When visiting Montpellier, you'll find a delicious mix of Mediterranean and Languedoc culinary influences, with fresh, local ingredients, seafood, and unique regional dishes. Here are some must-try foods in the city:
1. Tielle Sétoise
A savory, spicy seafood pie filled with octopus and tomato sauce, seasoned with herbs and sometimes a bit of garlic. This dish originates from the nearby town of Sète, but you can find it all over Montpellier. It's typically served warm and makes for a delicious and filling snack.
2. Brandade de Morue
A classic dish in the Languedoc region, brandade de morue is a creamy, mashed codfish dish made with olive oil, garlic, and potatoes. Often served with toasted bread or in a gratin form, it's a local comfort food that pairs well with a glass of local wine.
3. Piquillos (Pepper Stuffed with Anchovies)
A regional specialty that involves piquillo peppers stuffed with anchovies or other fillings, sometimes drizzled with a flavorful sauce. These make for great tapas-style appetizers, reflecting the Mediterranean influence on Montpellier's cuisine.
4. Fougasse
A type of flatbread similar to focaccia, fougasse is often topped with ingredients like olives, garlic, or even cheese. This bread is a staple in the region, and you’ll find it served alongside many meals or as a snack.
5. Clafoutis
A traditional Languedoc dessert made with a custard base and typically filled with fresh cherries, though other fruits like plums or apples are sometimes used. It’s simple, delicious, and a great way to end a meal.
6. Tapenade
A Mediterranean appetizer made from a mixture of olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil, tapenade is typically served with toasted bread or crackers. It's a flavorful, savory spread that’s commonly found in the south of France, including Montpellier.
7. Grilled Fish & Seafood
Being close to the Mediterranean coast, Montpellier is known for its fresh seafood. You’ll find a variety of grilled fish, including sardines, mackerel, and sea bass, as well as fresh shellfish like mussels and oysters. A seafood platter is a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors.
8. Couscous
Though couscous is more traditionally associated with North Africa, it’s a popular dish in Montpellier due to the region's proximity to Mediterranean and North African cultures. It’s typically served with stewed vegetables, lamb, and a rich, flavorful broth.
9. Languedoc Wines
No visit to Montpellier is complete without trying the Languedoc wines, known for their rich and diverse flavors. The Languedoc-Roussillon wine region offers a range of reds, whites, and rosés, often paired perfectly with local dishes like roast meats and cheese.
10. Cheese
Don’t miss trying some of the local French cheeses, especially the chèvre (goat cheese), which is widely available in Montpellier. Try it in a salad or on a fresh baguette, and pair it with some local wine for the perfect French experience.
11. Local Olives & Olive Oil
The Languedoc region produces high-quality olive oils and is famous for its delicious olives, which are often used in salads, tapenade, and as snacks. Local markets are the best places to sample these olives, often infused with herbs and spices.
12. Baguette and Croissants
Though not unique to Montpellier, you can’t visit any part of France without trying fresh baguettes and croissants from local bakeries. The French take their bread seriously, and Montpellier is home to some fantastic bakeries where you can enjoy these staples.
Conclusion
Montpellier’s food scene combines the best of Mediterranean flavors with Languedoc’s rich culinary traditions. Whether you’re craving seafood, enjoying a warm tielle sétoise, or indulging in sweet clafoutis, the city’s diverse offerings will surely satisfy any food lover. Don't forget to wash it all down with a glass of Languedoc wine to complete the experience!
