Top 5 French summer dishes that captivate the heart

Every summer, France not only attracts tourists with its endless purple lavender fields or the Mediterranean coast with its golden sunshine, but also with the symphony of flavors from its typical summer dishes. Under the bright sunshine of June, each summer dish in France is like an artistic painting drawn with fresh ingredients, a delicate combination of tradition and the freshness of the land and sky. Let's explore with us the top 5 summer dishes in France that make many travelers' souls linger forever.

1. Niçoise Salad

Salade Niçoise is the embodiment of freshness and regional character (Image source: Collected)

Amidst the sunny and breezy Provencal weather, the French summer dish Salade Niçoise is the epitome of freshness and regional flavour. This famous salad from Nice is a colourful symphony of crisp, sweet vegetables, golden soft-boiled eggs, succulent tuna and seductive black olives.

Without being too fussy, Salade Niçoise exudes the free spirit of the South of France. Ripe tomatoes are skillfully cut, green beans are boiled to retain their crunch, potatoes are boiled until tender, all mixed with extra virgin olive oil and mild balsamic vinegar. Under the bright sunshine, this French summer dish not only cools the heat but also awakens the taste buds with the freshness and elegance in every spoonful of salad.

2. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a symbol of simplicity and rusticity of French cuisine (Image source: Collected)

If you have ever been fascinated by the famous animated film "Ratatouille", you will surely not forget this dish with the identity of the French countryside. A traditional vegetable stew from the Provence region, Ratatouille is a symbol of the simplicity and rusticity of French cuisine. Under the brilliant sunset of the South of France, Ratatouille is cooked with typical summer ingredients such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes and onions.

What makes Ratatouille one of the favorite summer dishes in France is the harmonious combination of fresh vegetables and the seductive aroma of basil, rosemary and garlic. Each bite of Ratatouille is like a note in a summer symphony, gently spreading on the tip of the tongue and leaving a gentle aftertaste like the breeze blowing through the vast vineyards of Provence.

3. Marine Moules

The fresh taste of mussels cooked in white wine (Photo source: Collected)

As the blue waves lap the shores of Normandy and Brittany, plates of moules marinières – mussels cooked in white wine – begin to appear on outdoor tables. A French summer dish with a strong ocean flavor, moules marinières not only pleases locals but also captivates visitors from all over.

Fresh mussels are cleaned and cooked quickly over high heat with onions, celery, garlic and a little fresh cream, all mixed with a refreshing white wine. When the pot lid is opened, the faint aroma of the ocean suddenly spreads, taking the diners as if they were lost in the bustling fishing ports of the French coast. This French summer dish is often served with crispy baguette to dip in the rich broth, bringing an incomparable feeling of satisfaction on hot summer days.

4. Tarte of Fraises

Tarte aux fraises – traditional strawberry tart (Image source: Collected)

When the red berries start flooding the farmers markets in late May, the French start making tarte aux fraises – the traditional strawberry tart. This is an indispensable dessert in the list of French summer dishes, both beautiful and enchanting with the sweet taste of summer fruit.

The thin, crispy crust is baked to a golden brown, topped with a layer of smooth custard cream and finally layers of strawberries arranged like a work of art. Sometimes, people also add a little strawberry jelly or mint leaves to increase the charm. This French summer dish is not only visually satisfying but also a sweet ending to a typical French meal, bringing the enjoyer back to the sweet childhood in the peaceful countryside.

5. Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is known as the quintessence of Mediterranean cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

Considered the quintessence of Mediterranean cuisine, bouillabaisse is a typical seafood soup from the port city of Marseille. This dish is the crystallization of the sea, of time and of family secrets passed down through many generations. When summer comes, bouillabaisse becomes one of the summer dishes in France, bringing a sensual culinary experience.

The soup is made from a variety of fresh sea fish, plus shrimp, crab, mussels and other seafood. The rich broth is simmered from fish bones, tomatoes, onions, dill and saffron, creating a characteristic shimmering orange-yellow color. Bouillabaisse is often served with toasted bread and rouille sauce – a sauce made from chili and garlic – to add more flavor to the dish. When sipping each spoonful of hot soup in the summer, people seem to feel both the salty taste of the ocean and the warmth of the old town of Marseille.

French cuisine is inherently a symphony of flavors, but summer is the time when all of those quintessence sublimates in a seductive dance. If you have the opportunity to set foot in this romantic country in the summer, let yourself be immersed in the summer dishes in France. Because nothing makes the journey of discovery more complete than enjoying delicious dishes like a true French person - slowly, delicately and passionately.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-mua-he-o-phap-v17434.aspx