France seems to have it all: Ritzy shopping boulevards, distinguished art galleries, Michelin-starred restaurants. All these, plus top-notch schools, send France high up the list of top study destinations.
Without an ounce of doubt, French cuisine is the planet’s best. The list of world-class dishes alone is enough to tug at the hearts of international students.
If you’ll be studying in France, there is so much to see, hear, and taste. It’s exciting yet overwhelming at the same time.
To help you get started, we’ve selected eight French food items that you shouldn’t miss while studying in France:
1. Baguette
The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to French food is the world-famous baguette. You can actually buy this in most supermarkets across the globe. But only in France can you taste its authentic, unique flavor.
A freshly cooked baguette is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Take one bite and you’ll know that you’ve just had the best bread in the world.
2. Ratatouille
Made even more popular by the Disney-Pixar movie of the same name, the dish “ratatouille” is famous in its own right.
Ratatouille is a Mediterranean stew, perfect for the health-conscious. It is made with zucchini, mushroom, tomatoes, garlic, eggplant, then drizzled with olive oil. This simple yet scrumptious vegetable stew is fantastic enough to warm up a cold heart. (Just like in the movie!)
3. Cassoulet
If you love delicious meat, you’ll love a generous serving of cassoulet. This dish is a French casserole where the meat (sausage and duck or goose) is slow-cooked into perfection.
4. Bouillabaisse
Craving seafood in France? If you are, then bouillabaisse is the perfect dish for you. This seafood dish combines lobsters and clams stewed in a broth.
You’ll also get a taste of leeks, potatoes, onions, and some kind of fish in a bouillabaisse. To complete this meal, you can have it with a slice of toasted baguette.
5. Blanquette de Veau
Hailed the mother of all French dishes, blanquette de veau is the ultimate French dish. This veal stew is a traditional French meal that’s often served with rice or cucumber and leeks.Â
6. Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée is a popular dessert that also takes roots in Spain and England. This iconic French dessert has a custard base, topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.
This dessert is made with egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and cream. It’s a perfect dish for those craving a nice, sweet dessert on a hot day.
7. Éclair
Éclair is a log-shaped pastry filled with cream and topped with various flavors of icing. Some éclairs come with different fillings such as foie gras and sausage.
8. Boeuf Bourguignon
If you want a hearty meat stew to complete your day, boeuf bourguignon is the best choice. This is one of the most popular French food among both locals and tourists.
Boeuf bourguignon has two major ingredients: burgundy wine and Charolais beef. It’s also served with onions, garlic, and potatoes.
French dishes are some of the best in the world. If you want to try out more French cuisine while in France, read out stories here at MSM Unify.
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