20 classic French dishes everyone needs to try | CNN

EDITOR’S NOTE: CNN Original Series “Eva Longoria: Searching for France” traces the iconic origins of French cuisine. Stream new episodes on the CNN app. The foundations of the country’s culinary empire were laid as early as the mid-1600s when chef François Pierre La Varenne penned his hugely influential “Le Cuisinier François” recipe book, which emphasized regional and seasonal ingredients and highlighted complementary flavors. “French cooking is, at its core, about making beautiful, refined food out of simple ingredients,” said Maryann Tebben, author of “Savoir-Faire: A History of Food in France.” “There is some mystery and magic to French cuisine that still draws people in. Even the basics – a perfect baguette, flaky pastry, potatoes simmered in cream – are astonishingly good even if we can’t quite figure out what makes them so delicious.” The cuisine of France “keeps inspiring people. It is entertaining. It is delicious. It is accessible. It is possible,” said Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud. Whether it’s country fare or haute cuisine that inspires, take a look at 20 classic French dishes: Is there possibly a more French way to prepare

Apr 12, 2026 → Apr 12, 2026