20 Famous French Dishes You Need to Try at Least Once

French cuisine. Two words that instantly conjure up visions of elegance, comfort, and flavour. There’s a reason it’s earned a top spot in the global food hall of fame, famous French food is both a treat for the tastebuds and a cultural experience for any gastronome. More than just buttery croissants or the occasional escargot, French gastronomy is steeped in tradition and the regional diversity will surprise you.

 

From the rolling hills of Burgundy to the sunny coasts of Provence, the French kitchen offers something for every palate. Rich stews, crisp pastries, rustic breads, and the kind of cheese that has its own fan base.

 

Let’s explore 20 famous French dishes that have stood the test of time and an authentic French restaurant in Bangkok where you can sample some of them.

Starters and Small Plates

 

Soupe à l’oignon

 

A steaming bowl of French onion soup is the ultimate comfort starter. Caramelised onions simmered in a deep, beefy broth, topped with golden croutons and bubbling, melty cheese – it’s hard to imagine anything more satisfying on a chilly day.

 

Escargots de Bourgogne

 

A popular French Food for good reason – a simple dish yet complex flavours. Snails might not be your everyday nibble, but in France, these garlicky, parsley-drenched morsels are a delicacy. Served in their shells with plenty of butter, they’re a must-try at least once in your life.

 

Pâté en croute

 

Pâté wrapped in a flaky pastry shell, this dish is a beautiful balance of rustic charm and refined flair. Often filled with game meats and pork, it’s savoury, elegant, and perfect for sharing.

 

Quiche Lorraine

 

This buttery tart hails from the Lorraine region and features a rich, custard filling studded with bacon. It’s a firm brunch favourite and delicious either warm or at room temperature.

 

Salade Niçoise

 

From the south of France comes this bright, refreshing salad. Usually made with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, olives, green beans, and tomatoes and dressed in a light vinaigrette. It’s summery, crisp, and deceptively satisfying.

Hearty Mains and Bistro Favourites

 

Boeuf Bourguignon

 

If there’s one dish that sums up popular French food, this is it. Beef, slow-braised in red wine with carrots, mushrooms, and a dash of garlic. It’s the sort of meal that warms you from the inside out.

 

Coq Au Vin

 

Chicken cooked low and slow in wine (traditionally red, but sometimes white), with bacon, mushrooms, and onions. It’s rich, savoury, and utterly comforting.

 

Duck Confit

 

One of the famous French dishes, this involves curing duck legs in salt, then slowly cooking them in their own fat until fall-apart tender. Usually served with crispy potatoes – yes, it’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds.

 

Cassoulet

 

This white bean casserole originated in the southwest and is pure, rustic comfort. It often includes duck, pork, and sausage, slow-cooked into a thick, hearty stew.

 

Steak Frites

 

A no-nonsense classic: juicy steak paired with golden fries. It’s served in homes and bistros across France and is the go-to order when you just want something satisfying and simple.

Seafood & Lighter Mains

Bouillabaisse

 

This Provençal fish stew is more than just soup, it’s a whole event. Flavoured with saffron and orange zest, and typically served with rouille (a garlicky sauce) and crusty bread, it’s the pride of Marseille.

 

Moules Marinières

 

A heap of mussels steamed in white wine, garlic, shallots, and parsley. Usually served with crispy fries. Light, aromatic, and very moreish.

 

Sole Meunière

 

Sole, lightly floured and pan-fried in brown butter, finished with lemon and parsley. A lighter dish, but no less memorable, it’s a celebration of simplicity done right.

Breads, Cheeses, and Accompaniments

 

Baguette

 

Is there anything more iconically French than a fresh, crusty baguette tucked under someone’s arm? Crackly on the outside, soft inside, it’s the backbone and supporting act of many popular French Food and a snack in its own right.

 

Ratatouille

 

A vegetable medley from the south, this dish combines courgette, aubergine, peppers, and tomatoes in a herby tomato base. It’s often eaten warm but just as lovely cold the next day.

 

Fromage (Cheese)

 

Brie, Camembert, Roquefort… the list is endless and the passion, very real. Cheese in France is typically its own course, and with over 400 varieties, it deserves the spotlight.

Desserts & Pastries

Crème Brûlée

 

A global top contender in the popular French food list. Crack through the caramelised sugar top to reveal silky vanilla custard beneath. It’s creamy, crunchy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

 

Tarte Tatin

 

This upside-down apple tart was supposedly born of a kitchen mishap. Whatever the origin, the result is glorious – sticky, buttery apples resting on flaky pastry.

 

Éclairs

 

Choux pastry tubes filled with rich cream and topped with icing. Available in a rainbow of flavours these days, but nothing beats the classic chocolate version.

 

Madeleines

 

These shell-shaped sponge cakes are light, lemony, and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. One is never enough.

Try Authentic French Food in Bangkok at Brasserie 9

No need to hop on a flight to Paris, Brasserie 9 in Bangkok brings famous French dishes right to your table. Tucked away in a sophisticated colonial-style house, our bistro-style restaurant is known for its classic yet refined interpretations of popular French food.

 

You’ll find all the popular French food classics here – boeuf bourguignon, duck confit, crème brûlée, and madeleines – alongside elevated signatures like pan-seared foie gras, lobster bisque, and the beautifully presented Tournedos Rossini.

 

Pair your meal with something from our impressive wine collection, thoughtfully curated by our in-house sommelier to complement every dish, from rich reds for meat-lovers to crisp whites perfect with seafood or creamy sauces. Prefer a cocktail before dinner? Our bar has you covered with expertly mixed drinks and aperitifs to kick off the evening.

 

With private room options available, Brasserie 9 is also a great spot for hosting events, be it an intimate birthday, a business dinner, or just a long-overdue catch-up with friends. Plus, there’s ample parking for a stress-free arrival, even on a busy weekend.

 

French food may have a reputation for being fussy, but at Brasserie 9, it’s all about great flavours, warm service, and a dining experience that feels special yet approachable. Come hungry, stay curious, and don’t skip dessert.

 

Bon appétit, see you at Brasserie 9.

 

References: 

 

1. 20 Iconic French Menu Dishes. French Waterways. Retrieved on 16 June 2025 from https://www.french-waterways.com/20-iconic-french-menu-dishes/
2. 15 French Meals You Have to Try. Taste.com.au. Retrieved on 16 June 2025 from https://www.taste.com.au/quick-easy/articles/15-french-meals-you-have-to-try/qa63nhht
3. Best Traditional French Food in Paris. Wit & Whimsy. Retrieved on 16 June 2025 from https://witwhimsy.com/best-traditional-french-food-in-paris/