Contact us on WhatsApp: +33 6 95 73 52 90

Unpopular French dishes you can find in France

By Jean
Reading Time: 3 minutes
unpopular French dishes

France is known for its exquisite cuisine, but there are many unpopular French dishes, even if they are famous with tourists. In this article, we explore dishes you can find in France that most locals aren’t fond of.

Escargots

Escargots, or snails cooked with butter, garlic, and parsley, are a classic French dish. They are mostly eaten in the region of Burgundy (Bourgogne), where they are considered a specialty. The dish is often served as a starter at festive meals, particularly during Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, as it is considered luxurious and is often reserved for special occasions.

Many French people aren’t particularly enthusiastic about escargots. The primary complaint is the slimy texture, and some locals find the idea of eating snails unappetizing.

Andouillette

Andouillette is a sausage made from pork intestines, specifically the stomach and colon, and is strongly associated with the region of Lyon, as well as Troyes in the Champagne region. It is mainly enjoyed in central and northeastern parts of France, with each region having its own recipe and preparation style. Andouillette is often served as a main dish with mustard sauce, potatoes, or salad, and is available year-round, not specifically tied to any celebration.

Many French people find its intense, earthy aroma and taste—sometimes described as pungent—off-putting. It’s common to see it featured on menus in its home regions, but outside those areas, it’s not nearly as popular.

Cuisses de Grenouille

Frogs’ legs, known as cuisses de grenouille, are associated with French cuisine but are primarily eaten in rural regions like the Dombes area near Lyon. They are often served pan-fried with garlic and parsley or in a white wine sauce, giving them a subtle flavor. For many, the texture—often compared to chicken but with a slightly fishy undertone—can be off-putting, contributing to their lack of popularity.

unpopular French dishes

Huîtres et oursins

Oysters are often associated with special occasions due to their cost and the tradition of having them during festive meals. They are traditionally a must-have on the dinner table for the end of the year celebrations. They are typically served fresh with lemon juice or mignonette sauce. However, many French people avoid oysters because of their slippery texture and strong, briny flavor, finding them difficult to swallow.

Sea urchin, or oursin, is less common than oysters and has a distinctive taste that’s both sweet and salty. It’s generally seen as a delicacy that’s more on the expensive side. Due to its appearance and taste, sea urchin is not a popular choice for most French people and tends to appeal more to seafood enthusiasts.

Tripes

Tripe dishes are a longstanding tradition in many parts of France, with Tripes à la mode de Caen (a dish of slow-cooked tripe, usually the stomach lining, with white wine, carrots, and onions) being a famous example from the Normandy region.

Many French people avoid tripe-based dishes because of the chewy texture and strong taste. The idea of eating tripes can be unappealing for many, contributing to its limited popularity outside regions where it is traditionally consumed.

unpopular French dishes

Why do these dishes divide opinions?

French cuisine is very diverse, and preferences often depend on where someone was raised and the flavors they grew up with. Dishes that involve strong flavors, unusual textures, or unconventional ingredients can be quite polarizing. Additionally, some foods that have gained fame as “exotic” or “unique” French dishes are often appreciated more by tourists than by locals themselves.

For those looking to truly experience French gastronomy, it’s always worth trying these unique dishes, but don’t be surprised if some of your French friends politely decline to join in!

Share this article

Go! Go! France

Search articles

Popular posts

DO YOU WANT TO LIVE AND STUDY IN FRANCE?

We at Go! Go! France are all about turning your dreams of living and studying in France into reality!

Go! Go! France Blog

Related articles

While Standard French is the official and most widely spoken language in France, many regional dialects continue to shape the country’s linguistic landscape. Some are closely related to French, while others are linguistically unrelated. Learn more about dialects spoken in France in this article. Historical background The shift toward a single national language began in...
French and Italian are both Romance languages with Latin roots—but how similar are they, and what does that mean for language learners? Let’s explore the key similarities and differences between French and Italian. Similarities between French and Italian While French and Italian each have their own unique identities, they share foundational traits thanks to their...
Living in France long term takes more than just a dream—it requires planning, persistence, and the right steps. This 5-year guide will help you navigate language learning, education, and employment so you can build a stable and rewarding life in France. First things first: Is France really for you? Moving abroad for the long term...
Want to do something meaningful this summer? If you apply now, you could be spending your summer vacation in France learning about the language and experiencing the culture! Why learning French in France is the fastest way to make progress Immersing yourself in French culture is the fastest and most effective way to improve your...
Are you a teacher, tutor, or organization planning a school group trip to France? We’re here to help you organize the experience you envision. We specialize in crafting immersive educational experiences, making it easier than ever for schools, universities, and other educational institutions to organize study trips to France. Tailored educational travel for your students...

Contact us

Any questions? We are here to help