticulously prepared to highlight its culinary roots.

19. Deviled Eggs With Crab

Deviled eggs are beloved worldwide, but adding crab transforms this classic dish. The French have mastered this combination, taking flavors to a new level that could enhance any gathering.

Whether hosting a potluck or traveling to France, this dish deserves a place on your gastronomic agenda.

20. Croque-Monsieur

This distinctive French sandwich combines ham and cheese, often served with a side of salad. Although sandwiches haven’t been discussed much in this article, they certainly hold a valuable spot in French cuisine.

French sandwiches may just be some of the best around, known for their perfect balance of ingredients. Explore the ideal recipe.

21. Lentil Salad With Pork Belly

Lentil salad is a delightful spin on traditional lentil dishes, incorporating pork, onions, and carrots for a flavorful combination. As the lentils absorb the seasoning, the dish comes alive, offering a burst of tastes popular in France.

22. Poulet Basquaise

This iconic “Basque chicken stew” is the ideal comfort food after a long day. The meat remains tender in a rich blend of flavor-enhancing vegetables and ingredients, making it a great addition to your cooking repertoire.

23. Crêpes

Among Europe’s most iconic dishes are crêpes, reflecting a preference for thin pancakes. Whether they’re savory or sweet, crêpes remain a versatile favorite, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

24. Tartiflette

This beloved French dish features a potato base, combined with onions, smoked pork, and white wine—ingredients meticulously chosen by expert chefs. Originally from the Swiss Alps, tartiflette has spread in popularity across France due to its exquisite taste.

25. Cassoulet

Cassoulet is a rich casserole that originates from France’s south, specifically Languedoc. We enjoyed it while visiting Carcassonne and Toulouse during a Canal du Midi cruise. Named after its traditional cooking vessel “cassole,” it consists of white beans, meats like lamb and pork sausages, and sometimes duck confit, simmered until tender and flavorful with a breadcrumb topping baked to crustiness.

Historically, cassoulet was a peasant dish built from readily available ingredients, providing sustenance in colder months. Over time, it has evolved into a celebrated cuisine, with regional variations claiming unique recipes.

26. French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup ranks among our favorite French foods. The dish derives its essence from caramelizing onions, producing natural sweetness merged with rich beef stock. Often a splash of wine or brandy deepens the flavor profile.

Seasoned with herbs like thyme and bay leaf, French Onion Soup is topped with a slice of baguette or toasted bread covered in melting Gruyère cheese. Broiling creates a delightful crust of melted cheese. This hearty soup is particularly loved during colder months as a mainstay in bistros and cafés across France. Its global reach has established it as a favorite in eateries worldwide.

27. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a traditional Provençal vegetable stew from the sun-drenched region of Provence in southeastern France. The term derives from the French verbs “ratouiller” and “tatouiller,” both meaning to stir, highlighting the mingling of fresh ingredients.

Comprising vibrant summer vegetables like eggplants, zucchinis, and bell peppers, tomatoes provide a juicy foundation. Enhanced with onions, garlic, and fresh herbs, this dish melds flavors into an aromatic Mediterranean classic.

28. Salade Niçoise

Salade Niçoise is a celebrated salad from Nice, reflecting the Mediterranean spirit. It begins with fresh ingredients such as tender green beans, juicy tomatoes, and boiled potatoes, harmonizing with anchovies or tuna.

Hard-boiled eggs add creaminess, while olives bring bursts of flavor, all accented with red onion and bell pepper. A dressing of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs completes the dish. Despite debates on its authentic composition, it unmistakably embodies Mediterranean freshness, enjoyed in bistros and homes in Nice and globally.

29. Crème Brûlée

Crème Brûlée, translating to “burnt cream,” offers a rich custard base topped with a brittle layer of caramelized sugar. Both France and England claim its invention. The English title it “Trinity Cream,” while the French regard it as a culinary gem.

Comprising heavy cream infused with vanilla, egg yolks, and sugar, this dessert showcases simple yet elevated ingredients. The final flourish involves a sprinkle of sugar caramelized to create a glassy crust atop smooth custard, making this dessert beloved across tables worldwide.

French Food FAQ’s

What are typical French Foods?

Here are some typical French foods that exemplify the culinary diversity of France:

Escargots de Bourgogne: Snails cooked with garlic and parsley butter.
Pâté: A spreadable mixture of ground meat and fat.
Soups and Stews:
Bouillabaisse: A fish stew native to Provence.
Pot-au-feu: A hearty beef and vegetable stew.
Soupe à l’oignon: The famed French onion soup.
Main Courses:
Coq au vin: Chicken cooked in red wine with mushrooms and onions.
Bouef bourguignon: Beef stewed in red Burgundy wine.
Cassoulet: A slow-cooked casserole featuring meat and beans from the South.
Ratatouille: A vegetable dish brimming with eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes.
Quiche Lorraine: A savory pie filled with custard, bacon, and cheese.

What is a popular French dish?

One of the most recognized French dishes globally is Coq au Vin. This dish captures the essence of traditional French cooking, featuring a slow-cooked stew where chicken is braised with wine, mushrooms, onions, and fatty pork.

What is traditional Parisian Food?

Paris showcases a rich culinary scene, blending simplicity with rich flavor. Historic “bouillon” restaurants serve up traditional dishes like pot-au-feu. Popular bistro choices include the toasted sandwiches Croque-Monsieur and the egg-topped Croque-Madame, paired with classic steak-frites. Fresh baguettes and various pastries, such as croissants and éclairs, further enhance Parisian cuisine. Adventurous diners might sample escargots de Bourgogne, while the lively café culture—from morning lattes to evening espressos—offers desserts like macarons as part of the authentic Parisian dining experience.

What are 10 Famous French Foods?

Discover ten famous French foods that have gained international acclaim:

Baguette: The iconic long, thin loaf of French bread.
Croissant: A buttery, flaky pastry often enjoyed at breakfast.
Coq au Vin: Chicken slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms and onions.
Bouef Bourguignon: Beef stewed in red wine with carrots, onions, and mushrooms.
Ratatouille: A Provencal vegetable dish made with eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes.
Crème Brûlée: A creamy dessert with a caramelized sugar top.
Foie Gras: A delicacy made from duck or goose liver often served as pâté.
Escargots de Bourgogne: Snails cooked with garlic and parsley butter.
Quiche Lorraine: A savory pie with filling of custard, bacon, and cheese.
Tarte Tatin: An upside-down caramelized apple tart.

Where Can I Learn More About French Food?

This guide covers everything you need to know about some of the best French dishes available. Whether you prefer cooking them or sampling them in France, these meals are sure to please your palate. After all, Julia Child didn’t embrace French cooking because it was dull!

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