Top 10 French foods – with recipes

French food is known globally for its finesse and flavour. Guide your palette through this list of top 10 French foods, do-it-yourself recipes included.

From the basic to the more interesting traditional foods of France, there is something here for everyone. And what better way to explore French culture than creating your own French specialties? That’s why we have searched far and wide for the best French recipes – both athentic and with a twist.

Bon Appetit!

1. Soupe à l’oignon 
This is a traditional French soup made of onions and beef stock, usually served with croutons and cheese on top. Its origins can be traced back to Roman times. However, its current version originated in the 18th century. The remarkable taste of the soup is due to the caramelisation of the onions.

Make your own:

Five star French language recipe.
The classic recipe.
Use a slow cooker.

2. Wine
France is the place to find the most suitable wine for every palate – from white to rose, and red to champagne. You can drink French wine with your meal, with cheese or while sitting and enjoying the sun at a café. This drink can make you warm in the cold or enrich the taste of the exquisite French cuisine.

Make (it) your own:

• This French guide to French wine explains the wine of each region, its appellations and which food complements each wine.
• Here’s how to pronounce the names on the label (sound clips included).
• Use this French recipe to cook the classic coq au vin – chicken in red wine.

3. Cheese

If you are up for experimenting and playing with your senses, order a serving of diverse French cheeses. These plates are usually served after the main course and before desert. In general, they consist of pressed, soft and blue cheeses. There is such a diversity of French cheeses, and just like French wine, there is something for every taste.

Make (it) your own:

• This A to Z of French cheese contains everything you’ll want to know about le fromage (in French).
• Wine and cheese is the perfect partnership: find out what goes best with what.
• An easy French-language recipe for a classic Fondue savoyarde, with suggestions for wines to accompany;
• …and another for a soufflé au cantal.

4. Boeuf bourguignon

This is a traditional French meal – a stew made of beef braised in red wine, beef broth and seasoned with garlic, onions, fresh herbs and mushrooms.

Make your own:

• French language recipe from Larousse.
• Julia Child masters the art.
• Delia’s delicious bistro classic.

5. Chocolate souffle
A delicious dessert not to be missed! The crispy chocolate crust with a soft creamy chocolate filling make this sweet delight different than anything you will ever taste.

Make your own:

• Madame Le Figaro’s soufflé au chocolat for two.
• Easy chocolate soufflé.
• Hot chocolate soufflé.

6. Flamiche
Flamiche means cake in Flemish and it originates from Northern France, near the border with Belgium. It is a pie crust filled with cheese and vegetables. The stuffing in the classic recipe is made of leeks. However, there is also a pizza-like version of the Flamiche which is without the top crust of the pie.

Make your own:

• Quick and easy French recipe.
• Try it with wild mushroom and artichoke;
• …or leek and tarragon.

7. Confit de canard
Duck confit is a tasty French meal made of duck legs. The preparation of the meat may take up to 36 hours! The duck meat is gently mixed with salt, garlic and thyme and left to absorb their aroma for more than a day. It is generally fried or grilled afterwards, and served with roasted potatoes and garlic on the side.

Make your own:

• An illustrated step-by-step French recipe.
• Skinny version of famously fatty French dish.
• Duck confit with lentils.

8. Salade nicoise

A typical French salad made of lettuce, fresh tomatoes, boiled eggs, canned tuna, Nicoise Cailletier olives and anchovies. It is a fresh starter for a lovely French lunch.

Make your own:

• French recipe for the true salade Niçoise;
• …and the quick version.
• For a twist, use salmon.

9. Ratatouille

Ratatouille can be served as a side dish, as a meal or as a stuffing for other dishes, such as crepes and omelettes. It is generally made in a shallow pan, on high heat, with a relatively small amount of fat. The ingredients consist of tomatoes, garlic, onions, zucchini, eggplant, carrots, bell peppers, basil, marjoram, thyme and other green herbs.

Make your own:

• From the kitchen of the Hotel Mas des Serres in Saint Paul de Vence.
• Ratatouille the simple way.
• Roasted ratatouille chicken.

10. Tarte tatin

They say this apple pie was made by mistake in 1898 by Stephanie Tartin. She was trying to make a traditional apple pie. Fortunately, she accidentally left the apples in sugar and butter for far too long in the pan. In a hurry, trying to rescue the desert, she put the pastry base on top of the burning fruits and then placed the pan in the oven. The desert finished baking and the result – well, try it and you won’t regret it!