French Cuisine - When meals are the art of living

VTV.vn - French cuisine is refined, charming and full of philosophy, and is also a part of the soul of this country.

(Photo: Adobe Stock)

For the French, eating is not simply about being full, but an art of living, a way to show respect for time, taste and the relationships that connect around the table.

If the Italians have pizza and the Japanese have sushi, the French have a rich culinary treasure, considered an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In 2010, UNESCO recognized the "French meal" as an intangible cultural heritage, an honor that few cuisines in the world have.

A “French meal” is not just a series of delicious dishes, but a complete ritual consisting of many elements: table setting, the order of dishes, the delicate combination of main course and wine, as well as the respect for each moment of the meal. Every detail is carefully considered - from the neatly folded napkin, crystal wine glass to the warm candlelight. It is a moment when people put aside the hurried pace of life, to live slowly and enjoy every spoonful of flavor.

French Onion Soup - (Photo: Food and Wine)

The French have a standard meal "recipe", like a symphony with many movements. It starts with an appetizer - maybe French onion soup, a savory tart or grilled foie gras. Then comes the main course - where the chef shows his creativity and technique at its best. A portion of beef in red wine sauce, duck cooked in orange or pan-fried salmon with lemon butter sauce are all masterpieces of culinary art.

After the main course, the meal will move on to cheese - the national pride of the French. More than 400 different types of cheese are produced throughout the country, each with its own flavor and story. Finally, dessert - where sweetness ends the culinary journey. A slice of hot tarte tatin, a small macaron... all make the taste buds melt. And of course, a glass of red wine is indispensable to complete the meal.

No cuisine in the world is as deeply tied to wine as the French. Wine here is not just a drink, but the language of the land, the way people tell the story of their homeland.

From Bordeaux - the capital of red wine, to Burgundy - where the wine has a mild fruity aroma, or the Champagne region - the cradle of famous sparkling wine, each drop of wine is the crystallization of climate, soil and the hands of the winemaker. For the French, wine is not used to get drunk, but to feel. A delicious meal must have the right wine and choosing the right wine for each dish is an art.

What sets French cuisine apart is not just the recipes or the ingredients, but the spirit of the “art of living”. The French believe that meals are an occasion to enjoy, to talk, to connect. There is no room for haste.

Famous French snail dish (Photo: European Waterways)

In Paris, you can see small cafes where people sit for hours with just a cup of coffee and a croissant, sipping and chatting or watching the streets. In Provence, lunch often lasts for hours, with light wine, fresh cheese and golden sunshine. And in Lyon - "the gastronomic capital of France", where meals are an intimate meeting between friends, no need to be fussy, just sincere and warm.

French cuisine is therefore not only about food, but also reflects the philosophy of life of the people here: respect for ingredients, love of beauty and valuing time. In every meal, they do not just eat to live, but live to enjoy.

France stretches from North to South, each region has its own culinary identity. In the North, people prefer dishes rich in butter and cream, typically quiche Lorraine - a baked egg cake typical of the Lorraine region. In the South, the cuisine has a Mediterranean breath with olive oil, herbs and tomatoes...

The West is famous for foie gras and roast duck, while the Alsace region in the East, influenced by Germany, is known for its sausages and beer. This diversity creates one of the richest culinary landscapes in Europe, where each region is a unique chapter in the French gastronomic story.

Coming to France, you do not only come to see the scenery or take pictures, but also to feel with your taste, smell and heart. French cuisine teaches people to appreciate every flavor, to live slowly and enjoy the present. Because in every piece of cake, every drop of wine or every smile around the table, there is a simple but profound message - life is more beautiful when we know how to enjoy it.

Source: https://vtv.vn/am-thuc-phap-khi-bua-an-la-nghe-thuat-song-10025102314192814.htm