Recently, a delegation from Normandy was in Ireland, and the delegation included President of the Normandy Region. It was fascinating to attend the event and know all about what the region offers for tourists. The icing on the cake, so to speak, was to find out about the gorgeous food (and drink) that Normandy is famous for.
Have you had a taste of Normandy, so to speak? And if you are planning a Normandy break in 2023, what can you expect to put on your ‘must-have food list’?
According to Explore France, Normandy offers an exciting and high-quality gastronomical variety. First comes its luxurious seafood: oysters from the open sea, scallops, lobsters. And for each major town there is most likely a speciality: Dieppe sole, tripe à la mode from Caen, boudin noir from Mortagne.
There’s also those great Normandy cows, who give milk in abundance. The famous cheeses of the region—camembert (well made), Pont l’Evêque, or livarot—are thanks to them. And finally, as for fruits, Normandy holds the ace: green, sweet, crunchy, sour, ripe apples. They are used in making cider and the reputed calvados.
What about regional specialities in Normandy?
Normandy is renowned for its andouillette d’Alençon, marmite dieppoise, mirlitons de Rouen, escalope à la normande, estouffade, rabbit in cider, duckling à la Rouennaise, chicken or omelette vallée d’Auge, mussels à la crème, and tripe à la mode from Caen.
Its desserts (the tarte normande, brioche, shortbreads, Isigny caramels, and rice pudding) are also delicious.
Did we hear ‘Cheese’?
But of course! Normandy is also known for its excellent varieties of cheese.
Well known specialty cheeses here are Camembert, Pavé d’Auge, Livarot, Pont l’Evêque, Boursin, Brillat-Savarain, and Brin de Paille.
Wines and spirits
Calvados, mistelle, cider (AOC designation Pays d’Auge, AOC in process: Cidre du Bessin, Cidre du Cotentin, Cidre du Pays de Caux, and Cidre du Perche)
Here’s a list of a few Calvados producers:
- Père Magloire
- Charles de Granville
- Huet
- Chateau du Breuil
- Coquerel
- Boulard
- Dupont
- Ferme du Ponctey
Interesting, and so tempting, isn’t it? If you do go to Normandy this summer, do let us know please. We would love to hear of your adventures, especially culinary ones.