8 Must-Try Traditional Foods In France

1. Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is a traditional seafood stew that comes from the port of Marseille. It includes a variety of fishes, like the Mediterranean bony rockfish, and other seafood such as octopus, mussels, sea urchins and crabs. The broth is simmered with potatoes, onions, celery and Provençal herbs and spices. Served with pieces of bread and a paste of rouille sauce, the Bouillabaisse is a classic French dish. Originally cooked in big pots by the fishermen of Marseille, this delicacy is enjoyed by seafood lovers all over the world. Try the best Bouillabaisse at Chez Fonfon.

Chez Fonfon

Address: 140, Vallon des Auffes – 13 007 Marseille, France

Website: Chez Fonfon

2. Coq au vin

Coq au vin or chicken in wine, is a renowned chicken dish that exemplifies the spirit of French cooking. It is made of chicken braised with wine, bacon, mushrooms and garlic. To get the best flavours, this dish is slowly cooked until the meat is tender and is then covered with wine. Traditionally, Burgundy wine is used for preparation. However, local wines such as Jura (coq au vin jaune) and Champagne (Coq au champagne) can also be used to make this dish. Try the best Coq au vin at La Rôtisserie d'Argent.

La Rôtisserie d'Argent

Address: 19 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris, France

Website: La Rôtisserie d'Argent

3. Ratatouille

Ratatouille also called Ratatouille Niçoise, is a vegetable stew that originated in Nice. This stew is made up of tomatoes, onions, garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, aubergine, thyme, basil, marjoram and other Provençal herbs. Originally made by farmers in Nice, this nutritious dish is usually served as a side dish or stuffing for other dishes such as crepes. This French stew will take up all the vegetables in your garden and tastes best when each vegetable is separately cooked and then combined to further enhance their flavours. Try the best Ratatouille at Chez Janou.

Chez Janou

Address: 2 rue Roger Verlomme, 75003 Paris, France

Website: Chez Janou

4. Soupe à l'oignon

This traditional French soup made with onions is generally served as a starter. Slowly cooked and caramelized onions are served in a beef broth along with cheese and croutons. Other ingredients such as chicken broth, cognac, butter and beef consume can also be added to suit varying tastes. This soup is adequately nutritious with copious amounts of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and has origins as old as ancient Romans when it was used as the staple diet for poor people. Since then, simpler methods of cultivation and an abundant supply of onions has made it quite popular. The French have this bowl of heartwarming soup for lunch or in the late evening as the ultimate comfort food during the winters. Try the best Soupe à l'oignon at Au Pied de Cochon.

Au Pied de Cochon

Address: 6, rue Coquillière 75001 Paris, France

Website: Au Pied de Cochon

5. Beef Bourguignon

Originally from the region of Burgundy, Beef Bourguignon is a beef stew braised in red wine along with onions, mushrooms, garlic and herbs. A well-made beef bourguignon is generally served with a plate of noodles, rice or boiled potatoes. It is slowly cooked to tenderise the meat at optimal levels and later braised and stewed before adding carrots, onions, garlic and mushrooms. Try this sublime dish the next time you are in a French restaurant. You can’t really go wrong with this one. Try the best Beef Bourguignon at Le Souffle.

Le Souffle

Address: 36 rue Mont Thabor 75001 Paris, France

Website: Le Souffle

6. Cassoulet

Named after its traditional cooking pot, the Cassole, this slow-cooked meal contains meat (usually pork and mutton), white beans, and duck confit. With origins in the provinces of Languedoc and Gascony, in the south of France, the cassoulet is rich and flavourful and is an authentic example of a peasant country dish in France. Traditionally it takes three days to cook the dish but there are other simple recipes that can make a delicious Cassoulet in a few hours as well. You can have the best cassoulet in La Fontaine De Mars.

La Fontaine De Mars

Address: 129, rue Saint-Dominique 75007, Paris

Website : La Fontaine de Mars

7. Niçoise Salad

Originally from the French city of Nice, this salad is made of olives, eggs, tomatoes, tuna or anchovies, onions, green beans, and potatoes. All chopped up ingredients are later dressed in olive oil, mustard and vinegar to make this yummy salad. You can get the best Nicoise Salad in Lou Balico.

Lou Balico

Address: 20 / 22 Avenue Saint Jean - Baptiste 06000 NICE

Website : Lou Balico

8. Tarte Tatin

This upside down pastry with caramelized apples and sugar was accidentally created at the Hotel Tatin in south Paris. Trying to make an apple pie, the cook left the apples in butter for too long and later tried to rescue it by baking a caramelized upside-down version of the tart. Surprisingly, it was appreciated by the hotel guests and later become the signature dish of the hotel. Tarte Tatin can also be made with other fruits like pears, peaches, pineapples or tomatoes. You can get original Tarte Tatin’s in Hotel Restaurant Tatin.

Hotel Restaurant Tatin

Address: 5 Av. de Vierzon, 41600 Lamotte Beuvron

Website : Hotel Restaurant Tatin

Feast on...

With varied gastronomic delights in every region, it is not difficult to find traditional dishes that suit your palate in France. Take your pick from the list of the above-mentioned delicacies and tickle your taste buds.