Lucy Learns French: Food Vocabulary

 

Essential French Food Vocabulary: A Guide for Food Lovers

French cuisine is world-famous for its rich flavors and exquisite presentation. Whether you're traveling to France, dining at a French restaurant, or simply expanding your language skills, knowing essential French food vocabulary will enhance your experience. This guide covers must-know French words and phrases related to food, meals, and dining etiquette.

Basic French Food Vocabulary
Here are some fundamental food-related words in French:

• Food – La nourriture

• Meal – Le repas

• Breakfast – Le petit-déjeuner

• Lunch – Le déjeuner

• Dinner – Le dîner

• Snack – Le goûter

• Drink – La boisson

• Appetizer – L’entrée (f)

• Main course – Le plat principal

• Dessert – Le dessert

For more vocabulary related to household items, check out French Kitchen Items.

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Common French Ingredients
Understanding basic ingredients will help when reading menus or grocery shopping:

• Bread – Le pain

• Cheese – Le fromage

• Butter – Le beurre

• Eggs – Les œufs

• Meat – La viande

  • Chicken – Le poulet

  • Beef – Le bœuf

  • Pork – Le porc

• Fish – Le poisson

• Vegetables – Les légumes

• Fruits – Les fruits

For more vocabulary related to household structures, check out French Apartment Buildings and French Rooms in a House.

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Ordering Food in French
When dining in France, these phrases will help you order like a local:

• "I would like..." – Je voudrais...

• "Can I see the menu, please?" – Puis-je voir le menu, s’il vous plaît?

• "What do you recommend?" – Que recommandez-vous?

• "The bill, please." – L’addition, s’il vous plaît.

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French Dining Etiquette
Understanding French dining customs will make your experience even better:

• Always greet the staff with "Bonjour!" before ordering.

• Wait for everyone to be served before eating.

• Say "Santé!" when toasting.

• Never rush through a meal—French dining is meant to be enjoyed.

For more French vocabulary, check out French Animals.

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Conclusion
Learning French food vocabulary will not only improve your language skills but also enhance your appreciation of French culture. Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, these words and phrases will come in handy. Bon appétit!

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Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know in the comments! For more French language tips, check out our other posts on French greetings, phrases, and cultural insights.