It’s hard to argue with the stance that one of the best parts of French culture is the food, which seems to be largely made up of bread and cheese. If you watch movies about France or even visit the country on vacation, some of the most potent imagery you’ll see will feature flaky croissants, fresh baguettes, hunks of fragrant fromage and, of course, plenty of wine. That’s enough to get anyone’s mouth watering! Thus, if you’re going to learn basic French or travel to a francophone country and want to satisfy your appetite, it’s important to brush up on French food words and phrases.
We’ve compiled a quick guide to some of the most commonly used French food words (and drink words) that you might encounter at a quaint cafe, a fancy restaurant or a dinner party with long-lost relatives. If you study these words and phrases — and click the play button to hear how they’re pronounced — you’ll be ready to dine like a true personne française!
French Food Words To Whet Your Appetite
Meal-Related Words
Food — la nourriture
To eat — manger
To drink — boire
Restaurant — le restaurant
Fast food — la restauration rapide
Menu — le menu
Breakfast — le petit déjeuner
Lunch — le déjeuner
Dinner — le dîner
Appetizer — l’entrée
Main course — le plat principal
Dessert — le dessert
Waiter — le serveur (m) / la serveuse (f)
The check — l’addition
Vegetarian — le végétarien
Vegan — végétalien
Gluten/lactose-free — sans gluten / sans lactose
Food Words
Bread — le pain
Cheese — le fromage
Soup — la soupe
Salad — la salade
Fruit — le fruit
Vegetables — les légumes
Potato — la pomme de terre
Beef — la viande de bœuf
Chicken — la poule
Pork — le porc
Fish — le poisson
Drink Words
Drink — la boisson
Beer — la bière
Wine — le vin
Water — l’eau
Juice — le jus
Coffee — le café
Tea — le thé