Top 10 French Delicacies You Must Try 🇫🇷

If there is one country where gastronomy has been elevated to an art form, it is France. French delicacies are a fusion of tradition, luxury and refinement. From creamy cheeses to exclusive truffles, this top 10 is an absolute must-try for foodies.

After our holiday last week in beautiful Normandy, I am ready to take you and your taste buds on a culinary journey. Are you sitting tight?

Truffles from the Périgord - the Black Gold of France

🔥 The ultimate delicacy for high-end foodies!

Say France, and in the same breath truffles follow. The Périgord truffle [Tuber Melanosporum] is the most exclusive black truffle in the world. The aroma of this French specialty comes from the fact that this treasure is found underground. The deep, earthy taste comes into its own in all kinds of recipes.

What is the best way to use black truffle in dishes?

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The best way to use black truffle is thinly shaved over hot dishes such as pasta, risotto or entrecôte. Add it at the last moment so that the flavor is optimally preserved.

Luxury serving tips

• Shave it thinly over a plate of fresh tagliatelle with butter and Parmesan cheese
• Sprinkle it as a finishing touch on a perfect entrecôte
• Serve a creamy truffle mayonnaise with homemade fries.

Buying tip : always choose a truffle product with a high percentage of real truffle, no synthetic aromas.

Foie Gras - luxury on a spoon

🔥 Velvety smooth taste and pure luxury on your plate.

Foie gras is not everyone's favorite, but the French love it. This exclusive delicacy is also known as duck or goose liver. It is an iconic French product known for its creamy and full flavor. This food is often enjoyed as a starter or amuse at gourmet dinners.

How do you serve foie gras?

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The most classic way to serve foie gras is on a piece of lightly grilled brioche, with a pinch of sea salt and a glass of Souternes wine.

Other luxury combinations

• Fig compote and a crispy baguette make life better
• Eat it in a delicate terrine with truffle
• How about mousse on a charcuterie board with nuts and honey?

Époisses de Bourgogne - the most powerful cheese in the world

🔥 So good that Napoleon was a fan!

If you are a true cheese lover, you will probably know Époisses. This Burgundian cheese is washed in Marc de Bourgogne and has an intense, almost funky smell and taste. Despite the spicy smell, Époisses cheese is surprisingly soft and full of taste. Would you get excited about it?

How do you eat Époisses de Bourgogne?

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Let the cheese come to room temperature and serve with a crispy baguette and a glass of Pinot Noir. This way you will experience the perfect combination of fruity and creamy, yum!

Tip : This recipe is not for beginners. This is a cheese with character.

Oysters from Cancale - Michelin quality seafood

🔥 It doesn't get any fresher than this!

Cancale is the oyster capital of the French country. Here you can taste the Fines de Claire and the Spéciales Gillardeau, which they harvest with love. Seafood lovers love French oysters, because of the salty and creamy flavor palette. It is not without reason that many top chefs, worldwide, are at least as fond of them!

Which wine goes best with French oysters?

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The best wines to pair with French oysters are fresh, mineral white wines, such as Chablis, Sancerre or a dry Champagne.

Luxurious serving tips for oysters

• Natural, but with a few drops of lemon and a pinch of pepper
• In a classic mignonette sauce with vinegar and shallots
• Gratinated with a touch of champagne butter.

Macarons - a bite-size eye-opening moment

🔥 The French answer to haute patisserie.

Even in the supermarket you can buy these colorful, airy almond cookies, but their quality is absolutely nothing compared to the French specialties. The velvety filling is a true art form. Ladurée and Pierre Hermé are the undisputed Kings of macarons!

What are the most popular macaron flavors?

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The most popular macaron flavors are raspberry & lychee, salted caramel and Earl Grey with chocolate.

How do you store macarons?

• Let the macarons come to room temperature so that the texture is at its best
• Combine macarons with tea or champagne for the ultimate pairing
• Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Cassoulet - French comfort food classic

🔥 A hearty, luxurious stew for winter evenings.

Rustic, heart-warming French cuisine in a nutshell? Then you've come to the right place. This traditional dish from the south of France is originally a peasant dish, but has now become a culinary highlight. You'll find cassoulet on the menu at luxury restaurants and bistros.

What is cassoulet and how do you make it?

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Cassoulet is a traditional French bean dish with duck, sausage and bacon. It is cooked slowly for a rich, deep flavour.

How do you make cassoulet super deluxe?

• Use duck fat for extra depth in the dish
• Opt for artisanal Toulouse sausage instead of the standard options

Tartiflette - the ultimate cheese fondue from the French Alps

🔥 Perfect winter comfort food!

Tartiflette is a creamy casserole from one of the most beautiful villages in this beautiful country. Bring the Alps to your home by serving potatoes, bacon, onion and a thick layer of Reblochon cheese. It is a rich, hearty dish - perfect for cold winter days!

It is a relatively modern dish from the 80s, but it is definitely not inferior to many ski huts and bistros. Let's dive deeper!

How to make the perfect Tartiflette?

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Tartiflette is a casserole dish made with potatoes, bacon, onion and melted Reblochon cheese. Serve it with a glass of white Savoie. 1️⃣ Use waxy potatoes such as Charlotte or Yukon Gold for the perfect texture. 2️⃣ Fry the bacon until crispy and slowly caramelize the onions for extra flavour. 3️⃣ Choose an authentic Reblochon cheese – preferably an unpasteurized one for the creamiest, nuttiest flavour. 4️⃣ Arrange the potatoes in layers and spread the cheese over them, allowing it to melt evenly. 5️⃣ Bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling. 6️⃣ Serve with a fresh salad to balance out this rich dish.

Serving tips for the perfect Tartiflette

• Serve with a crispy green salad for balance
• Drink a good dry white wine to cut the fat

Canard à l'Orange - king of French game

🔥 Duck in orange sauce – elegant and timeless.

Carnard à l'Orange is duck in orange sauce, but of course you already knew that. This classic French specialty is sweet, sour and savory all in one. In the 16th century, it was already served in French palaces and it remains a favorite in high-end restaurants to this day. Tender duck meat with a caramelized orange sauce; who can say no to that?

Which wine goes best with Canard à l'Orange?

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The best wines to pair with Canard à l'Orange are a light Pinot Noir from Burgundy or a fruity Merlot with soft tannins.

Serving tips Canard à l'Orange

• Serve with crispy potatoes or parsnip puree
• Use blood oranges for a more intense taste experience

Kouign-Amann - the butteriest croissant ever

🔥 Brittany's best kept secret!

Kouign-Amann is one of France's best-kept pastry secrets. This flaky, caramelized treat is packed with butter and sugar. It hails from Brittany and is often described as a cross between a croissant and a caramel roll . Only even more decadent. Phew, when you taste it you'll know what I mean. Incidentally, the name literally means 'butter cake', so you already know enough!

What is the best way to eat Kouign-Amann?

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Kouign-Amann tastes best when it is slightly warmed, so that the caramel softens and the layers of butter dough come into their own.

Perfect combinations

• Eat it with an espresso or a cup of strong French coffee
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert

Tarte Tatin - France's reverse wonder

🔥 The accidentally invented cake that became world famous!

Tarte Tatin was invented by chance, but it is a true masterpiece. This upside-down apple pie was invented by the Tatin sisters in their restaurant in the Loire Valley. It has since become a French classic, loved for its buttery crust and caramelized apples.

How to make the perfect Tarte Tatin?

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Tarte Tatin is made by caramelizing apples in butter and sugar. Then you cover them with dough and bake it upside down. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enjoy!.

Luxurious Serving Tips for Tarte Tatin

• Sprinkle with Calvados for extra depth
• Serve with crème fraîche or homemade whipped cream

From truffles to tarte tatin, French cuisine offers an unparalleled diversity of exclusive delicacies. Want to experience these French delicacies yourself? Discover the tastiest inspiration on our blog and the best products in our shop .