Exploring the classic and delicious French lunch food

If you’re wondering what French people eat for lunch, we would say it’s very similar to the typical French dinner. That is because most working adults and schoolchildren in France can access a canteen where lunch is heavily sponsored.

French employers are legally required to provide easy access to lunch or food vouchers valid at a local restaurant. As a result, the typical French lunch can include a three-course meal (starter, main, and dessert), all prepared by professional chefs. This applies to both adults and children.

5 classic French lunch foods

Below are the five top meals that the French usually have for lunch. You can also explore French breakfast to explore the best breakfast options for yourself and your loved ones. The French breakfast dishes are delicious and high in nutritional value.

Croque Monsieur

The Croque Monsieur is a glorified gammon and cheese sandwich considered a French national treasure. Croque, which means “to bite” in English, was once the traditional lunch for busy people in France.

This sandwich, laden with French butter, cream, and cheese, must be eaten with a knife and fork, just like the French. You can also order a Croque Madame with a fried egg on top.

Jambon Beurre

Before the American burger arrived in France, jambon beurre ruled the area. A simple sandwich was intended as a quick lunch that could be assembled and eaten on the go. Jambon means “ham,” beurre means “butter,” and that was it. A baguette with butter and ham is much easier to transport than croque sandwiches, which require more preparation skills.

Steak Tartare

Tartare is a French culinary term for various dishes served raw rather than cooked. Raw meat is typically used in steak tartare, but fish can be chopped or shredded into small pieces.

It is typically served with a salad and fries as a light lunch or dinner and is a popular midday meal in France.

Crêpes

Depending on the toppings, a crêpe can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In France, there are two types of crêpes: sarrasin and froment.

Froment is regular wheat and is commonly used to make crêpe sucrée (sugary crêpes), such as crêpes with honey, fruit toppings, or ice cream. Sarrasin crêpes, on the other hand, are made from buckwheat, and they are a typical light French lunch that you will find all over the country.

Savory cake sale

Try the savory cake if you’re looking for a packed lunch idea. Cake salé is a savory rather than sweet cake. Salé means “salty” in French.

They’re a popular choice for a packed lunch (or apéro hour) because they’re simple to prepare and transport. It’s also great as finger food because it’s easy to pick up and eat.

You can make them in any combination you want, including bacon lardons and olives, spinach and cheese, and more.

These are some of the classic French lunch foods that you can order in France. Learning how to order food in French can help you order your desired dish confidently. Speaking French in public requires confidence. If you are in the process of learning French, we have a course recommendation for you.

If you want to become good at French, check out italki to get the best French tutor online. The learning sessions are affordable, carrying engaging and interactive learning resources. So what are you waiting for?

Master French language with italki

With highly experienced and professional French tutors available online, this platform has simplified French language learning. This unique platform gives learners, and instructors control over the learning process.

Extensive experience tutors: This platform has many qualified and experienced private French teachers who offer online French lessons. Talk to your preferred tutor about your objectives and goals. It only takes a few clicks on italki to locate an online French tutor. You can find a list of tutors on the website and select the one that best meets your requirements.

Schedule flexibility: You can create your own learning schedule that does not disrupt your daily routine. Consult your tutor to create a learning schedule that you can stick to.

Personalized lesson plans: You can design plans based on your specific learning objectives and goals. Following your preferred learning style and pattern is critical for rapidly learning a new language.

Interactive sessions: The learning sessions are highly interactive in nature. Learners are enrolled in conversational French classes where they can develop language skills with real-world exercises and speaking practices.

he enrollment process at italki

• Visit italki
• Generate your profile
• Fill in all of the required information
• Navigate to the ‘Find a Teacher’ section
•  Use the filter to find a French teacher
•  Check the reviews provided by previous learners
• Select the teacher who best meets your needs
• Schedule a trial lesson at a discounted rate to evaluate the learning method.
• Follow the tutor’s instructions

Frequently asked questions

What is a typical French lunch like?

A: A typical French lunch often consists of multiple courses, starting with a light appetizer, then a main course such as a sandwich or salad, and ending with a dessert like a tart or fruit.

What are some vegetarian options for French lunch?

Vegetarian options for French lunch include dishes like Ratatouille, a vegetable stew, or a Quiche Lorraine without bacon. Salads are also a great vegetarian option, such as a Salade Niçoise without tuna.

Can you suggest some French lunch foods that are easy to make at home?

Some easy-to-make French lunch foods include Croque Monsieur, a grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with béchamel sauce, or a simple Salade Lyonnaise with poached eggs and bacon. Quiches are also relatively easy to make and can be filled with various ingredients like vegetables or cheese.

Conclusion

French lunch foods offer a delightful blend of flavors, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of France. Whether you’re indulging in a classic Croque Monsieur or savoring a refreshing Salade Niçoise, each dish tells a story of tradition, taste, and craftsmanship.

If you want to enjoy your trip to France, mastering the French language is a must. Visit italki today to hire the best private French tutor online and start taking classes at your desired schedule and pace.