The 46 Most Popular French Dishes to Try

When it comes to famous France food, the possibilities are endless.

From popular dishes like Coq au vin and Boeuf Bourguignon to the famous French cheese and wine, there is something for everyone.

Raclette is my personal favorite, but I’m also a huge fan of the famous French souffles and crepes.

When it comes to regional dishes, each area of France has its own unique take on famous French food.

In the southwest of France, you can find exquisite duck confit and foie gras recipes, while the famous onion soup is a staple of Alsace cuisine.

And what about the lesser-known famous food in France?

Well, here’s a list of some of the most famous and popular dishes from each region, so you can experience all the wonderful flavors of French cuisine.

Famous France foods for appetizers

Frog’s legs / Cuisses de grenouilles

One of the famous French dishes, these tasty little amphibians have a slight taste and texture of chicken.

Frog legs have been a famous French dish for centuries and are a favorite among the locals.

They are usually cooked in a butter sauce or garlic and served with potatoes.

Herb butter snails / Escargots de Bourgogne

Yes, snails are a classic food in France!

Snails, or escargot in French, are usually served still in their shells with garlic butter sauce. The sauce is a mix of buttery garlicky goodness, parsley, and sometimes a bit of cognac.

The dish is served with a tiny fork to help you grab the snails from their shells and some crusty french bread to mop up all that delicious butter.

Once you get past the rubbery texture (and the thought that you’re eating a literal snail) they can be quite delicious.

Duck liver pate / Foie gras

Foie gras is a French staple and a famous French dish. It’s basically a spreadable pâté made with the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened up to create its signature buttery texture.

Foie gras is usually served on toast, and sometimes topped with fruit or sweet accompaniments like jam or honey.

This famous French dish is a must-try when you’re in France!

It’s almost always served on special occasions or holidays like Christmas and New Year’s.

It can be a bit heavy, so if you’re not a fan of liver, it might be best to skip this one.

Tapenade canapés / Crostinis à la Tapenade

Tapenade is one of France’s famous foods made from finely chopped olives, capers, and anchovies. It has a slightly salty and savory flavor that’s perfect for topping crostini.

These little canapés are the perfect appetizer for any fancy dinner party or gathering.

Canapés can also be found made with more unusual options like smoked salmon and goat cheese.

Some other common canapé toppings include pâté, brie cheese and even tuna tartare.

Bouche à la reine

Bouche à la reine is a famous French soup made with chicken, mushrooms and cream. It’s usually served in a puff pastry bowl as an appetizer.

The soup can be quite rich and creamy – so one bowl might suffice!

The dish gets its name from the famous French queen Marie Antoinette who was said to have loved the soup.

This famous French dish is usually served in fancy restaurants, so if you’re looking for a special treat while in France, this is it!

Soft boiled eggs / Oeuf à la coque

Soft boiled eggs (or oeuf à la coque in French) are a famous French breakfast dish.

The eggs are cooked in boiling water for just 4-6 minutes and then served with a sprinkle of salt and butter.

The yolks should have a soft, creamy texture that’s perfect for dipping crusty french bread in. This famous French dish is also a great way to start your day with protein and nutrition.

Scallops au Gratin / Coquilles Saint Jacques

Scallops au gratin is a famous French dish made with scallops served in a creamy sauce.

The scallops are usually sautéed in butter and then topped with a mixture of cream, cheese, garlic and herbs (like parsley or tarragon).

This famous French dish can be found in nearly every restaurant in France and it’s a great way to try something delicious and a bit different.

They are most common in Southern France, so be sure to keep an eye out for them when you visit!

Oysters / Huitres

Oysters are a famous French delicacy and can be found at most seafood restaurants throughout the country. They are usually served raw, on a half shell with a bit of lemon juice and shallots.

These famous French foods can also be cooked in various recipes like oyster gratin or oyster soup.

Eating them raw is said to give you the most flavor, but if you’re not a fan of the texture or taste, cooked recipes can be just as delicious!

Oysters are usually served here on special occasions and holidays, so if you’re looking for a unique experience, this famous French delicacy should definitely be on your list.

Socca

Socca is a famous French street food made with chickpea flour and olive oil. It has a slightly crunchy texture on the outside, but is soft and airy on the inside.

It’s basically a flatbread that’s usually served with a bit of sea salt and pepper.

It’s traditionally served in a thin round shape as an appetizer or snack. It can also be topped with various ingredients like cheese, herbs, or other vegetables.

Socca is a great vegan option and is said to be the perfect snack for any time of day!

This famous French dish is most popular in the South of France, but can be found in most cities throughout France.

French cheese and cold cut platter / Planche mixte

Charcuterie anyone?

A famous French dish that’s always a hit is the planche mixte. It’s basically a cold cut and cheese platter that usually consists of slices of ham, salami, brie, camembert, and other various cheeses.

The best part about this famous French dish is that it can be served as an appetizer or even as a full meal.

It’s also a great way to try out different types of French cheese and salami at the same time!

The planche mixte is filled with a variety of flavors, textures and colors. It’s a great way to experience the famous French cuisine in one bite!

French onion soup / soupe à l’oignon

French onion soup is a famous French dish that’s as comforting and tasty as it sounds. It’s made with beef broth, slow-cooked onions, and melted cheese on top.

This famous French dish can be found in most restaurants throughout France and is sure to warm up your insides on a cold day.

The best part about this famous French dish is that it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.

So if you’re looking for a famous French dish that will leave you feeling full and content, look no further than the famous French onion soup!

it’s one of my personal favorites when it comes to French foods and a staple dish for warming up on chilly winter nights.

Deviled eggs / Oeuf mayonnaise

Oeuf mayonnaise are a famous French dish that can be served as an appetizer or entree. They are hard-boiled eggs that are then filled with a mixture of mayonnaise, mustard and other seasonings.

Essentially, it’s the French version of deviled eggs.

These famous French dishes can be found in many restaurants throughout France and they make for a great starter before any meal.

The best part is, they are easy to make and can be served with a variety of sauces and condiments to give them a delicious flavor.

If you’re looking for something light and tasty, deviled eggs are definitely the way to go! This famous French dish is sure to hit the spot and leave you wanting more.

Pâté en croute

Pâté en croute is a famous French dish that’s meant to be cut and served in thin slices. It usually consists of a pastry crust filled with a mixture of ground pork, veal or poultry.

This famous French dish can be found in most restaurants throughout France and it’s said to have originated from the region of Périgord.

It’s a great comfort food and makes for a delicious entree or appetizer.

The pastry crust of this famous French dish is made with butter, flour and eggs to create a flaky texture that pairs perfectly with the filling inside.

This famous French dish will definitely leave you wanting more!

Pissaladière

Pissaladière is a famous French dish that’s similar to pizza, but with some unique flavors. It’s made with a thin layer of bread and topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, olives and herbs.

This famous French dish is most popular in the South of France, but can be found in many other regions of France.

It’s a great dish to share with friends or family and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

The best part about this famous French dish is that it’s simple yet flavorful and can be served as an appetizer, entree or snack.

If you’re looking for something unique and delicious, Pissaladière is definitely the way to go!

Most popular food in France for main dishes

Rooster in wine sauce / Coq au vin

A classic and famous French dish, Coq au vin is a simple yet hearty dish of chicken braised in a rich, creamy red wine sauce.

It usually includes mushrooms, bacon, onions and herbs such as thyme and bay leaf.

This famous French dish is popular in any region of France and is a great way to experience the famous French cuisine. The best part about this famous French dish is that it’s easy to make, yet tastes so flavorful and comforting.

If you’re looking for something special yet simple, Coq au vin is definitely the way to go!

This famous French dish is perfect to cozy up to on a cold winter night.

Steak and fries / Steak frites

Another iconic French dish, steak and fries is a famous French dish that has become popular all over the world. It’s simple yet delicious and can be served with a variety of sauces to give it an extra kick.

This famous French dish consists of a steak that’s cooked to perfection and served with crispy french fries. The best part about this famous French dish is that it’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite sauces and toppings.

If you’re looking for something classic yet delicious, steak and fries is definitely the way to go. It’s so easy to make and can be found in restaurants all over the country.

Steamed mussels with white wine / Moules marinières

This famous French dish is popular in many parts of France, especially along the coast. It consists of fresh mussels cooked with white wine, garlic, shallots, and herbs.

The best part about this famous French dish is that it’s quick and easy to make and can be served as an appetizer or a main course.

The white wine in this famous French dish gives it a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the steamed mussels.

If you’re looking for something light yet flavorful, moules marinières is definitely the way to go! This famous French dish will hit the spot and leave you wanting more.

Tartar steak / Steak tartare

This famous French dish is famous for its classic combination of raw ground beef (or sometimes raw salmon) mixed with onions, capers, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce.

It’s served with toast points or crackers and is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

The best part about this famous French dish is that it’s quick and easy to make and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even as a snack.

If you’re looking for something unique yet delicious, steak tartare is definitely the way to go.

It’s a classic yet flavorful dish that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s sure to be a hit with all of your friends and family!

If you’re not a fan of raw meat, you can always substitute the steak with salmon.

Pan fried Sole / Sole Meunière

This famous French dish is popular in many parts of France, especially along the coast. It consists of fresh sole that’s pan-fried in butter and served with a lemon-butter sauce.

Sole is a light and flaky fish, which pairs perfectly with the buttery sauce.

It’s commonly served in the summertime and pairs well with vegetables, potatoes, and a glass of white wine.

The best part about this famous French dish is that it’s light yet flavorful and pairs perfectly with a side of rice or vegetables.

If you’re looking for something special yet simple, sole meunière is definitely the way to go.

Omelet / omelette

Contrary to popular belief, omelets are not only for breakfast! This famous French dish consists of eggs beaten together with butter and then cooked in a pan until golden brown.

This famous French dish is versatile and can be filled with anything from cheese to vegetables.

It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner and can be served with a variety of sauces and toppings.

Ratatouille

One of the famous French dishes, ratatouille is a vegetable stew made with tomatoes, onions, zucchini, eggplant, garlic and herbs. It’s usually served as an accompaniment to fish or poultry but can be enjoyed as a main course too.

This famous French dish is healthy and flavorful, making it the perfect option for those looking to eat healthier.

Plus, it’s easy to make and can be served with bread or rice.

It can even be served with pasta for a heartier meal.

Ham and butter sandwich / Jambon-beurre

Another French staple is the jambon-beurre or ham and butter sandwich. It’s simple yet delicious and consists of ham, butter, and a variety of sauces between two slices of French bread.

Yep, it really is that simple.

This famous French dish is perfect for a quick lunch or snack and can be customized with your favorite sauces and toppings.

If you’re craving something classic yet delicious, the jambon-beurre is the way to go.

Breton Buckwheat crepe / Galette Bretonne

If you know anything about French food, I’m certain you’ve heard of the famous crêpe.

This famous French dish is a type of thin pancake that’s usually made with buckwheat flour.

But did you know that crêpes can be either sweet or savory?

The Breton version, or galette bretonne, is filled with cheese, ham, and/or egg and served as an entrée or snack. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed on its own or topped with additional ingredients like caramelized onions and goat cheese.

This famous French dish is light yet flavorful and pairs perfectly with a side salad or soup.

Nicoise salad / Salade Niçoise

This famous French dish is not only healthy but also incredibly delicious. It consists of tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives, anchovies, and tuna combined with a flavorful dressing.

This famous French dish is great as an entrée or side dish and can be served hot or cold. Plus, it’s easy to make and pairs well with a chilled glass of white wine.

This famous salad originated in Nice (as the name suggests) and is now enjoyed all over the world.

Whether you’re looking for a light snack or an easy entrée, Salade Niçoise is sure to please.

Croque-Monsieur

This famous French dish consists of two slices of toasted cheese sandwich filled with ham, cheese and bechamel sauce. It’s usually served as a quick lunch or snack but can also be enjoyed as an entrée.

This is a traditional French dish that is quick and easy to make. It also pairs perfectly with a side salad or soup!

Croque Monsieur and its counterpart, Croque Madame (which includes an egg on top) are popular all over the world.

Beef bourguignon / Boeuf bourguignon

This is a famous french dish that combines tender beef in a rich red wine sauce with caramelized onions, and mushrooms. It’s usually served over egg noodles or potatoes and is a hearty meal that will satisfy any appetite.

If there’s any one dish that you must try when you come to France, it’s this one.

It’s famous all over the world, and rightly so.

Beef bourguignon is a classic French dish that takes time to make but is worth every minute. It’s perfect for those cold winter nights when you just want to cozy up with a warm and comforting meal.

The flavors of the beef, red wine and mushrooms blend together to create a rich and flavorful dish that will leave you wanting more.

Cassoulet

This famous french dish is a combination of pork, duck, and white beans cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s usually served with garlic bread for extra flavor and texture.

Cassoulet is hearty and flavorful and perfect for those seeking a comforting meal. It’s filling, easy to make, and also pairs well with a glass of red wine.

When it comes to famous french dishes, Cassoulet is definitely one of the top contenders. It’s a classic that never gets old and has been enjoyed in France for centuries.

No matter where you are in France, this famous french dish is sure to please!

Bouillabaisse

Next up on the list of famous french dishes is Bouillabaisse. This famous fish stew originates from the Mediterranean coast and is a combination of fresh seafood, vegetables, saffron, and herbs.

It’s rich and flavorful yet light enough to be enjoyed during any season.

Plus it’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of white wine.

Veal stew / blanquette de Veau

Another classic winter staple is veal stew or blanquette de Veau. This famous french dish consists of tender veal simmered in a creamy white sauce with mushrooms, onions and carrots.

It’s the perfect comfort food when you want something warm and hearty on a cold winter night.

Plus, it’s easy to make and pairs well with boiled potatoes or pasta.

Basque chicken / Poulet basquaise

Basque chicken is a classic french dish that combines sautéed chicken with tomatoes, garlic and chorizo.

It’s a savory and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with a side of potatoes or rice.

Basque chicken is famous all over the world for its unique flavor combination and is sure to please even the pickiest eater!

Raclette

One of my all-time favorites has to be Raclette. This famous french dish consists of melted cheese served with boiled potatoes and pickled onions.

It’s the perfect way to enjoy a cozy night in with friends or family. Plus, it’s easy to make and pairs well with a glass of sparkling wine or cider.

Raclette is commonly consumed in the winter, usually after ski trips or during the Christmas holidays. It’s filling, delicious, and only takes a few ingredients to make.

It’s one of the most popular French foods and one of the best I’ve tried in a long time!

Alsace quiche / quiche lorraine

Alsace quiche is a famous french dish that combines eggs, bacon and cheese into one delicious package. It’s usually served as a savory pie with a flaky crust, but can also be enjoyed as an entrée.

Quiche Lorraine can be eaten as a snack and can even be found in many boulangeries across France.

This famous french dish is rich, creamy and packed with flavor.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner option, quiche Lorraine is the perfect solution!

Flemish carbonnade / Carbonnade Flamande

This famous french dish is a beef stew consisting of beef, onions, and beer. It’s rich and flavorful, perfect for those cold winter nights when you want something comforting yet still tasty.

It’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or boiled noodles.

The famous Flemish carbonnade can also be served with French fries, making it the perfect meal for any occasion.

Dauphinoise potatoes / Gratin Dauphinois

Gratin Dauphinois is the French take on potatoes au gratin and it’s famous all over the world. This famous french dish combines potatoes, cream, and cheese into one delicious package.

It’s a great side dish and can be served with almost any main course.

It’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or cider.

This dish is commonly eaten in the winter, due to the comfort it provides.

Flammekueche

Flammekueche is a famous french dish consisting of thin-crust pizza topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. It’s incredibly flavorful yet light enough to be enjoyed any time of year.

This famous french dish pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or cider and can be found in many boulangeries throughout France.

It originates from the Alsace region and is a must-try for any food lover!

Tartiflette

Tartiflette is the famous french dish that combines potatoes, cheese, bacon and cream into one delicious package. It’s a great meal for those cold winter nights when you want something filling and comforting yet still tasty.

This famous french dish pairs perfectly with a side of mixed greens or a tossed salad. It only takes a few ingredients to make, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Plus, it’s popular all over the world and can be found in many boulangeries throughout France.

Best French desserts to end a meal

Chocolate soufflé / soufflé au chocolat

Chocolate soufflé is famous all over the world, but it’s particularly famous in France. This famous french dish combines melted chocolate and eggs into one delicious package.

It pairs perfectly with a side of whipped cream or ice cream and can be enjoyed any time of year.

A simple yet delicious dessert that any chocolate enthusiast will love!

Crepes / Crêpes

Crepes are famous french pancakes, usually served with sweet or savory fillings. It’s a great way to end any meal and pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Crepes come in many different fillings, from sweet to savory.

Some of the most popular sweet crepe flavors are Nutella, strawberries, and bananas. Caramel apple, lemon and sugar, and chocolate are some of the famous savory crepe fillings.

They can also be served with a side of fresh fruit or caramel sauce for an even sweeter experience.

Tarte Tatin

Tarte tatin is a famous french upside-down caramelized apple tart. It’s usually served with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream and can be enjoyed any time of year.

Think of it as a mini apple pie – a small but mighty pastry packed with flavor and the right amount of sweetness.

Crème brûlée

Crème brûlée is a famous french dessert with a creamy custard base and a hard caramel top. It’s usually served in individual ramekins and can be topped with fresh fruit or chocolate shavings. This is a classic French dessert that is found all over the world.

It’s a great way to end any meal, especially if you want something sweet but not too heavy. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee and can be enjoyed any time of year.

Floating island / Ile flottante

Floating island, also known as Ile flottante, is a famous french dessert made with meringue floating on top of a creamy custard base. It’s usually topped with caramel sauce and served cold.

This famous French dessert is popular for its light and fluffy texture as well as its sweet flavor.

It pairs perfectly with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or ice-cream and can be enjoyed any time of year.

Profiteroles

Profiteroles are famous french choux pastry balls filled with cream and topped with chocolate sauce. This popular French dessert is commonly served in restaurants or boulangeries and can be found all over the world.

It’s a great way to end any meal, especially if you want something sweet but not too heavy.

Paris-Brest

Another famous pastry is the Paris-Brest. This dessert originated in the city of Brest and is made from choux pastry filled with a praline-flavored cream.

It’s usually served with a side of fresh fruit or chocolate sauce and served cold.

Eclairs

This famous french pastry is a buttery choux dough filled with creamy custard and topped with chocolate ganache or fondant icing. It’s light, airy and delicious, perfect for any occasion.

Eclairs have been around since the mid-19th century and are famous all over the world. A classic french pastry that will make any meal complete!

Chocolate fondant / Fondant au chocolat

Chocolate fondant is a famous french dessert that combines rich, melted chocolate with an airy cake-like texture. It’s usually served warm with a side of fresh fruit or ice-cream and can be found all over the world.

This famous french dish is perfect for any occasion, especially if you want something sweet but not over the top.

It’s rich and delicious and a must try when it comes to famous France food.

Apple tart / tarte aux pommes

The classic apple tart or tarte aux pommes is famous french dessert made from puff pastry, apples, and spices. It’s usually served warm with a side of fresh fruit or ice cream and can be found all over the world. You can even find mini versions in boulangeries and supermarkets all over the country.

This famous French dessert is the perfect way to end any meal. It’s sweet, delicious and so easy to make.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth!

Macarons

Finally, no list of famous french foods would be complete without macarons. These colorful little treats are made with a meringue-based dough and filled with buttercream, jam, or ganache.

They’re light and fluffy, full of flavor, and an absolute delight to eat. Plus, they come in all sorts of colors, making them fun and unique.

Some of the most popular flavors include vanilla, raspberry, pistachio, and chocolate.

No matter which flavor you choose, macarons are sure to make any meal a memorable one.

All you want to know about French food

What are the 10 most famous French foods?

1. Croque Monsieur

2. Ratatouille

3. Bouillabaisse

4. Coq au vin

5. Quiche Lorraine

6. Steak Frites

7. Onion Soup Gratinée

8. Cassoulet

9. Profiteroles

10. Macarons

These are some of the most famous and beloved French foods, but there are so many more to explore!

From decadent desserts like Floating Island and Chocolate Fondant to regional specialties like Cassoulet and Bouillabaisse, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes in France.

What is France’s national dish?

The national dish of France is Coq au Vin, a famous French stew made with chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and red wine. It’s usually served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes and is an absolute classic that you must try when visiting France!

What region of France has the best food?

The answer to this question really depends on personal preference, as each region of France has its own unique culinary culture.

Some regions, such as Provence and Normandy, are famous for their food.

In Provence, you’ll find dishes like ratatouille and bouillabaisse, while in Normandy you can try famous cheeses like Camembert and famous dishes like Moules Marinières.

What are the most popular cuisines in France?

France is famous for its rich and varied cuisine, but some of the most popular cuisines include French Bistro, Lyonnaise, Provencal, Alsatian, and Breton.

Each region has its own specialties that you should try when visiting!

What is the most popular drink in France?

The most popular drink in France is wine, with red and white being the two main types. But if you’re looking for something a bit different, you can also try local craft beers or French Champagne.

Which food from other countries is very popular in France?

Besides French cuisine, other popular cuisines in France include Italian, Chinese, and Indian. Pizza is one of the most famous dishes from Italy that’s beloved by the French people.

You can also find lots of delicious Chinese dishes like dumplings, noodles, and spring rolls all over France.

And if you’re looking for a spicy kick, Indian food is always a great option.

Curry, tandoori chicken, and naan bread are all very popular in France.

Thanks for reading!

No matter where you are in France, famous french dishes such as these can be found around every corner.

So next time you’re in the mood to indulge in some classic French cooking, give one of these famous France foods a try and enjoy!

Bon Appétit!

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