French food offers delectable, rich flavors for lunch, dinner, and dessert. If you have never tasted some of the classics of this cuisine, there are a few must-haves to begin your journey into the world of French cooking. Here are five to try today.

5 Classic French Foods to Taste

1. Lobster Bisque

Many restaurants offer a variant on lobster bisque, but the French version is famous for its creamy layers of flavors that make it a meal on its own or as a companion to the rest of your dinner. The broth is comprised of thick cream, white wine, and cognac seasoned with black pepper, paprika, and salt. The finishing touch is shredded pieces of fresh lobster meat.

2. Ratatouille 

Most French restaurants offer ratatouille, a hearty vegetable stew best served as a side or as a stuffing for crepes and omelets. Most versions consist of eggplant, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and garlic seasoned with a variety of green herbs. Some French food experts saute each vegetable separately before combining while others insist that cooking them together builds flavor.

3. Souffle

Souffle is a famous staple of French food and can be savory or sweet. Souffle is essentially a baked egg-based dish where the whites are beaten into a fluffy consistency. This base can be flavored with spinach or cheese, or berries, chocolate, and jams for dessert. The addition of a cream sauce, or béchamel, gives each bite a delightful blend of textures.

4. Coq au Vin

This classic chicken dish translates to “rooster in wine,” and was initially thought up to handle tougher meat. Coq au Vin is a hearty meat and vegetable combination resulting from slowly braising chicken or capon in a red Burgundy wine and a dash of brandy.

5. Chocolate Mousse

Mousse is custard with whipped cream gently folded into it. The light, airy dessert has been an essential part of French cuisine for centuries. While chocolate mousse is a popular choice, other versions include fruit as well as a hint of espresso for a slightly bitter note.

Now that you are craving French food, head to PARIS.HAWAII. Located in Honolulu and known for their changing prix frixe tasting menu, the restaurant serves up the best local ingredients for an elegant fine dining experience. Choose between two dinner seating times of 5:30 and 8:00 pm, and let Chef Yuya’s exceptional French techniques and flavorings satisfy your taste buds. To make your reservations, book via their Resy link. For phone reservations, call (808) 212-9282 between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday. Visit their website for a look at their menu.