Toulouse

Toulouse food is very similar to the food in the other cities of southern France. The food of the city is very similar to that of the neighboring regions namely Gascony, Dordogne and Perigord with fresh and flavorful local ingredients being used for preparing duck meat and bean stews which are specialties of the region.

The cuisine of Toulouse has some Spanish influence and the food is prepared from fresh wild game and local farm produces. The culinary skills of the local chefs infuse the simple ingredients with a complex flavor making it unique in taste. The city is famous for cassoulet, a stew made with duck, beans and pork. Many fine wines including the Gaillac and Fronton are available at relatively inexpensive rates.

Desserts from the region have become world famous with gateau a la broche being sold in all parts of the globe now.

However, the restaurants serving Toulouse food also include dishes from all parts of the world at present. The Chinese, Lebanese and Italian restaurants are particularly renowned for serving good food. Some small establishments open only for lunch while most of the eateries of the food market remain closed on Mondays.

History of Toulouse Cuisine

Languedoc happened to be the dominion of the Counts of Toulouse until it was absorbed by the French in the 13^th century. The cuisine of Toulouse still favors the Languedoc style with duck, fish stews and haricot beans being a predominant part of Toulouse food even today. Pâté de fois grasmade, a specialty dish made from truffles and poularde à la Toulouse have been the old traditional Languedoc dishes popularized in the city.

The influence of the Catalan region of Spain has been obvious in the food dishes of the city as have the use of Arabian spices like the saffron and cinnamon and Jewish traditions that were assimilated into the food culture of Toulouse in the 14^th century.

Popular FoodToulouse

• Poularde À La Toulouse-A chicken dish cooked with strips of bacon and spices.
• Cassoulet – A rich bean stew cooked with meat, it has become synonymous with Toulouse food.
• Toulouse Sausage- A sausage filled with coarsely diced meat flavored with spices and wine.
• Cachou Lajaunie- Square candies flavored with liquorices used as breath freshener.
• Croquant-  Almond flavored biscuits made with caramelized sugar

Places Famous for Food in Toulouse

L'Entrecôte- a single dish restaurant which has a set menu of salad, meat and drink.

Le Bon Vivre- Noted for its excellent French food.

Popular Chefs of Toulouse Foods

Michel Sarran, the noted master chef has his own restaurant that serves Toulouse food.