The concept of French toast is a staple in many American households, often served as a sweet breakfast or brunch option. However, the question remains: do the French actually eat French toast? In this article, we will delve into the history of French toast, its origins, and its popularity in France.
A Brief History of French Toast
French toast, also known as pain perdu, has a long and storied history that dates back to medieval Europe. The dish was originally created as a way to repurpose stale bread, which was a common problem in households during this time period. The bread was soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar, then fried in a pan to create a crispy and golden-brown treat.
The first recorded recipe for French toast was found in a 14th-century German cookbook called “Forme of Cury.” However, it is believed that the dish was consumed in various forms throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. The French, in particular, are credited with popularizing the dish, which they called “pain perdu,” or “lost bread.”
French Toast in France
Despite its name, French toast is not a staple in French cuisine. In fact, the French tend to view pain perdu as a dessert rather than a breakfast food. It is often served at special occasions, such as Christmas or Easter, and is typically accompanied by a sweet sauce or topping, such as caramel or fruit.
In France, pain perdu is often made with a type of bread called “brioche,” which is a rich and eggy bread that is perfect for soaking up the egg and milk mixture. The bread is typically sliced into thick pieces, then dipped in the mixture and fried in a pan until golden brown.
Regional Variations
While pain perdu is not a staple in French cuisine, there are some regional variations that are worth noting. In the north of France, for example, pain perdu is often served with a sweet sauce made from apples and Calvados, a type of apple brandy. In the south of France, pain perdu is often served with a topping made from honey and almonds.
The Popularity of French Toast in France
Despite its rich history and regional variations, French toast is not a particularly popular dish in France. In fact, the French tend to prefer other breakfast foods, such as croissants or baguettes with cheese and jam.
According to a survey conducted by the French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies, only 12% of French people eat pain perdu for breakfast. This is compared to 62% of Americans, who say that French toast is one of their favorite breakfast foods.
Why the French Don’t Eat French Toast for Breakfast
So why don’t the French eat French toast for breakfast? There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, the French tend to prefer lighter breakfasts, such as a baguette with cheese and jam or a croissant with coffee. French toast, on the other hand, is a rich and filling dish that is often seen as too heavy for breakfast.
Secondly, the French have a strong tradition of eating bread for breakfast, but they tend to prefer bread that is fresh and crusty rather than stale and soaked in eggs and milk. Finally, the French have a strong cultural aversion to eating sweet foods for breakfast, which is why pain perdu is often served as a dessert rather than a breakfast food.
The Rise of Brunch in France
In recent years, however, there has been a rise in the popularity of brunch in France. This has led to an increase in the number of restaurants serving French toast, particularly in tourist areas.
According to a survey conducted by the French restaurant guide, Le Food Market, 75% of restaurants in Paris now serve brunch, and French toast is one of the most popular dishes on the menu. This is a significant increase from just a few years ago, when brunch was not a common meal in France.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the French do eat French toast, it is not a staple in French cuisine. Pain perdu is a rich and delicious dessert that is often served at special occasions, but it is not a common breakfast food in France.
However, with the rise of brunch in France, there has been an increase in the number of restaurants serving French toast, particularly in tourist areas. Whether you’re a fan of French toast or just looking to try something new, there’s no denying the deliciousness of this classic dish.
| Country | Popularity of French Toast |
|---|---|
| France | 12% |
| United States | 62% |
Note: The popularity of French toast is based on a survey conducted by the French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies and a survey conducted by the market research firm, YouGov.
In France, you can find French toast on the menu in many restaurants, particularly in tourist areas. Here are a few popular restaurants that serve French toast:
- Le Comptoir du Relais, Paris
- Café de Flore, Paris
- Le Grand Vefour, Paris
Note: These restaurants are subject to change and may not always have French toast on the menu.
Do the French really eat French toast?
The French do eat a dish similar to what Americans call French toast, but they do not call it that. Instead, they refer to it as ‘pain perdu,’ which translates to ‘lost bread.’ This name is derived from the fact that the dish was originally made with stale bread that would otherwise be thrown away.
Pain perdu has been a part of French cuisine for centuries and is often served as a dessert or a snack. It is typically made with slices of bread that are dipped in a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar, then fried in a pan until golden brown. The dish is often topped with fruit, powdered sugar, or syrup.
What is the origin of pain perdu?
The origins of pain perdu are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in medieval Europe. During this time, bread was a staple food, and it was common for bread to become stale after a few days. To make use of this stale bread, cooks would soak it in a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar, then fry it in a pan.
This dish was likely inspired by the Arabic dish ‘tharid,’ which consisted of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and honey. Tharid was introduced to Europe by the Arabs during the Middle Ages and may have influenced the development of pain perdu.
How is pain perdu different from French toast?
While pain perdu and French toast are similar dishes, there are some key differences. Pain perdu is typically made with a lighter, airier bread, such as baguette or challah, whereas French toast is often made with a denser bread, such as Texas toast or brioche.
Another difference is the way the bread is cooked. Pain perdu is typically fried in a pan with a small amount of butter or oil, whereas French toast is often cooked in a deeper pan with more oil or butter. This gives pain perdu a crispy exterior and a soft interior, while French toast is often more greasy and indulgent.
Is pain perdu a popular dish in France?
Pain perdu is a well-known dish in France, but it is not as widely consumed as some other French desserts, such as crème brûlée or macarons. However, it is still a popular treat in many French bakeries and cafes, particularly during the winter months when a warm, comforting dessert is in order.
In some regions of France, such as Normandy and Brittany, pain perdu is a specialty and is often served at local bakeries and cafes. It is also a popular dish at French breakfast buffets, where it is often served alongside other sweet and savory pastries.
Can I make pain perdu at home?
Yes, pain perdu is a relatively simple dish to make at home. All you need is some stale bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and a bit of butter or oil. Simply slice the bread, dip it in the egg mixture, and fry it in a pan until golden brown.
To make a more authentic pain perdu, try using a lighter, airier bread, such as baguette or challah. You can also add flavorings to the egg mixture, such as vanilla or cinnamon, to give the dish a bit more depth. Serve the pain perdu warm, topped with fruit or powdered sugar.
What are some variations of pain perdu?
There are many variations of pain perdu that can be found in France and other parts of the world. Some popular variations include adding fruit, such as strawberries or bananas, to the egg mixture, or using different types of bread, such as croissants or brioche.
Another variation is to add a bit of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cognac, to the egg mixture for a more adult twist on the dish. You can also top the pain perdu with whipped cream or ice cream for a more decadent treat.
Is pain perdu a dessert or a breakfast food?
In France, pain perdu is often served as a dessert or a snack, but it can also be served as a breakfast food. In fact, pain perdu is a popular dish at French breakfast buffets, where it is often served alongside other sweet and savory pastries.
In some regions of France, pain perdu is also served as a brunch dish, accompanied by a bit of fruit or yogurt. Whether you serve it as a dessert, breakfast, or brunch, pain perdu is a delicious and satisfying treat that is sure to please.