19+ most famous dishes & must try foods in France that will impress foodies

What are the famous specialties of romantic France? What to eat when traveling to France? We suggest the most famous dishes, must try foods in France in this article!

French cuisine has long been famous for its sophistication in preparation and diversity in flavors. The culinary culture here is not only about food, but also the art of living, expressed through each layer of crispy croissant, glass of fine wine, or fragrant slices of cheese.

When it comes to French cuisine, you cannot miss famous dishes such as Bourguignon beef stew, baguette, or French onion soup. Each dish has its own story, making visitors remember it.

Are you ready to try famous French dishes? Join Klook on a journey to discover enchanting French cuisine!

Boeuf Bourguignon – A French Delicacy

Boeuf Bourguignon – the exquisite combination of beef and Burgundy red wine has long been a symbol of French cuisine. Beef is stewed with traditional Bourgogne wine, adding a little fatty gravy, seasoned with spices such as garlic, mushrooms, onions, and herbs.

The cooking method is quite complicated, but the result is a piece of beef that melts in your mouth, combined with a rich flavor, guaranteed to satisfy all diners. Boeuf Bourguignon is often served with French toast or mashed potatoes, helping to balance the strong taste of wine and spices. If you have the opportunity to visit Paris, you must definitely visit Le Comptoir du Relais or Le Bœuf sur le Toit, where Boeuf Bourguignon is served authentically.

Must try foods in France: Mediterranean-Style Bouillabaisse Fish Soup

When mentioning the port city of Marseille – France, it is impossible not to know the famous Bouillabaisse fish soup. The ingredients of this dish include many types of fresh Mediterranean sea fish caught during the day, along with shrimp, mussels and other seafood.

The unique and irresistible aroma of Bouillabaisse soup broth mainly comes from fish bone broth and spices such as saffron powder, fennel, star anise, cayenne pepper and a little orange peel. Normally, French people will enjoy Bouillabaisse with wine and toasted bread covered with rouille sauce, a typical spicy sauce made from garlic, olive oil and red pepper. Diners can dip the bread in the soup or enjoy the fish and soup separately depending on their preferences. Here are two places to enjoy authentic Bouillabaisse: Chez Fonfon or Le Miramar restaurants in Marseille.

Stewed Coq Au Vin Chicken in Wine

Coq au Vin, which means “cock in wine” in French, is a classic chicken stew originating from the Burgundy region of France. This dish became popular in the United States after being cooked by chef Julia Child on the PBS television show “The French Chef.”

Although there are many different recipes for this dish today, the basic main ingredients include: a whole chicken, red or white wine, lard, mushrooms, onions, garlic and spices. You can enjoy Coq au Vin with mashed potatoes, crispy toast or some boiled vegetables such as carrots and green beans.

If you want to experience Coq au Vin in the real way, you can visit La Jacobine in Paris or L’Auberge de l’Ill in the Alsace region.

Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée

France is home to many world-famous pastries, including Crème Brûlée. The recipe for Crème Brûlée first appeared in 1691 and quickly became a “hot trend” in restaurants in the 1980s.

A layer of crispy caramel covers the surface, just a light touch of the spoon and you will hear the enchanting “crackling” sound. Underneath that crust is a smooth, rich vanilla ice cream that melts in your mouth. The perfect combination of sweetness and fat makes this dish not only a taste experience but also a fusion of French culture and culinary quintessence.

You can try this dessert at any fancy restaurant, or spend some time sitting at a small cafe in Paris, enjoying Crème Brûlée with a cup of hot tea or coffee, it will definitely leave an unforgettable impression.

Croissant – The Cake Representing French Cuisine

Coming to France without trying Croissant is like missing out on a wonderful symphony of cuisine. Croissant originated in Austria but has been transformed by the French to become an indispensable part of Parisian culture.

With a crispy golden brown outer shell and a soft, spongy inside, each croissant is a perfect blend of butter, flour and yeast, bringing a sweet and fragrant flavor. When you bite into it, you will feel the melting of fresh butter in each thin layer of dough stacked on top of each other.

Nowadays, there are many ways to eat croissants with jam, butter or chocolate, but the traditional croissant with a cup of hot coffee in the morning is still the top choice of many people. In particular, you should try Croissant at Maison Pichard or Du Pain et des Idées bakery in Paris to feel the original flavor.

Escargots Stuffed with Garlic Butter

Escargots is perhaps one of the strangest yet most fascinating culinary experiences that France has to offer. Each snail is carefully prepared, stuffed with fragrant garlic butter, and a bit of parsley to create a unique and indescribable flavor.

Enjoying Escargots requires a bit of skill and patience, as you have to use tongs to hold the shell and a small fork to scoop out the snail meat. You can use toasted bread to soak up the rich sauce, and sip a glass of white wine to soften the rich taste of the butter. Escargots is a must-try for visitors who want to try traditional French food, in a cozy restaurant in the heart of Paris, such as L’Escargot Montorgueil.

Rare Foie Gras – A French Specialty Not to Be Missed

Foie Gras, a luxury dish associated with the elegance of French aristocracy since ancient times and highly appreciated by gourmets. To obtain a smooth, light and not too greasy foie gras, the geese must be carefully fattened for about 12-18 days.

Foie Gras can then be processed into many forms, from smooth mousse to fragrant pate, but the pan-fried version is still the most ideal. Each slice of Foie Gras is soft and melts in the mouth, served with crispy toast or drizzled with sweet and sour fruit sauce to balance the taste. If possible, pour a glass of Sauternes white wine, which will highlight the classy flavor of Foie Gras.

French Ratatouille Vegetable Stew

The humble Ratatouille vegetable stew took the culinary world by storm after the Pixar animated film of the same name was released in 2007. This dish evokes the rustic, pure picture of the suburbs of Southern France.

The light flavor of Ratatouille comes from the combination of ingredients such as tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, bell peppers, cooked in olive oil, basil and rosemary. What’s special is that each vegetable retains its characteristic flavor after being processed.

Enjoy Ratatouille with a slice of baguette or alongside a main dish such as fish, grilled lamb, the harmony between vegetables and meat will explode the taste buds. For those who want to immerse themselves in this traditional flavor, La Colombe d’Or restaurant in Saint-Paul-de-Vence is the perfect destination.

French Onion Soup Soupe À L’oignon

A famous French dish is Soupe à l’Oignon, loved from humble bistros to fine dining restaurants in Paris. Originating in the mid-19th century, onion soup has become a favorite appetizer for many diners.

Onions are simmered in a rich beef broth, and the rich Gruyère cheese melts on crispy toast, making it an irresistible dish on a chilly day in France. To complete the meal, eat onion soup with a glass of French red wine. Visit Le Procope, the oldest restaurant in Paris, or Au Pied de Cochon for the most authentic version of onion soup.

Terrine – French Cuisine for the Upper Class

Originating from the 15th-century European aristocratic cuisine, Terrine is not only a sophisticated cold dish, but also a sophisticated work of art of French culture. There are many ways to enjoy terrine, it can be served as a breakfast dish directly with toast or served with an appetizer salad at parties.

Currently, there are many variations of Terrine such as pork terrine, seafood or foie gras. The chef will arrange layers of meat, fish, or vegetables, then press them tightly in a mold to create extremely eye-catching slices. Unlike pâté, terrine often retains the natural roughness of the ingredients, helping diners fully experience the fresh taste.

Some famous French restaurants serving delicious terrine include: Le Grand Véfour with Duck foie gras terrine, or vegetable salad terrine at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon.

Salad Niçoise – A Delicious French Dish Not to Be Missed

Like a bright picture from the South of France, Salad Niçoise has a strong Mediterranean flavor, with extra virgin olive oil and the pure flavor of anchovies. This is a nutritious salad, suitable for a light summer meal.

Salad Niçoise has captivated not only the French people but also diners around the world. Modern variations can add green beans or potatoes, but no matter how it is prepared, Niçoise still retains the freshness and typical flavor of the Nice region. This dish will be perfect when combined with a glass of rosé wine. If you have the opportunity to visit Nice, don’t miss the opportunity to visit La Petite Maison or Le Safari restaurants, to enjoy the standard version of Salad Niçoise with the freshest ingredients.

French Croque Monsieur

The name “Croque Monsieur” comes from the words “croque” (crispy) and “monsieur” (gentleman), reflecting the culinary style of Parisian cafes in the early 20th century. Sliced ​​bread is stuffed with ham, covered with Gruyère cheese and baked or fried until golden brown, the cheese melts, creating a rich flavor.

This is a quick, simple and delicious breakfast or lunch dish. In some other places, Croque Monsieur can be topped with a rich and creamy béchamel sauce, or turned into Croque Madame with a fried egg on top. This is an ideal choice for breakfast or a light lunch.

You can visit famous cafes such as Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, to enjoy Croque Monsieur in the true French style, while admiring the ancient streets of Paris.

French Quiche Lorraine Egg Tart

When mentioning Quiche Lorraine, the image of a small but attractive savory tart appears in the mind of every culinary enthusiast. This cake originates from the Lorraine region, located between the French and German borders, bearing the mark of cultural exchange.

With a crispy crust combined with a rich egg filling, fresh cream and bacon, Quiche Lorraine has become a popular appetizer at high tea parties. In particular, a traditional Quiche Lorraine will not have milk, instead, fresh cream is used to create a smooth mixture for the filling. The flavor of Quiche Lorraine is delicate and full, bringing a warm feeling, suitable for both breakfast or a leisurely brunch or tea party.

French Tartiflette Stew

Tartiflette is a dish that reflects the spirit of the Alps, where potato cakes covered with hot Reblochon cheese are served at ski resorts. Made from many thin slices of potatoes, bacon, onions and cheese, this stew not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings a warm feeling, especially after a long day on the snowy slopes.

This dish was originally created in the 1980s to promote Reblochon cheese, but quickly became a symbol of Haute-Savoie cuisine. Tartiflette is often served with a splash of white wine to enhance the flavor, and crusty bread is indispensable for soaking up the rich cheese juice. Want to try Tartiflette? Visit any restaurant in Chamonix or Megève.

Duck Confit (French Slow Roasted Duck Legs)

Slow Roasted Duck Legs – Confit de Canard – is a signature dish of the Gascony region of France, where locals have long kept the unique recipe. The duck is salted and cooked in its own fat, creating a rich, fatty flavor and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The slow cooking process lasts for hours, allowing each piece of meat to absorb its aroma and become incredibly tender, ready to be crispy on the outside before serving.
Braised duck legs are often served with crispy fried potatoes in duck fat, also known as “pommes de terre à la sarladaise,” making a perfect combination. If you are in Toulouse or Bordeaux, don’t forget to stop by Chez Dupont or La Cave à Canard to try the delicious Confit de Canard.

French Pot-Au-Feu

Pot-au-feu is often called the “soul of French cuisine” because of its long history and rich flavor that captivates all diners. Did you know that this beef stew with vegetables was once a favorite dish of King Louis XIV?

Normally, the ingredients for Pot-Au-Feu include cheap beef cartilage, bone marrow, and vegetables such as carrots, leeks, turnips, and onions, creating a rich broth with a strong herbal aroma. The process of simmering the meat for many hours makes the meat tender and melts in the mouth, preserving the original flavor of the ingredients. The French often serve traditional Pot-au-feu with bread, sprinkled with a little spicy Dijon mustard and pickled cucumbers to enhance the flavor. This is the perfect dish for cold winter evenings, and is a typical representative of French family cuisine.

French-Style Cassoulet Meat and Bean Ragu

It is known that Cassoulet originally originated from the working class but later became a popular delicacy all over the world. Each region in France has created its own recipe for the legendary Cassoulet. For example, in Castelnaudary, duck confit is considered the soul of the dish, while in Toulouse, pork sausage is used as the main ingredient.

Simmered for many hours, the ingredients in the dish blend together to create a rich flavor, both fatty and smooth, enough to make diners fall in love from the first time they enjoy it. A little secret is that the crispy crust on top of Cassoulet is created when the dish is lightly toasted at the end of cooking. You should try sipping it with a glass of red wine to fully appreciate the sophistication of Cassoulet.

French “Thousand” Layered Crêpes

Crêpes, a delicate and soft cake originating from the Brittany region, are a symbol of French street food. Made from flour, eggs, milk, and butter, Crêpes can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory styles.

Today, crêpes are loved all over the world, with hundreds of variations from Nutella and whipped cream to bacon and cheese. In particular, crêpes Suzette – a baked version with orange sauce and Cointreau – is a favorite of royalty and celebrities.

In France, Crêpes are often served with cider, a traditional drink with a light taste, creating a perfect balance. Come to Crêperie Breizh Café in Paris or Ti Jos in Montparnasse, you will enjoy excellent Crêpes in a cozy French space.

Macarons – Top Most Difficult Sweets to Make in the World from France

The small, colorful Macarons have become a sweet symbol of France. Each cake is a delicate work of art with a crispy crust on the outside and a soft, creamy filling on the inside, made from egg whites, almonds and sugar. Macarons are often added with a variety of flavors such as chocolate, raspberry, vanilla, or matcha to satisfy all diners’ preferences.

Not only attractive because of the delicious taste, the colorful Macarons box is also a reasonable gift for a special occasion, where everyone wants to take a photo to check-in. The price of each of these cakes can range from €1.50 to €3, depending on the brand. If you want to enjoy the most famous Macarons, visit Ladurée or Pierre Hermé in Paris, two sweet paradises that you will definitely not forget after each visit.

French cuisine is famous for its sophistication and diversity, from rich stews to elegant desserts. The combination of fresh ingredients and skillful preparation has created a rich cuisine that conquers the taste buds of diners around the world.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Paris you can refer to

• Paris Museum Pass
• Paris Pass with 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Bruges Day Tour from Paris
• Paris Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Paris Open Tour Bus Pass
• Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• The Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
• 4G SIM Card (Paris/Airport Pick Up) for Europe from Orange
• Disneyland® Paris Ticket
• Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• [Sale] Seine River Sightseeing Cruise in Paris by Bateaux-Mouches
• Mont Saint Michel Full Day Tour from Paris
• Paris: 1-Hour River Seine Cruise
• Paris: Eiffel Tower Direct Access Tour to Summit by Elevator
• Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket
• Paris: 1-Hour Illuminations River Cruise
• Louvre Museum: Tour
• Paris: Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show Ticket with Champagne

Are you looking for more top things to do in Paris: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Paris travel blog — The fullest Paris travel guide blog for a great budget trip to Paris for the first-timers. And let’s check it out more here.