Must Try French Food: 25 Irresistible Dishes You Can’t Miss in France
France isn’t just a destination, it’s a flavor. Every region tells a story through its food, from the flaky, buttery croissants of Paris to the rich, slow-cooked stews of the countryside. French food is about more than eating; it’s about savoring every bite like it’s a moment.
Whether you’re strolling through a local market or dining under the stars in a quaint bistro, there’s always something on the table that makes your taste buds dance. In this food guide, I’m sharing 25 iconic French food dishes that you absolutely have to try while exploring this food-lover’s paradise. Trust me—after this, you’ll never look at lunch the same way again.
Why French Cuisine Is a Culinary Icon?
French cuisine is the epitome of elegance and tradition, deeply rooted in centuries of culinary innovation, regional pride, and an unwavering commitment to quality. It reflects a rich tapestry of history, from royal banquets to rustic village kitchens, creating a food culture that has shaped how the world eats and dines.
What makes French food truly iconic is its precision and artistry. Meals are thoughtfully prepared using seasonal ingredients, rich sauces, fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon, and time-honored techniques that turn even the simplest dishes into masterpieces. Dining in France isn’t just about the food—it’s about pleasure, pace, and appreciation.
Here’s why French cuisine continues to captivate:
Regional Specialties: From the buttery pastries of Paris to the hearty cassoulet of Toulouse and the seafood stews of Marseille, each region offers its own unique flavor profile.
Art of Technique: French cooking is the foundation of many modern culinary practices, emphasizing methods like sautéing, braising, and flambéing with care and finesse.
Culture of Dining: Whether it’s a quiet café lunch or a multi-course dinner, meals in France are cherished, shared, and savored slowly—with a glass of wine, of course.
25 Must Try French Dishes You Can’t Miss
French cuisine is known for its sophistication, rich flavors, and time-honored traditions. Whether you’re dining in a high-end Parisian restaurant or grabbing a casual bite in a charming bistro, French dishes are sure to impress.
Here’s a list of 25 must-try French food dishes that capture the essence of France’s diverse and delectable food culture.
Croissant
A warm, flaky croissant is the heart of a French breakfast. With its buttery layers and crispy exterior, it’s impossible not to fall in love. I’ll never forget the first time I tried one in Paris—fresh from a local bakery, paired with a café crème, it was pure magic.
The French even have a saying, “Il faut croquer la vie à pleines dents,” which roughly translates to “Bite into life with full teeth.” And when you’re biting into a perfect croissant, you truly get the meaning.
Baguette
No trip to France is complete without the iconic baguette. Crunchy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, it’s a staple at every meal. I remember walking down the streets of Paris with a freshly baked baguette under my arm, feeling like a true Parisian.
The French take their bread seriously, and there’s even a saying, “C’est la baguette de la vie,” meaning “It’s the bread of life.” And honestly, it feels like the perfect description for something so simple yet so essential to French culture.
P.s. Here are 50 Basic French Phrases, including dining words as well. You can speak and enjoy your meals like a local.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a colorful vegetable medley from the heart of Provence, bursting with flavor and history. Made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, it’s the perfect dish to savor during the warm months.
There’s a saying in France, “Ratatouille, c’est l’âme de la Provence,” meaning “Ratatouille is the soul of Provence.” It truly captures the essence of southern France—simple, hearty, and full of life.
Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin is a dish that proves slow and steady wins the race. Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon creates a hearty, rich meal that’s a French classic. Like the best French meals, it’s all about patience—the longer it cooks, the better it gets. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish brings rustic charm to the table, reminding us that good things take time.
Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is more than just a fish stew; it’s a celebration of the sea. Originating from the coastal city of Marseille, this dish combines various fish, shellfish, and fragrant herbs, simmered to perfection.
Like the Mediterranean itself, it’s rich in flavor, history, and character. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy life at a leisurely pace—just as the French do.
Escargot
Escargot, or French snails, might sound unusual to some, but for the French, it’s a delicacy. Served in their shells with a rich garlic, butter, and herb sauce, escargot is a flavor-packed bite that’s sure to surprise and delight.
It’s one of those dishes that, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s considered a classic. Each snail carries a taste of French tradition, proving that even the most unexpected ingredients can become a beloved dish.
Quiche Lorraine
A slice of Quiche Lorraine is like taking a bite of French comfort. This savory pie, filled with crispy bacon, creamy custard, and melted cheese, is the ultimate combination of rich flavors and smooth textures. Often associated with the Lorraine region, it’s a dish that’s equally perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s the kind of food that invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy the simple joys of life—just like the French do!
Cassoulet
Cassoulet is a hearty, slow-cooked dish that tells the story of rustic French comfort food. This rich stew, made with beans, pork, sausages, and sometimes duck, comes from the southwest of France. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for cold days or long gatherings with friends.
Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is a glorious upside-down caramelized apple tart that’s as much a dessert as it is a slice of French history. Legend has it, it was created by accident at the Hôtel Tatin when a distracted cook overcooked the apples. The result? A sweet, buttery masterpiece that’s now a beloved French classic. With its crispy pastry and rich, gooey apple filling, Tarte Tatin is a simple yet indulgent treat that makes you believe in kitchen serendipity.
Salmon en Papillote
Salmon en Papillote is a beautiful French dish. This is baked in a parchment paper pouch, trapping in all the flavors and moisture. This method creates a perfectly tender fish, infused with herbs, vegetables, and a dash of white wine or lemon. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—unveiling the pouch reveals a fragrant, steamy delight.
Crêpes
Crêpes are the French equivalent of a blank canvas, ready to be filled with whatever your heart desires. These thin, delicate pancakes are often served with a dusting of sugar, a drizzle of chocolate, or fresh fruit. Whether you enjoy them savory with ham and cheese or sweet with Nutella, crêpes are the ultimate comfort food. In France, they’re a go-to snack, enjoyed by locals at any time of day. As the saying goes, “Crêpes are like life – they can be simple or sweet, and always a little bit indulgent.”
Chateaubriand
Chateaubriand is a luxurious French dish that celebrates the richness of fine beef. Named after the 19th-century French diplomat and writer François-René de Chateaubriand, this dish features a thick cut of tenderloin, often served with a rich béarnaise sauce and accompanied by vegetables.
It’s a meal fit for a king, where every bite melts in your mouth and reminds you of the true elegance of French dining. As they say in France, “When you taste Chateaubriand, you taste history.”
French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is the epitome of comfort food with a gourmet twist. A rich, savory broth made from slow-cooked caramelized onions, topped with a slice of toasted baguette and melted cheese, this dish warms both the soul and the stomach. Legend has it that French onion soup was a midnight snack of King Louis XV, a dish so simple yet so satisfying it has become a French classic.
Soufflé
A soufflé is the delicate dance of culinary art and science—light, airy, and impressively puffed, it’s a French creation that has captivated food lovers for centuries. Whether sweet or savory, it’s a dish that demands precision.
The magic happens when whipped egg whites are folded into a flavorful base, creating a lofty rise in the oven. While it may seem like a delicate endeavor, the soufflé embodies French elegance. As the saying goes, “In soufflé we trust,” because once you master it, you’ve truly conquered a French classic.
Moules Marinières
Moules Marinières, or mussels in white wine, is a quintessential dish that transports you straight to the coast of France. Simple yet full of flavor, mussels are steamed in a broth of white wine, garlic, shallots, and herbs, creating a savory, aromatic experience.
This dish is the essence of French seaside dining—unpretentious yet irresistible. As the French say, “La mer dans l’assiette” (the sea on your plate), and nothing captures that sentiment quite like this delightful seafood classic.
Duck Confit
Duck Confit is the epitome of French comfort food—slow-cooked in its own fat until the meat is tender and the skin crisp. It’s a dish that transforms simple duck into something extraordinary, offering a perfect balance of richness and depth of flavor.
Often served with potatoes or greens, it’s a reminder that the best things in life are worth the wait. In France, there’s a saying, “Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre” (Everything comes to those who wait), and when it comes to duck confit, that wait is more than worth it.
Chocolat chaud
Chocolat Chaud is the French version of hot chocolate, but it’s in a league of its own. Rich, velvety, and intensely chocolatey, it’s made with melted dark chocolate and cream rather than cocoa powder, making each sip feel like a warm hug.
Whether enjoyed in a cozy Parisian café or as an indulgent treat on a chilly day, it’s the perfect comfort drink. As the French say, “Le chocolat chaud, c’est tout un art” (Hot chocolate is an art), and nothing could be truer when it comes to this decadent classic.
Sole Meunière
A classic fish dish, where sole is lightly fried in butter and served with lemon and parsley.
Pâté
A spreadable mixture of meat, often served with bread, crackers, or pickles.
Boeuf Bourguignon
A beef stew slow-cooked in red wine with carrots, onions, and mushrooms, originally from Burgundy.
Madeleine
A small, shell-shaped sponge cake often flavored with lemon zest.
Tarte Flambée
A Alsace-style pizza-like dish topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon.
Fois Gras
A delicacy made from duck or goose liver, often served as pâté or mousse.
Gratin Dauphinois
A creamy, cheesy potato dish baked to perfection.
Côte de Boeuf
A thick, bone-in rib-eye steak, often served for two people with rich, flavorful sauces.
Each of these dishes tells a story of French culture, from the southern coastal regions to the heart of the French countryside. Whether you’re enjoying a meal in a local brasserie or preparing a feast at home, these dishes are sure to offer a taste of authentic French cuisine at its finest.
Where to Find the Best French Food in Paris?
Here are some areas in Paris where you can find the best French food:
- Le Marais – A historic district with bistros and cafes serving classic French dishes, including croissants, escargot, and duck confit.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Known for its cafés and patisseries, offering elegant French cuisine and delightful pastries.
- Montmartre – Famous for its charming cafés and traditional French dining spots, offering an authentic Parisian experience.
- Latin Quarter – Home to several iconic brasseries and restaurants, perfect for enjoying French classics like coq au vin and crème brûlée.
- Rue Cler – A pedestrian-friendly street in the 7th arrondissement with markets, cafes, and restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of French dishes.
- Champs-Élysées – While known for luxury shopping, the area also offers high-end restaurants where you can try gourmet French cuisine.
- Canal Saint-Martin – A trendy area with a selection of modern French eateries and cozy bistros serving contemporary twists on classic dishes.
- Belleville – A more multicultural neighborhood, where you can find unique French food influences with a more local and authentic vibe.
- Rue Montorgueil – A bustling market street lined with bakeries, cheese shops, and classic French bistros offering traditional Parisian fare.
- The 1st Arrondissement (near the Louvre) – The heart of Paris, home to high-end restaurants offering refined and sophisticated French dishes
French Food Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
Dining in France is more than just eating, it’s an experience, a dance of manners, customs, and a little savoir-faire. The French truly elevate meals into rituals, and as someone who learned this the charming (and slightly awkward) way, I can tell you: knowing a few rules makes everything more enjoyable.
On my first dinner in Paris, I reached for the bread, placed it on my plate, and started buttering it like I always did back home. The waiter smiled politely, but my French friend gently whispered, “That’s not how we do it here.” Oops. Lesson one learned.
Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do when eating like a local in France:
Do’s:
- Say “Bon appétit!” before eating
- Keep hands visible on the table
- Eat slowly and savor the meal
- Toast with eye contact and a smile
Don’ts:
- Don’t ask for substitutions
- Don’t cut salad with a knife
- Don’t butter bread at dinner
- Don’t start before everyone is served
Fall in Love With France Through Its Food
French cuisine is more than a collection of recipes—it’s a philosophy. It teaches us to cook with purpose, eat with intention, and never underestimate the power of a good meal. Whether you’re dining in a Parisian café or recreating boeuf bourguignon at home, you’re tapping into a legacy of flavor, passion, and art.
And trust me, once you taste it, there’s no turning back.
