The world may keep on changing with all the new tech developments and fashion trends, but some things remain ‘classique’ through time. Here are the top French dishes that are guaranteed to satiate your cravings especially if you happen to be travelling in France during the brutal winter. And yes, a lot of them have to do with cheese and potatoes. Here are the top 9 French dishes in winter!
WARNING: This post may cause hunger and the impulse to book a trip to France!
Best French Food in Winter Top 1. Choucroute Alsacienne
This isn’t exactly the most photogenic dish but luckily the comfort of its flavors makes up for it. A German-influenced dish, choucroute is quite simply pickled cabbage, or sauerkraut, with a variety of salted meats, sausages and potatoes. So if you need your portion of veggies, perhaps this counts.
Where to eat this in Paris:
L’Alsace – 39 Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008
www.restaurantalsace.com
Best French Food in Winter Top 2. Hachis Parmentier
Yet another dish from the humble potato. This dish is very similar to shepherd’s or cottage pie: mashed potatoes on a base of minced beef, then cooked in the oven until golden. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the decadent sauce Lyonnaise that goes on top of it.
Where to eat this in Paris:
Royal Turenne – 24 rue de Turenne, 75003
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But quite frankly, this dish is something that most French people make themselves at home on a cold wintry day. Try making it yourself using this excellent recipe by renowned French chef Cyril Lignac. It’s unfortunately in French but nothing Google Translate can’t help you with!
Best French Food in Winter Top 3. Bœuf Bourguignon
No cheese involved here but this classic beef stew is probably what screams French comfort food the loudest. Tender beef with soft and sweet vegetables and a thick sauce you can mop up with crusty bread, this dish makes winter seem not so bad.
Where to eat this in Paris:
Au Bourguignon du Marais – 52, rue François Miron, 75004
www.aubourguignondumarais.fr
4. Tartiflette
Yes, of course there are more potato + cheese dishes! This dish is a hearty mountain food popular among skiers (or just people with the same appetite). It’s basically an entire block of Reblochon cheese dumped over fried potatoes, onions, and bacon. It’s like a Vitamin, really.
Where to eat this in Paris:
Le Chalet Savoyard – 58 Rue de Charonne, 75011
www.chalet-savoyard.fr
If you’re looking for more restaurants in Paris, check out our comprehensive Eating in Paris Guide! It lists over 100 of Paris best restaurants, cafés, and food shops!
5. Aligot
This dish makes mashed potatoes look low-calorie. It’s what you get when you mix heaping amounts of cheese, butter, and cream to potatoes. With its stringy texture, ladling it over your plate is an Instagram-moment waiting to happen! Best had with some sausages!
Where to eat this Paris:
Ambassade d’Auvergne – 22 Rue du Grenier-Saint-Lazare, 75003
www.abassade-auvergne.fr
6. Raclette
Raclette is a dish, Swiss in origin, that was meant for the cold mountains but has descended into the stomachs of many around the world. A simple meal that only requires cheese, potatoes, ham, a raclette machine, and loose trousers. Sweatpants are encouraged.
Where to eat this in Paris:
Il Cottage – 1 Boulevard Lannes, 75016
www.ilcottage.fr
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7. Cassoulet
This staple of the Languedoc region uses beans in a tomato sauce as a base then flavours them with a variety of meats, including sausage, duck confit, pork belly, pork rind and lamb shoulder. Afterwards, you’re gonna want to take a long nap.
Where to have this in Paris:
Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie – 34 rue Montmartre, 75001
www.comptoirdelagastronomie.com
8. French onion soup
Of course, what can be more comforting than a piping bowl of soup? What makes the French onion soup so special is the crust of cheesy toasted bread on top that you must use to mop up the soup with. It’s such a tasty, salty, and warming dish. Make it at home or order it at a Parisian restaurant, just try it!
Where to have this in Paris:
Au Pied de Cochon – 6 rue Coquillière, 75002
www.pieddecochon.com
9. For dessert: profiteroles au chocolat
This isn’t a winter-specific dessert but we’ve included it on the list anyway because of how sinful yet satisfying it is. It’s basically a hollow pastry stuffed with custard or whipped cream inside and then drizzled on top with warm chocolate sauce. If you’re on a diet, actually, if you’re traveling to France, DON’T be on a diet. Just enjoy the food!
Where to eat this in Paris:
Bouillion Pigalle – 22 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018
www.bouillonpigalle.com