Want to make any dish sound fancy? Translate the name into French. Though many French dishes are indeed complex, many Americans get intimidated at the idea of French cooking– though many techniques are actually quite simple. Still, France still has a reputation for having the best food in the world. Curious to learn more about France’s culinary culture? Here’s a break-down of some common food and food-related traditions found in France.

Cuisine des Provinces

Cuisine des provinces is a rustic style of French cooking that places an emphasis on simple recipes with fresh ingredients. The dishes are rich and hearty, as they were originally designed to provide nourishment to hard-working farmers after a long day in the field.

“Classic” French Cooking

Though a classic style of cooking is perhaps more like cuisine des provinces, given that it’s an older style, we tend to think of “classic” French cooking as difficult cooking techniques with plenty of fattening cream and butter. French cooking was all about showing off: using the finest ingredients to make the most delectable meal imaginable. Classic French dishes include things like hollandaise sauce, mouth-watering pastries, escargot, and foie gras.

What is Foie Gras, Anyway?

Foie gras isn’t for the faint of heart. Foie gras vendors force-feed a goose or a duck until it’s liver is swollen to oblivion. You’ll often find it served with truffles, a rare underground fungus found by smell.

Regions in France

Much the way you’d find lobster in New England and vinegar-based barbecue in North Carolina, every region in France has a different cuisine style. Spectacular red wines can be found in Burgundy. Stunning seafood is served in the seaside Brittany and Riviera regions, while some of France’s most world-acclaimed dishes are served by the Normans.