Home > Blog > Travel > Insurance > The Delight of Popular French Meals for Indian Taste Buds

Exploring Popular French Meals

Shishira & Navneeth

Full-time travellers (25 countries and counting) & Chartered Accountants

20/07/2024
8min Read

30sec Snapshot

Enjoy the unbelievable taste of all the popular French meals that are cooked with wine, fresh vegetables, braised meat, or other delights.

Boeuf Bourguignon
Ratatouille
Croque Monsieur
Tarte Tatin
Éclairs

French gastronomy is famous across the globe for its delicious taste, perfect presentation, and the proper usage of combination. Nice and interesting, the popular French meals indeed reflect the food heritage of the country as well as the other regions of the world. Unlike Mediterranean food, which is mostly spicy, French food is a collection of aromatic and fulfilling dishes that make the food delicious.

Let’s dive into the culinary delight of some of the French popular dishes to identify how they began, what they are made from, and why they are important.

Enjoy the best deals and attractive discounts on your Travel Insurance in France

Know More!

Culinary Delights of France

Here’s a bite of the authentic culinary delights of France.

Coq au Vin (Chicken Braised in Wine)

Coq au Vin is a French meal that consists of some traits of the actual French chow. This starter originated in Burgundy and the chicken is stewed in red wine, traditionally served with mushrooms, onions, and bacon. It is the long cooking time together with wine that results in a fully flavoured chicken accompanied by the delightful taste of hearty red wine taste.

Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef Stew in Red Wine)

Another traditional recipe coming from the Burgundy area, the Boeuf Bourguignon, is proof that Burgundy people appreciate wine in food preparation. This dish primarily encompasses beef cooked in red wine with onions, carrots and mushrooms as the main ingredients of the stew. Probably one of the best-known casseroles, Boeuf Bourguignon has evolved into the epitome of French comfort food, especially when it is cold outside!

Ratatouille (Vegetable Stew)

Ratatouille is a healthy dish from the Provence region, which is characterised by the use of a large number of vegetables. This vegetable stew usually contains eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs. It has gained international fame and is considered among the top 10 French dishes after the movie “Ratatouille”, which introduced this simple dish to the world.

Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine is a kind of pie that originated from the Lorraine area of France in the northeastern part of the country. This dish is made of a buttery pastry dough and a filling of eggs, cream, bacon and cheese. Quiche Lorraine is a very popular dish, which is usually consumed as a brunch, light lunch, or dinner.

Bouillabaisse (Fish Stew)

Derived from the coastal city of Marseille, Bouillabaisse is a fish-based stew that is considered to be a part of France’s gastronomical history. This dish involves using different fish and shellfish with tomatoes, saffron and a combination of herbs. Bouillabaisse is not just a dish but a culinary experience that brings out the maritime history of the Mediterranean coast. It is one of the most delicious and popular French meals due to its dense taste.

French Street Food Delights

The streets of France don’t fall behind in serving lip-smacking delights, and here are a few of them.

Crepes

Crepes are very thin pancakes prepared from flour, milk, and eggs, and they are considered an important part of French street food. It is important to note that these delicious snacks can be prepared in sweet and savoury recipes. The sweet ones are usually filled with sugar, Nutella or fresh fruits, while the savoury ones are usually filled with ham and cheese, among others.

Croque Monsieur

Croque Monsieur is a traditional French sandwich that perfectly reflects the French people’s passion for tasty yet uncomplicated meals. This sandwich is made of ham and cheese, which is usually Gruyère or Emmental, and béchamel sauce is poured over it before it is grilled. This is one of the popular French meals in cafés and on the streets due to its crunchy outer layer and soft cheese inside.

Socca

Socca is a crispy and savoury pancake made from chickpea flour and originating from Nice. It is a traditional dish of the region that is prepared on a large flat griddle, and is usually served hot and is part of the street food culture of the region. However, socca is not only popular in Nice, but people who love tasty and crunchy dishes love this street food in Paris France.

Popular French Dinner Dishes

The popular French meals include amazing recipes for an unforgettable dinner. Let’s know more about them.

Duck Confit

Duck Confit is one of the most popular French meals that is prepared by slow cooking. The duck is first seasoned with salt and spices and then roasted in its own fat until tender and well-seasoned. This method also serves to preserve the meat while giving it a juicy and tender feel. Duck Confit is especially common in the region of southwest France and is usually eaten with potatoes or a plain salad.

Cassoulet

Cassoulet is a traditional bean dish from the Languedoc area, which is known for its dense and rich taste. The dish is made with white beans cooked with different types of meat, such as sausage, duck confit, and pork. The preparation of the food takes time, and the flavours are allowed to combine and develop, making this dish absolutely lip-smacking.

Steak Frites

Steak Frites is a famous French delight that consists of grilled steak served with French fries. The quality of the steak and the perfection of the fries are the main factors that define this dish. Steak frites is a French cuisine, based on the use of fresh ingredients and gentle cooking, which makes this dish satisfying and rather rich.

Get Expert Assistance for your Travel Insurance in France

Apply Now

Famous French Desserts

Fall in love with the unique taste of French desserts that are admired and appreciated in every corner of the planet.

Tarte Tatin

Tarte Tatin is an upside-down apple tart where apples are caramelised and placed on a bed of flaky pastry dough, which is baked and then turned over to serve. The apples are sweet and caramelised while the pastry is buttery, and the two together make for a very satisfying dessert.

Crème Brûlée

This is a custard dessert characterised by a layer of caramelised sugar on top. This dessert is flavoured with vanilla and has a rich texture and a beautiful appearance. The crackling sugar top is a perfect foil to the creamy custard base, and the combination of the two is very pleasing.

Éclairs

Éclairs oblong pastries with a yummy cream filling, due to which they are considered to be the epitome of French pastry making. Some of the popular ones are chocolate, coffee and vanilla, all of which provide a different taste sensation. Éclairs are light and fluffy pastries with delicious fillings, which are preferred by people all over the world, especially in France.

Cost of a Meal in France

The price of food in France depends on the type of food and the kind of restaurant that you are eating in. Some of the foods that are sold on the streets include crepes and socca which are cheap and affordable, ranging within a few euros. On the other hand, eating out can be as cheap as a fast food meal or as expensive as a fine dining restaurant. A mid-range restaurant would cost between 15 to 30 euros for a meal, while a fine dining restaurant would cost much more.

Unveiling French Food Culture

French cuisine can be considered to have rich historical roots, which influenced the development of regional cuisine. Wine is the leading beverage in meals and is an essential part of the pleasures of meals, and cheese and bread are other fundamental parts of the foods that French people love.

Table manners in France consist of aspects like taking bistroeal drink, having a number of courses and eating cheese or fruits and sweets. All these traditions depict the French people’s perception of food as being more than just the physical meal, but also involving the social and the cultural aspects.

Also check out the Student Accommodation in France – Full Guide

Conclusion

The options of tasteful popular French meals traditionally served all over the country prove the longevity of this magnificent cuisine. The French cuisines range from the thick soups like those of Burgundy to the light confectionaries like Parisian pastries. The French diets have remained a mystery to tongues across the globe and Taste of France is a story of French culture that goes beyond the consumption of various cuisines.

Popular French meals will never fail to give a real feel of French cuisine with a touch of opulence, even if they are found on the streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some must-try street food items in Paris, France?

One must try the French crêpes stuffed with Nutella, ham, cheese, and fresh fruits. Another choice is the Falafel in the Marais area.

2. What are the most popular French dinner dishes?

Coq au Vin, a rich preparation of braised chicken with red wine, mushrooms, onions and bacon, is an all-time favourite. Another special one is Boeuf Bourguignon, beef simmered in red wine and spices with bits of garlic and vegetables.

3. Are there any famous vegetarian dishes in French cuisine?

Ratatouille, consisting of tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and peppers, is a popular known vegetarian dish.

4. What are some popular local desserts I should try in France?

You can try Crème brûlée, a creamy custard dessert topped with hardened caramelised sugar for a sweet adventure.

5. Where can I find the best places to experience authentic French food?

You can try the restaurant Le Comptoir du Relais or Chez L’Ami Jean, which are located in Paris and correspond to traditional bistro and brasserie establishments.

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam for Indian Travellers

Let’s explore the Best Restaurants in Amsterdam Netherlands

Top Places to Visit in Paris for Indian Travellers

The Famous Food Places in Paris for Indian Palettes

How To Travel in Switzerland During Vacation from India

Recent Blogs

Budget Travel

8 min read

How To Get eSIM: A Comprehensive Guide for New Users

Learn how to get eSIM. Know if your device is compatible, which network carrier supports it, and how to activate it if you’re a new user.

Team Niyo

Helping you save more

Budget Travel

8 min read

Which are the eSIM Supported Phones: A Buyer’s Guide

Learn about the eSIM supported phones from Apple, Samsung, Google, Realme and Nokia. Here’s a buyer’s guide about how it works and the perks of using it.