I’m always up for some good French cuisine and the list of 10 French delicacies you have to try in the section below might entice you to give it a try sometime as well. Read the descriptions and see what you think. You just might find something you’ve already tried and didn’t even know it was considered to be a French delicacy!
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10. Cognac
Even though this liquor is made from grapes, it is much different than wine. It is created by distilling a white wine twice. The distillation process takes place in copper stills and then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years, but most is left for a few decades.
9. Oysters
If you decide to eat a plate full of oysters, be sure to swallow them whole. I made the mistake of trying to chew one up and nearly gagged to death. They are filled with a liquidy substance that makes it almost impossible to concentrate on swallowing the slimy thing. Some people absolutely adore oysters. I, on the other hand, would rather look at them than eat them.
Frequently asked questions
8. Frog Legs
People who have eaten frog legs will probably say they taste like chicken, actually, they sort of do! I tried some when I visited Louisiana and enjoyed them immensely. They have a lighter flavor than chicken and they aren’t as popular in France as most people believe. The lack of popularity is mostly due to the fact that frogs are protected in France.
7. Boulette D’Avesnes
The pyramid shape and reddish color seen on this type of cheese generally gives it away on a platter of assorted cheeses. The flavor of this particular cheese doesn’t appeal to everyone and I recommend taking a very small taste if it before ordering an entire chunk for yourself. It is a rather spicy and unusually strong cheese, so have something to drink on hand when tasting it.
6. Snails
These aren’t your run of the mill garden snails being served on a platter. The snails served in France are wild and rather large. They are served with a mixture of melted butter, parsley, and garlic. Each snail is scooped out of the shell, dipped into the buttery sauce, and eaten. Sometimes they are eaten inside of a flaky pastry instead.
5. Truffles
Whoever thought an underground fungus as unappealing-looking as a truffle could be so tasty? Granted, not everyone enjoys the pungent earthy flavor truffles have to offer. They are actually best when shaved over the top of a salad.
4. Soupe De Poisson
If you know the word ‘poisson’ then you know this is fish soup. Fish soup is one of those things people either like or don’t like. The color of fish soup can be sort of orange and is generally served with tiny pieces of crisp toast.
3. Le Foie Gras
People who like pate tend to enjoy this particular delicacy. Foie gras is made when a duck or goose is force fed corn. The liver is then ground up and served in a buttery sauce. It can also be served inside a flakey pastry too.
2. Chouquettes
Hollow tasty balls of pastry topped with large sugar crystals. Chouquettes are usually sold by the bag full and they go great with coffee. They are so light and fluffy that it’s easy to eat the entire bag all by yourself!
1. Crepes
These thin little pancakes are served with an assortment of items stuffed inside and then rolled up in the shape of a burrito. They can be filled with anything from eggs and cheese to strawberries and cream. They are easy to make and great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What do you think of this list of 10 French delicacies you have to try? Do you think you’ll go out and search for a place to try one of them? If you do get a chance to eat one or more of the following items, I hope you enjoy them!
Top Photo Credit: michele eats