The Only 18 Dishes You Gotta Try In France
French cuisine isn’t just about fancy restaurants or croissants on a corner café table—it’s a rich, regional mix of bold flavors, classic techniques, and comfort food that feels totally elevated. Whether you’re exploring Paris, Provence, or a tiny village in Alsace, these are the 18 iconic dishes you absolutely need to try while you’re in France.
1. Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin is a quintessential French dish, enveloping the senses with its rich aroma. Imagine a tender chicken slowly braised in robust red wine, accented by earthy mushrooms, sweet onions, and a bouquet of herbs.
The dish embodies rustic elegance, transforming simple ingredients into a feast fit for royalty. Each bite reveals layers of flavor that have melded together over hours of slow cooking.
Traditionally a dish of the countryside, it’s best enjoyed with a crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory sauce. Pure French comfort food.
2. Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse, a fragrant seafood stew from the sun-drenched coast of Provence, transports diners to the bustling port of Marseille. This dish brims with local fish, succulent shellfish, and a saffron-infused broth.
The vibrant tomatoes and aromatic herbs elevate the stew, offering a taste of the Mediterranean in every spoonful.
Served with rouille, a garlic mayonnaise, and crusty bread, it’s a meal that captures the region’s maritime essence. Once a humble fisherman’s dish, bouillabaisse is now a gastronomic legend, celebrated for its depth and complexity.
3. Duck Confit (Confit de Canard)
Duck Confit is an indulgence that defines French culinary mastery. This dish features duck leg slow-cooked in its own fat, emerging unbelievably tender and boasting a skin that crackles with perfection.
Originating from the southwest, it’s a testament to preservation techniques of yore. The process of confit ensures the meat remains juicy and flavorful.
When paired with roasted vegetables or a simple salad, it becomes a meal both lavish and comforting. Its crispy, golden exterior contrasts beautifully with its melt-in-the-mouth interior, making every bite a celebration of flavor.
4. Cassoulet
Cassoulet is a hearty dish that embodies the soul of southern France. This slow-cooked casserole melds white beans, savory sausages, tender duck, and rich pork into a symphony of flavors.
Baked to perfection, each ingredient retains its identity while contributing to a cohesive, comforting whole.
Typically enjoyed in the colder months, cassoulet offers warmth and satisfaction, evoking images of family gatherings around a table. Its origins in peasant cooking are honored in every bite, where the simplicity of ingredients meets the complexity of taste.
5. Steak Frites
Steak Frites is the epitome of French bistro dining, where simplicity reigns supreme. A seared steak, cooked to perfection, sits alongside crisp, golden fries.
Accompanied by a creamy béarnaise or peppercorn sauce, each bite is a harmonious blend of texture and flavor.
This classic dish is a staple in French cuisine, loved for its straightforward yet elegant presentation. Whether enjoyed in a bustling Paris café or a quiet country inn, Steak Frites captures the heart of French dining: unpretentious, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
6. Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine is a delightful pastry that dances between breakfast and lunch. With its flaky crust and creamy custard filling, interspersed with smoky bacon and savory cheese, it’s a versatile and delicious treat.
Hailing from the Lorraine region, this quiche offers a taste of French provincial life. It’s often served with a light salad, making it a perfect meal for any time of day.
The combination of textures and flavors creates a harmonious bite that is both satisfying and refreshing. Quiche Lorraine is a classic that never goes out of style.
7. Tartiflette
Tartiflette is a warming embrace from the French Alps. This cheesy, creamy gratin features potatoes, smoky bacon, and Reblochon cheese, creating a hearty dish perfect for cold mountain days.
The gooey cheese envelops the ingredients, offering a rich and indulgent experience that warms both body and soul.
Served in ski lodges and rustic taverns, tartiflette is synonymous with Alpine hospitality. It’s a dish that encourages second helpings, bringing people together in the spirit of sharing and conviviality.
8. Croque Monsieur / Croque Madame
Croque Monsieur, and its elegantly coiffed sibling, Croque Madame, redefine the humble sandwich. Imagine layers of ham and cheese, ensconced in béchamel sauce, grilled to a golden perfection.
The addition of a fried egg atop transforms it into a Madame, adding richness to an already indulgent meal.
This Parisian favorite exudes comfort and class, making it a staple in many cafés. It’s the kind of meal that pairs perfectly with a leisurely afternoon and a good book, a testament to the luxurious simplicity of French cuisine.
9. Escargots de Bourgogne (Snails in Garlic Butter)
Escargots de Bourgogne might sound adventurous, but these garlicky snails are a beloved delicacy. Baked in a bath of garlic-parsley butter, each snail offers a burst of flavor that’s surprisingly addictive.
The earthy taste of the snail is perfectly balanced by the rich, aromatic butter, making it an unforgettable experience for the palate.
Typically served as an appetizer, escargots bring a touch of elegance to any meal. Accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce, it’s a dish that invites culinary curiosity.
10. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a Provençal vegetable medley that sings with the flavors of sun-ripened produce. Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes mingle in a dish that’s both light and satisfying.
Each vegetable contributes its unique texture and taste, creating a harmonious symphony on the palate.
Ratatouille is a celebration of the garden, offering a taste of the French countryside in every bite. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or stands alone as a vegetarian delight, embodying the essence of simplicity.
11. Salade Niçoise
Salade Niçoise is a vibrant reflection of the French Riviera’s bounty. This refreshing salad brims with tuna, olives, green beans, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs, dressed in olive oil.
Each ingredient shines in its own right, yet together, they create a symphony of flavors that evoke summer days by the sea.
Served cold, it’s a meal that satisfies with its freshness and balance. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, Salade Niçoise embodies the spirit of coastal dining, offering a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
12. Soupe à l’Oignon (French Onion Soup)
Soupe à l’Oignon is an iconic French dish that turns humble ingredients into a deeply savory delight. Caramelized onions swim in a beefy broth, topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese.
A slice of toasted baguette floats on top, absorbing the rich flavors beneath.
This comforting soup is a staple in many bistros, offering warmth and satisfaction on a cold day. Its origins are humble, yet its taste is nothing short of luxurious, making it a beloved classic that never fails to please.
13. Crêpes (Savory or Sweet)
Crêpes are a versatile delight, gracing breakfast tables and street markets alike. Whether filled with ham and cheese or Nutella and bananas, these thin pancakes offer endless possibilities.
Originating from Brittany, crêpes are a testament to French culinary finesse, balancing delicate texture with robust flavor.
Sweet or savory, they are a treat that transcends meal times, offering a taste of France in every bite. Each crêpe is a canvas for creativity, inviting both tradition and innovation to the table.
14. Choucroute Garnie
Choucroute Garnie is a hearty dish that brings the flavors of Alsace to life. Sauerkraut, cooked with white wine, serves as the bed for an array of sausages, ham, and potatoes.
The dish is a celebration of Alsatian and German culinary influences, offering a robust and satisfying meal.
With each bite, the tangy sauerkraut complements the savory meats, creating a balance that is both bold and comforting. It’s a dish that’s best enjoyed with friends, accompanied by a glass of local beer or wine.
15. Boeuf Bourguignon
Boeuf Bourguignon is the epitome of French comfort cooking. This beef stew, braised in Burgundy wine, melds the deep flavors of beef, carrots, onions, and mushrooms.
Slow-cooked to fork-tender perfection, every bite is a testament to the art of patience.
The rich, velvety sauce clings to each piece of meat, offering a taste that is both refined and hearty. Traditionally served with a side of crusty bread or potatoes, Boeuf Bourguignon is a dish that warms the heart and soul, embodying rustic elegance.
16. Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is a dessert that dazzles with its upside-down charm. Caramelized apples, rich in flavor, rest atop a buttery crust that cradles them perfectly.
Baked to a golden brown, the tart is best served warm, offering a comforting sweetness that delights the senses.
Often accompanied by crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream, this classic dessert is a staple in French patisseries. Its origins, steeped in legend, add to its allure, making Tarte Tatin a must-try treat for any dessert lover.
17. Clafoutis
Clafoutis is a dessert that captures the essence of French country living. Made with fresh cherries (or other fruit) in a flan-like batter, it offers a light, eggy sweetness.
The tender custard envelops the fruit, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Often served as a casual dessert, Clafoutis is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of French home cooking. It’s a dish that invites relaxation, enjoyed best with family and friends on a lazy afternoon.
18. Macarons
Macarons are the epitome of French patisserie artistry. These delicate sandwich cookies boast crisp shells and creamy centers, coming in a rainbow of colors and flavors.
From classic vanilla to exotic passion fruit, each macaron is a tiny explosion of delight.
Ladurée and Pierre Hermé are renowned for their creations, offering a taste of Parisian elegance in every bite. The meticulous process of making macarons adds to their allure, making them a must-try for anyone visiting France.