Nantes, a city in the Loire-Atlantique department in western France, is known for its culture and vibrant nightlife. It has been the historic capital of the Duchy of Brittany since the 15th century and is now the region’s largest city. Nantes is also known for its gastronomy, which includes traditional dishes from Brittany as well as some of France’s most iconic foods.
One of Nantes’ most famous dishes is called ‘carré de porc aux pruneaux’ (pork cutlet with prunes). This dish consists of pork cutlets served with a sweet and savoury sauce made out of prunes, apples, onions, garlic and white wine.
The pork cutlets are usually pan-fried and served with boiled potatoes or rice. This dish is popular throughout France but it is especially associated with Nantes due to its historical significance in the region.
Another popular dish from Nantes is ‘galettes de sarrasin’ (buckwheat pancakes). These pancakes are made from buckwheat flour which gives them a distinct nutty flavour.
They are usually served with savoury fillings such as cheese, ham or egg but can also be enjoyed sweetly with jam or honey. Galettes de sarrasin have been eaten in Nantes since at least 1871 when they were first recorded by a local newspaper.
Nantes is also well-known for being home to some of France’s best seafood restaurants. Fresh oysters and mussels are particularly popular in this part of France due to its coastal location.
Other seafood dishes include ‘moules-frites’ (mussels and french fries) and ‘poisson en papillote’ (fish cooked in parchment paper). These dishes are usually served with a selection of accompaniments such as rice or potatoes.
Cider is also very popular in Nantes and there are several brands that hail from this region including Luneau-Papin, Château du Coing and La Pommeraie de la Loire. Cider can be enjoyed on its own or used to make cocktails such as the famous Breton cider punch which includes Calvados brandy, lemon juice and sugar syrup.
In conclusion, Nantes has an array of delicious foods that come from both traditional Brittany recipes as well as iconic French dishes. Popular dishes include carré de porc aux pruneaux, galettes de sarrasin, moules-frites and poisson en papillote while cider remains an integral part of the city’s gastronomy culture.
What food is Nantes famous for? The answer would have to be a combination of traditional Brittany recipes along with classic French fare – all washed down with some delicious cider!