You will be thinking of French cuisine when you say rich flavors and soulful cooking with elegance. But beyond the fine dining and Michelin stars, there’s something deeply comforting about the humble French bistro. The cozy corner of French culinary tradition offers hearty delicious meals in a warm welcoming setting. If you are passionate about food and beverages, the classic French bistro dishes are like stepping into a love story between rustic charm and refined taste.
Classic French foods to serve
Steak frites
You will always find the steak frites in any French bistro menu due to its essence of comfort. The simple combination of crispy and grilled steak with fries is a French staple food. The fries are salted and served hot, paired with steak with a bit of herb butter. It is often paired with one of these two options:
- sprinkle of bearnaise sauce
- herb butter
Unsurprisingly, the dish is a beloved favorite among tourists and locals. So, the dish is often ordered because of its adaptable taste.
Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin is another must-try dish, a flavor-rich food since its history. The dish contained ingredients to a gourmet experience. It is traditionally made with slow-cooked chicken in red wine. It is spiced with:
- mushrooms
- onions
- herbs
There are two options paired for Coq au Vin when served, such as:
- creamy mashed potatoes
- crusty bread
You can soak the bread in the luscious sauce, and enjoy your meal.
Moules Marinieres
Moules Marinieres is a seafood dish made of mussels in white wine. It is a coastal signature dish that most people love to order.
Mussels are steamed in different types of broth, such as:
- white wine
- garlic
- shallots
- parsley
It is a light food preparation, yet flavorful. It is often served with a glass of white wine and fries on the side.
French Onion Soup
Many bistros are offering French onion soup, which is best for starters. It is a bowl of slow-cooked onions in a beef broth with a melted Gruyere cheese and a toasted baguette slice. It is a comfort food, especially in colder months.
Creme Brulee
No bistro that does not offer Creme Brulee dessert, keeps on stealing the show. It is a kind of sweet ending that you will dream of having again on your next visit.
Classic French beverages
French bistros offer different wines from bold reds to lighter whites. The most popularly served red wines are:
- Bordeaux
- Burgundy
Lighter white wines served are:
- Sancerre
- Chabli
You will elevate the experience when pairing it with the right wine in your meal. These wines will enhance the flavors of the food you eat and make every bite more memorable.
Kir and Pastis
Kir and Pastis are classic aperitifs, these are white wines paired with your food.
Kir is a cocktail made with:
- white wine
- blackcurrant liquor
Pastis has an anise-flavored spirit, which commonly diluted with water.
Conclusion
French bistro fare balances tradition and taste, served at your table. It is best if you are a foodie exploring classic dishes or a food business person planning to open a bistro-style eatery.
Thus, classic French bistro cuisine is a niche worth savoring.
