Cuisine Specialty of Seine-Maritime, Normandy
You have probably picked up on our deep passion for food, especially if you’ve been keeping up with our journey across Asia. For us, food serves as the ultimate gateway to exploring new destinations and it helps connecting with different cultures. That won’t stop while travelling in Europe! That’s why we delve into a small part of the French cuisine in this blog post. It’s about a small region named Seine-Maritime (part of Normandy), a place we discovered on our latest trip to France.
Seine-Maritime’s cuisine has distinct characteristics that set it apart from the Normandy cuisine, although there are also many similarities due to its location within the Normandy region. In Seine-Maritime, the culinary scene is a delightful blend of coastal flavours, farm-fresh ingredients, and traditional French cuisine. The location of the region ensures a fantastic selection of seafood, while its lush countryside provides high-quality dairy products and apples. Let’s explore the food, restaurants, and how it all works in this captivating region of France.
Seafood Delights
With a coastline along the English Channel, Seine-Maritime offers an abundance of fresh seafood and this plays a significant role in shaping its cuisine. You can indulge in dishes like “Moules Marinières” (mussels cooked in white wine and shallots), “Coquilles Saint-Jacques” (scallops), “Bouillabaisse Normande” (Normandy-style fish stew), and a variety of fish, prepared in classic French styles. Seafood dishes are often more prominent and varied in Seine-Maritime compared to some other parts of Normandy.
Cheeses and Dairy
The region is renowned for its high-quality dairy products, particularly the Normandy cheeses. “Camembert” (a soft, creamy cheese with a rich flavour), “Livarot”, and “Pont- l’Évêque are some of the notable cheeses that are emblematic of Seine-Maritime’s culinary identity. Also, don’t miss trying “Crème Fraîche”, a rich and creamy soured cream that complements many dishes, both savoury and sweet.
Apples and Cider
In the orchard-filled landscapes, you’ll find an abundance of apple-based treats. “Tarte Tatin”, a caramelised upside-down apple tart, is a heavenly dessert. Pair your meals with “Cidre”, a traditional Normandy cider known for its refreshing taste. For a more spirited experience, try “Calvados”, an apple brandy that has been aged to perfection.
Patisseries and Sweets
Treat yourself to delightful pastries and sweets in Seine-Maritime (and the rest of Normandy). “Teurgoule” is a traditional rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and slowly baked to perfection. You’ll also find an array of delicious pastries, cakes, and tarts in local bakeries and patisseries.
Meat Dishes
While seafood and dairy products take the spotlight, Seine-Maritime also offers delicious meat dishes. “Canard à la Rouennaise” (Rouen-style duck), “Agneau de pré-salé » (salt meadow lamb), and “Andouille de Vire” (smoked sausage) are some regional specialities worth trying.
Fresh and Seasonal
The emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients is prevalent in Seine-Maritime. Many restaurants take pride in sourcing their produce from local farmers, ensuring the highest quality and supporting the region’s agriculture. Overall, dining in Seine-Maritime is a celebration of the region’s generous offerings.
Menus and Dining Options
The emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients is prevalent in Seine-Maritime. Many restaurants take pride in sourcing their produce from local farmers, ensuring the highest quality and supporting the region’s agriculture. Overall, dining in Seine-Maritime is a celebration of the region’s generous offerings.
Dining Experience
Restaurants in Seine-Maritime provide a warm and inviting atmosphere. The dining experience is often influenced by its coastal setting, with many restaurants offering picturesque sea views and a focus on seafood-centric menus. Inland, you’ll find charming establishments nestled amidst picturesque landscapes and towns, offering a peaceful setting for a good meal. Note that Seine-Maritime shares many core elements with the broader Normandy cuisine. Both celebrate the use of high-quality dairy products, apples, and traditional French cooking techniques, ensuring you experience the essence of the renowned cuisine.
Overall, dining in Seine-Maritime is a celebration of the region’s generous offerings. Whether you’re savouring the catch of the day, indulging in artisanal cheeses, or enjoying the sweet pleasures of apple-based desserts, the food experience here is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Bon appétit!
