Gastronomic and culinary terms in France

French speakers in South Africa

Francophones en Afrique du Sud

One of France greatest treasures is it's rich cuisine - A sunday lunchtime family meal will take hours to prepare and be consumed over 4 or 5 hours, washed down with several different wines.

Forget guide books when eating in France - follow your nose, stomach and the crowd - a good restaurant in France is one that is always crowded. Eat as the natives do and be sure to try regional specialities for both food and drink.

Tipping and splitting bills

A 15% tip is included in all bills, however is is usual to leav the small change. In bars show appreciation by leaving € 2. When splitting bills in France just divide by the number of people!

Different menus

Menu prix-fixe - Every French restaurant must offer a fixed price meal. This usually consists of four courses (with a choice of dishes), and may sometimes include the wine. The quality is good, and tax and service are included.
Menu du jour - similar to Menu prix-fixe
Menu dégustation - A tasting or try-it-out menu - basically a procession of small servings. Everyone at the table must have the same menu.
A la carte - Everything which is not on one of the special menus - these dishes are always more expensive.
Table d'hôte - Inexpensive home-cooked country cooking, usually found outside the main towns.
Menu touristique - Eat at your own peril - fit for tourists only.

Glossary of gastronomic and drinking venues

Auberge - restaurant attached to an Inn.
Auberge de Campagne - country Inn
Auberge du Terroir - traditional and regional dishes using local produce
Bar - serves food, drink and sandwiches
Bistro - usually crowded, noisy although sometimes with good food
Brasserie - Meals, drink and coffee any time of the day
Buffett - at railroad stations and airports - Food and drink at all times
Buvette - a kiosk selling drinks, ice cream and sandwiches
Café - sit down and pay more - stand at the bar and pay less - simple meals
Caféteria - quick meals and drinks, often in hyperstores
Crêperie - found in tourist areas serving French pancakes (crêpes) with savoury or sweet fillings
Drugstore - american style fast food
Hostellerie - restaurant attached to a country hotel
Libre-service - self-service cafeteria
Relais routiers - road/highway truck stop - generous regional food
Restaurant - meals only
Restoroute - highway restaurant / caféteria
Rôtisserie - grill style restaurant which serve everything
Salon de Thé - tea room with patisserie (pastries)
Snack bar - fast food
Taverne - rural and regional restaurant