French cooking is known the world over. Until recently, French food has long been considered the very best in the world but the emergence of many outstanding chefs for other countries is increasing the competition! Throughout time, French recipes have evolved, influenced by the Romans, Normans, and later Italians. During the Middle Ages, French cuisine dominated Europe.
In contrast, American cuisine is much younger and many of the dishes in the American repertoire are unique spins on culinary dishes from other countries. With two such diverse cuisines, the French-food-vs- American-food-culinary-comparison highlights that the two nations’ attitudes to food extend beyond the menu!
French and American Culinary Traditions
French Cuisine: French culinary traditions are celebrated for their elegance and sophistication. French cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, precise cooking techniques, and the art of presentation. It’s a cuisine that has been honed over centuries and is characterized by its rich sauces, delicate pastries, and an unwavering commitment to culinary excellence.
American Cuisine: American cuisine, on the other hand, is a melting pot of flavors and influences from around the world. It’s diverse, innovative, and often reflects regional variations. American food traditions encompass a wide range of dishes, from hearty Southern comfort food to fast-food innovations. It’s a cuisine that embraces fusion and experimentation.
Ingredients and Influences
French Cuisine: Many dishes are regional and predominantly local ingredients that showcase the range of seasonal produce grown in France. Interestingly, the diet includes moderate amounts of fats and carbohydrates so their diet includes all the food groups. Staples include butter, cream, wine, and a variety of cheeses. French cooking is greatly influenced by classical techniques and the use of herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley. The result is a cuisine that balances flavors and textures masterfully.
American Cuisine: American cuisine is a product of immigration and cultural diversity. It draws inspiration from various regions and cultures, incorporating ingredients like corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and indigenous herbs and spices. American food is also characterized by its love for barbecue, burgers, and the use of convenience foods. The American diet tends to be high in carbohydrates which leads to obesity -including in an increasing number of children- and Americans talk of their food comas from the portion sizes.
French eating habits vs. American
French Eating Habits: French people love their food and to them, every meal is an occasion – not to be hurried, nor eaten in front of the TV (unless they are in a café). Portion sizes are smaller so less food waste is incurred. Their diet comprises many locally grown products which are bought fresh in the local market. The style of meals people are eating at lunchtime means they are less likely to snack too – although the exception is sometimes to eat a small pastry with a coffee during the day.
American Eating Habits: It is a well-known fact that Americans on the whole, do not eat enough fresh vegetables – in fact, nearly a third of all food Americans eat in the home is packaged and not fresh. Servings are larger and many Americans are eating four/ five times a day – NHANES (the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) put the figure at 89.6% of the population.
Dining Etiquette and Norms
France: French dining is steeped in tradition and etiquette. The French love to get around the table as a family and eat together as often as they can. Breakfast is usually bread and confiture (jam) and some really good coffee. English breakfast sausage occasionally finds its way onto plates, adding a flavorful twist to their morning rituals. Lunch is the most important meal the French eat. Banks, smaller shops, and many businesses close for two hours from 12.00 / 12.30 so that everyone has the chance to get home or join friends for a two/ three course meal – with wine. In rural communities, lunch is the main meal of the day and a bell rings across the fields at ‘midi’ – midday- so farm workers can eat together for lunch.
The strict dining rules in France
Unlike the Americans, the French have a strict dining etiquette and foods are enjoyed without distraction. At lunchtime, they eat the meat or fish dish first and followed by extra vegetable dishes or a bowl of salad. There is always sliced baguette (bread) on the table. After the main course, there is a platter with different local cheeses (France produces more than 1,200 different types). Dessert can be as simple as some fresh fruits or elaborate creations – often with meringue, chocolate or light pastry made with butter. Dinner in the evening is usually between 7.00- 8.00 p.m. Red wine is usually enjoyed with both lunch and dinner. Is french food healthy? The diet in France most certainly is because of the smaller portions of meat eaten, plus the wide range of fresh vegetables in the french diet which are incorporated in french cooking techniques and easy French recipes. French cheese is legendary and can be bought the world over.
America: American dining etiquette is generally less formal. While etiquette is still important, there’s a greater focus on enjoying the experience without being overly constrained by rigid rules. It’s common to hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while cutting food. Conversation topics can vary widely and may include a range of subjects beyond food. Across the Atlantic, eating patterns are certainly different.
Relaxed dining in America
According to www.thescramble.com Americans eat together only about three times a week and many meals are not small portions as they are bought from fast food restaurants – making portion control almost impossible. ‘ in a recent study, Americans now spend a higher percentage of their food budget on restaurants (50.3%) than they do on groceries (49.7%)’. On average, Americans consume their food in less than 30 minutes and often it is eaten in front of the TV or in the car. Americans often snack through the day but do not drink alcohol with their food but tend to drink in greater quantities at a social gathering.
Popular French and American Dishes
French Dishes: There are many popular dishes to enjoy in France. Some are nationwide favourite whilst others are regional specialties. Excellent dishes perfected by the chefs of Paris have made their way into the repertoire of chefs around the world because they are served in the French way and are not heavy meals but one full of flavor and pleasure. These include:
- French onion soup with floating slices of baguette topped with melted cheese.
- Foie Gras A luxurious delicacy, foie gras is made from the liver of a fattened duck or goose. It’s known for its rich, creamy texture and exquisite flavor profile.
- Bouillabaise, a delicious fish soup first created by fishermen from Marseille with leftovers from their catch.
- Coq au Vin is chicken and vegetables cooked in wine.
- Boeuf Bourguignon the classic dish from Burgundy of beef cooked in red wine.
- Cassoulet a well known dish from the city of Toulouse which combines pieces of meat and sausages with cannellini beans and vegetables.
When it comes to French food for kids, one can’t go wrong with delectable desserts. Classics like éclairs, crème brûlée, and colorful macarons are often a hit, captivating young taste buds with their sweet and playful flavors.
American Dishes: Think American diet and most people can list the most popular American fast foods these include –
- A hamburger is a ground meat patty typically served in a bun with various toppings and condiments.
- Cheeseburgers consist of a juicy beef patty, typically seasoned and grilled to perfection, nestled within a soft bun.
- Hot dogs: A beloved street food, hot dogs feature a sausage served in a sliced bun, often garnished with mustard, ketchup, onions, and relish.
- Chicken wings dipped in buffalo sauce. The latter is a zingy sauce that was first created in Buffalo, New York.
- All barbecued foods hold a special place in American culinary culture, celebrated for their smoky, charred flavors and communal cooking experiences.
For desserts, Americans love nothing more than larger portions of a fruit pie with blueberry, apple, or peach cobbler – all taste best topped with ice cream!
The big takeaway…
In conclusion, the French and American diets offer fascinating contrasts in culinary philosophy and eating habits. The culinary face-off between French and American food traditions reveals a vibrant tapestry of flavors, techniques, and cultural influences. While French cuisine is celebrated for its elegance and precise techniques, American cuisine shines with its diversity, innovation, and regional variations. Both have left an indelible mark on the global culinary landscape.
Whether you find yourself savoring the rich sauces of French classics or indulging in the comfort of American diets, it’s clear that each cuisine has its unique charm. The choice between French and American food ultimately comes down to personal taste and the occasion.