Learning about France’s Varied Culinary Landscape While Studying Abroad in Paris
While I was studying abroad in Paris with CEA CAPA, I completely immersed myself into French culture through exploring and discovering the unfamiliar world around me. My photoset details the rich culinary scene in Paris and how it relates to the melting pot of cultures, immigration, and the history of the country.
Upon arriving in Paris, I started off my culinary experience by trying some of the most famous French dishes.
Through this photoset you will see different cuisines and my personal insight on their importance from my perspective. I have studied French for years but this was my first time in Europe and the first time I could truly understand and appreciate the rich culture.
One of my personal favorite meals in the city is a French staple known as a "Croque madame," which is essentially a ham and cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top. This is a very traditional French meal that has hundreds of amazing variations.
The French have gone through a very complex history especially during the French Revolution where the aristocratic bourgeoisie were living lavishly while the majority of the country was starving.
The Palace of Versailles is one of the largest and wealthiest castles in the world. This is where King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette lived during the Revolution and ate some of the most luxurious meals at the time.
During the Revolution, the royals would have dishes such as escargot, which is still one of the most well-known French dishes and is regarded as a delicacy in French cuisine. In the 1700s, the dish was largely reserved for only the royal family and other aristocrats as a symbol of power, however, the dish has become a symbol of French culture in today's age.
Typically French food is very rich with extravagant cheeses and intense flavors. Here is one of my favorite meals I had while I was abroad, it consisted of steak with potatoes, local French cheese, and a rich hollandaise sauce.
The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower is one of the most breathtaking sights in the world and truly allows you to see the full extent of the city of Paris and its suburbs. It provides you with a way to truly appreciate how many people and cultures are nestled within this amazing city.
The French have always had a very complicated history when it comes to immigration and refugees. For instance, after the Algerian War there was a large influx of immigrants from North Africa who came to Paris for a fresh start. These refugees are often referred to as “maghrebins” and faced a great deal of discrimination initially. Furthermore, France is one of the most popular destinations for migrants from the Middle East, and unfortunately they also often face hardships here.
At a CEA CAPA dinner, we were taken to a North African restaurant where we were able to try some of the traditional dishes such as couscous with meat and stew.
In central Paris, you can find a massive variety of foods ranging from African dishes (like above) to Middle Eastern food. It is incredibly popular and provides a much-needed contrast to the typical heavy French dishes.
Through CEA CAPA, we went on an excursion to Loire Valley, France, a region known for its castles, wines, and cheeses. This castle in particular (Château de Chenonceau) truly defines the region based on its beauty and history.
On this excursion, we were able to try some local delicacies such as this pig intestine sausage dish. Although this wasn’t my favorite, it showed me a little bit more into the regional delicacies and the importance of respecting culture and appreciating locally sourced ingredients.
During my time abroad, I went to the South of France to the city of Marseille. Marseille is a coastal town where seafood is one of the main sources of income and a large part of their cuisine. Being so close to North Africa, lots of the cuisine is highly influenced by flavors from countries like Morocco.
Raw sardines is a regional delicacy in the South of France where it is one of the most popular dishes.
After reflecting upon my experience with food in France, it is incredibly important to recognize how each culture has contributed to create a single unified culinary culture. The impact of immigration from North Africa and the Middle East has instilled its influence in different regions of France and has become one of the driving components of the country’s food scene. Wherever we travel in the world, it is pivotal to appreciate and understand the culture with which you are interacting with. My experience in France with CEA CAPA has taught me how to understand the complexities of culture and what truly defines a country.