Eating in France
The culture of France and its customary meals are known worldwide. One of the remarkable features of France is that every region has its own cuisine and style of cooking. Mediterranean region of France uses tomatoes, herbs and olive oil in most of their dishes, while Northwest France uses more of apples, butter and sour cream. Strong German influence can be found in the cuisine of Northeast France, which generally consists of Bear and sauerkraut. In the entire region of South France there is a general trend to use more of fruits and vegetables. Near the Mediterranean and Atlantic Coast there is more use of seafood while in the inland area, people use more of fresh water fish.
People of France believe in taking three meals a day but in moderation. They spend ample time in eating and they prefer to eat at their own respective homes. They start their day with breakfast, which generally consists of hot drink and fresh baguette. Lunch in France is the most structured and preferred meal, comprising of a starter followed by main course of meat and vegetable and cheese and concludes with a dessert. Dinner in France is a rather simplified meal and consists of serving of soup and a lighter main meal. Snacks and drinks are very much in demand and so people in France spend most of their time in cafes.
Vegetarian food is not so popular in France. The cuisine of France is very much meat and fish oriented. Very few restaurants in France serve vegetarian food. Salads can be easily found but apart from this it is difficult to find vegetarian dish in any restaurant.
There are two options of eating out in France. The first consists of restaurant and second consists of various other establishments such as café, bar, Bistro, Brasserie and so on. In any good restaurant of France, the quality of service is good. Customers in France consider it bad to be interrupted by waiters while eating, so they call the staff themselves. Breakfast in restaurants in France is offered between 7:30am to 9:30am, while lunch is served between 12pm to 2pm and dinner between 7:30pm to 10pm. Cafés and fast food serves food the entire day.
Some of the popular food of France is Quiche flavored with chicken, fish and ham, pepper steak and coq au vin. Most of the France’s traditional main meal is served with sauce. In France wine is taken with the main meal.