10 Traditional French Dishes Every Tourist Should Try (France Food Tour Guide)
Paris is a living paradise for food lovers, as the capital of France. It is an amazing representation of French gastronomy, and it is a melting pot of culture, restaurants, and skilled craftsmen. The number of different dishes you have in France is almost infinite, with each region having specialties and unique features that make them stand out. In this article, I'll put my top 10 most important dishes to try as long as you're in France!
1. Coq au Vin
The poultry brother of the famous Beef Bourguinon Coq au Vin is a stew featuring chicken slow-cooked and braised in red wine with potatoes, mushrooms, onions, and little pieces of bacon. Started as a rustic dish, it ended up becoming an icon of French cuisine, offering deep, comforting flavors.
2. Boeuf Bourguignon
Another hearty dish, Boeuf Bourguignon, is a beef stew cooked in red Burgundy wine and beef broth with carrots, onions, and herbs. It’s a dish that cooks for 3 to 4 hours, resulting in tender, flavorful beef that goes perfectly with mashed potatoes or bread. You'll be able to try it on our Montmartre food tour in Paris!
3. Raclette
One of the trendiest dishes in France, originally from the Savoie region. Raclette is a warm and fun meal where you and your group will be sitting around literally a "cheese melting" machine and given slices of cheese, boiled potatoes, cured meats, and pickles. The cheese is melted and scraped onto the plate, creating a fun and interactive experience with your friends or family. In winter, raclette becomes the most popular thing around and leads French people to madness!
4. Bouillabaisse
A typical fish stew from Provence, South of France, Bouillabaisse is made using between 5 and 8 different kinds of fresh fish, tomatoes, garlic, saffron, and herbs. It started as a dish created using the leftovers and the unsold small fish brought by the fishermen in order to not waste anything; it is now a renowned delicacy from the south of France. Really hard to make, it can be an amazing experience if you are a seafood lover!
5. Duck Confit (Confit de Canard)
One of my personal favorites and one of France’s most cherished dishes, duck confit is a method of cooking duck legs in their own fat until they become tender and crispy. Served with potatoes and salad, it’s a must-try for those who love rich flavors. Duck is an emblem of French cuisine, and we became really good at it.
6. Escargots de Bourgogne
A dish often associated with France, escargots (snails) are typically prepared with garlic, butter, and parsley. Some people get stopped by the thought of it, but the dish is surprisingly delicious, and you'll fall in love with this butter-garlic sauce... And just for the experience, you'll have to try it ;)
7. French Onion Soup (Soupe à l’Oignon)
A comforting dish, French Onion Soup is made with caramelized onions in a savory beef broth, topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. Made the right way, it'll make you lose your mind. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day in Paris. But it's like ice cream in the end; we can say that there is no "bad weather" for an onion soup.
8. Croque Monsieur & Croque Madame
A popular café staple, the Croque Monsieur is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a crispy, golden crust. Add a fried egg on top, and it becomes a Croque Madame—both are perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. If you want an extra pleasure, try a Croque Monsieur with truffles; it can be an amazing foodie experience!
9. Tartiflette
A hearty dish from the French Alps, Tartiflette features layers of potatoes, reblochon cheese, bacon, and onions baked to perfection. It’s the ideal comfort food, especially during the colder months.
10. Cassoulet
Hailing from the southwest, this hearty and comforting dish combines white beans, duck confit, sausage, and pork belly. Though not as famous as other French dishes, it is definitely worth trying for its rich flavors and authentic regional charm.
Conclusion
These 10 dishes are pillars of French gastronomy and would be my personal best. They truly showcase the culinary richness of each region. In the following articles, we will explore the best wine and side pairings for each of these dishes, as well as a guide to where you can enjoy the best versions of them in Paris. Whether you enjoy slow-cooked meals, regional specialties, or refined cuisine, these must-try dishes will make you understand and fall in love with French Cuisine.
Want to experience the best of French cuisine? Join our guided food tours in Paris and taste authentic traditional French dishes! Book a tour now!
And you, what is your favorite French dish? 🍽️
Want to Learn More About Traditional French Cuisine?
If you're eager to dive deeper into French cooking, check out these expert resources:
- Saveur’s Collection of Classic French Recipes – A fantastic selection of authentic recipes, from Boeuf Bourguignon to Ratatouille.
- Gourmet Traveller's French Cuisine Recipes – A curated list of classic French dishes with detailed cooking tips.