When we think about French culture, one of the first things that comes to mind is the country’s rich culinary heritage. From croissants and baguettes to coq au vin and escargots, food is deeply intertwined with the French way of life. For English speakers learning French, this makes food vocabulary a perfect starting point.

Essential Food Vocabulary

Here are some key French food words and phrases to get you started:

• Les fruits (fruits): pomme (apple), banane (banana), fraise (strawberry)
  
• Les légumes (vegetables): carotte (carrot), tomate (tomato), poivron (bell pepper)
  
• Les viandes (meats): poulet (chicken), bœuf (beef), porc (pork)
  
• Les poissons et fruits de mer (fish and seafood): saumon (salmon), crevettes (shrimp)
  
• Les produits laitiers (dairy products): lait (milk), fromage (cheese), yaourt (yogurt)
  
• Les pains et pâtisseries (breads and pastries): baguette, croissant, pain au chocolat
  
• Les boissons (drinks): vin (wine), café (coffee), eau (water)

Learning Through Food Experiences

Imagine walking into a French market and feeling confident enough to order your favorite items in French. You could ask for “deux baguettes” or say, “Je voudrais un kilo de pommes.” When you’re dining at a restaurant, understanding the menu without needing a translation gives you a deeper appreciation for French cuisine.

If you’re a passionate cook, you can even try French recipes at home. Following a recipe written in French is a fantastic way to practice reading comprehension while enjoying a delicious meal as the reward. Cooking shows and YouTube channels in French are another fun resource where you can hear native speakers talk about food, ingredients, and techniques, all while building your vocabulary.

Recognize the main French dishes

Be pro-active: Google image the dishes to see how they look!

• Coq au Vin – Chicken cooked in red wine
  
• Bœuf Bourguignon – Beef stewed in red wine
  
• Ratatouille – Stewed vegetables (usually including zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes)
  
• Cassoulet – Slow-cooked casserole with beans, sausages, and pork
  
• Bouillabaisse – Traditional fish stew from Provence
  
• Quiche Lorraine – Savory pie with eggs, cream, bacon, and cheese
  
• Tartiflette – Potato, cheese, bacon, and onion gratin
  
• Blanquette de Veau – Creamy veal stew
  
• Canard à l’Orange – Roast duck with orange sauce
  
• Steak Frites – Steak served with French fries

Food as a Cultural Experience

Learning food vocabulary in French isn’t just about words—it’s about immersing yourself in the culture. French cuisine is known for its focus on quality ingredients, mindful preparation, and dining as an experience. Meals in France are often leisurely, enjoyed with friends and family, and filled with lively conversation.

By learning French through food, you’re not just gaining language skills—you’re gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s values and traditions. It’s a delicious way to connect with French culture on a whole new level.

Have a lovely day,

Emilie – French teacher for English speakers

Contact me to take French classes!