11 Weird French Foods to Try When in France (Delicious but Strange!)
When you visit France, you’ll find many unique dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. You will also find unusual, sometimes downright strange, delicacies that aren’t for the faint of heart. Here are 11 weird French food items that will make your mouth water—or turn it away in disgust!
Escargot
Escargot, or snails, are a delicacy in France and can be found on the menus of many French restaurants. This meal is cooked in garlic butter and parsley and served as appetizers or main courses. There’s no denying that Escargot looks weird, but it tastes delicious! Would you try it?
Tête de Veau
Tête de veau, or calf’s head, is a popular dish in some parts of France. It is boiled in a broth and then served with vegetables, such as potatoes or carrots. The head can be served whole or cut into pieces and eaten with a knife and fork. It might look strange, but its rich flavor will undoubtedly surprise you!
Bulots
Bulots are small sea snails served as hors d’oeuvres or as part of a main dish. They are boiled and often served with mayonnaise, lemon, or garlic butter, which adds to the taste. This meal may look unappetizing, but the chewy texture and salty flavor make it surprisingly delicious!
Tête Fromage
Tête fromage, or cheese head, is another strange French dish that you’ll find in some regions of France. It consists of a large round of cheese with the eyes and mouth cut out to resemble a human head. The cheese is served with crackers or bread as an appetizer or platter.
Andouillette
Andouillette is a sausage made from pork intestines, veal, and spices. It has a distinct smell and flavor, which some people find off-putting. However, if you can get past the smell, you’ll discover that Andouillette tastes good.
Foie Gras
Foie gras is a rich French delicacy made from duck or goose liver. It is usually served as a spread on toast or in solid form with vegetables and sauces. This food is prepared following a process called “gavage,” which forces the duck or goose to eat more than they would naturally, leading to a fattier liver. Knowing how this meal is prepared can make it difficult to stomach, but its smooth texture and intense flavor make it a must-try French food.
Cuisses de grenouille (Frog Legs)
Cuisses de grenouille, or frog legs, may sound strange, but they are a delicacy in France. Frog legs taste like chicken because of the mild flavor and texture, but some would argue that it tastes like fish. You should try it and decide for yourself!
Steak Tartare
Steak tartare is a French dish of finely chopped raw beef, onions, capers, herbs, spices, and seasonings. This food is served as an appetizer or main course with toast points. It may be weird to eat raw beef, and many a tourist decline the dish, but one bite and you’ll probably ask for more.
Pieds de porc (Pig’s Trotters)
Pieds de porc, or pig’s trotters, are a less famous but equally strange French food. They are boiled and served with sauces and can be eaten as an appetizer or a main course. The texture is chewy, the flavor is savory, and it does look like a pig’s feet.
Boudin Noir (Blood Sausage)
If the sight of blood or knowing that your food is made primarily from animal blood doesn’t make you turn away, Boudin Noir might be the meal for you. This dish mixes animal blood, bread, and seasonings to make a sausage. Visit any French restaurant, and you’ll likely find it on the menu.
Fromage Puant (Stinky Cheese)
Fromage Puant, or stinky cheese, is a French cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a strong odor and taste that some might find unpleasant, but if you can get past the smell, you’ll discover this cheese’s creamy and flavorful taste.
