Cook Like a French: Common French Food Vocabulary

If you're looking to learn a new language, French is a great option – especially when it comes to the food in the French culture. French cuisine is renowned around the world for its incredible flavors and complex preparations. But before you can enjoy all the food that France has to offer, you need to know how to describe food in French.

This article will teach you the basics – from describing the taste and texture of a dish to baking the famous French croissants. So get started today. You may be surprised at just how much you can learn.

La nourriture / Les aliments – General Food Vocabulary

If you want to be able to discuss French food, you’ll first need the basic vocabulary. Here are the essentials:

Things Found in the Pantry

Common Foods

French Cooking Verbs

Dishes in French

Please note that in American English, an “entrée” means main course, but the same French word refers to an appetizer. Beware of the false cognates.

Vegetables in French

Fruits in French

Meats in French

Dairy in French

Deserts in French

Common French Baking Words

How Is It Cooked?

Important Restaurant Vocabulary

Important – never call a waiter garçon, no matter how many times you’ve seen it in movies.

Please note: it’s not necessary to tip in French restaurants. Service and tax is almost always included in French restaurants, listed as servis compris. It doesn’t usually go directly to the staff, though. So if you’re very pleased with the service, you can leave a tip: 5-10% or simply round the bill.

Final Thoughts on French Food Vocabulary

Learning how to describe your food desires in French is a must for any aspiring chef or foodie. This article has provided you with the basics of French food vocabulary, from the essential pantry words to common French baking terms. With these words under your belt, you should be able to navigate any French menu with ease.

We also hope that these words will help you decipher the French recipes in the original, go through the cooking process easily, and get a bite of French cuisine in your own kitchen. Trust us: French dishes are worth the effort. Bon appétit!