Hey Lykkers! If you've ever wandered through the charming streets of France, you've probably been drawn in by the smell of freshly baked bread or the sight of mouth-watering pastries.

French cuisine is globally renowned, with over 600 Michelin-starred restaurants spread across the country, offering a glimpse into its rich food culture. But what makes these classic French dishes so iconic? For the French, food is not just something to eat—it's a way of life.

It reflects their history, culture, and traditions. From croissants to escargots, let's dive into four classic French dishes and discover the stories behind them.

What is “Gastronomy”?

In French culture, the word gastronomy holds significant weight. Merriam-Webster defines it as “the art or science of good eating” or “the customs or style of cooking.” You'll hear this word often when exploring French culture and cuisine. It's more than just about making food; it's about crafting a dining experience that celebrates flavor, tradition, and community. Now, let's explore four classic French foods and their fascinating backstories.

Escargots (Snails)

One of the most famous and, perhaps, surprising French dishes is escargots, or snails. Typically cooked in a rich butter sauce with garlic and parsley, escargots can be found on menus at bistros throughout France. But why do the French eat snails? While eating snails has been part of French culture for thousands of years, the dish became especially popular in the early 1800s. According to legend, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, a French foreign minister, once asked his chef to prepare a dish for a meal with Tsar Alexander. The chef, from Burgundy, chose to serve escargots, cooked with garlic, butter, and parsley. The rest, as they say, is history.

Truffles

Now, when we say truffles, we're not talking about the chocolate kind, but the highly coveted fungus known for its distinct and deep flavor. Truffles are the edible spores that grow underground on specific trees. Although they can be found in various countries, France is home to the first successful truffle farms, particularly in the regions of Provence and Perigord. Joseph Talon, considered the father of modern truffle cultivation, discovered the secret to the fungi's symbiotic relationship with its environment. Once harvested by boars, truffles are now mostly found using trained dogs with keen noses. These luxurious treats are often served on pasta, in risotto, or even on top of a perfectly cooked fillet.

Foie Gras

Another beloved French delicacy is foie gras, which is made from the fattened liver of a duck or goose. While its description might not sound appetizing to everyone, foie gras remains a symbol of French culinary excellence, often served during special occasions like Réveillon, the festive New Year's Eve dinner. France is the largest producer of foie gras, with an average consumption of 170 grams per person per year, according to Statista. The origins of foie gras date back to ancient Egypt, but it wasn't until the 1500s that it became part of French cuisine. It gained further popularity in England before becoming synonymous with French luxury.

Croissants

No French breakfast feels complete without a freshly baked croissant—those buttery, flaky crescent-shaped pastries that have become synonymous with French culture. Interestingly, croissants didn't actually originate in France. The ancestor of the croissant was a pastry called kipferl, a moon-shaped pastry from Austria dating back to the 1200s. In 1838, August Zang, an Austrian baker, opened the first Viennese bakery in Paris. From there, the kipferl evolved into what we now know as the croissant. Over time, it became an essential part of the French breakfast, and its association with France solidified.

The Role of Food in French Culture

Food and gastronomy play a huge role in French culture. For the French, eating is not just about satisfying hunger; it's about bringing people together, celebrating life's pleasures, and preserving traditions. Whether it's the ritual of sipping café au lait at a sidewalk café or enjoying a three-course meal with friends and family, food is at the heart of daily life in France. So, are you ready to experience the rich flavors and fascinating history of these classic French dishes? If you're planning a trip to France, or simply want to cook like the French, why not try preparing one of these iconic dishes yourself?