The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (2024)

Didn’t think you could find any French vegan recipes? Well, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

You may know it already but traditional French food isn’t that vegan friendly. Actually, it can be pretty terrible for us herbivores. As vegans, we don’t think we should miss out on any country’s cuisine, and so we’ve compiled this list of delicious French traditional food that is completely veganised!

Pedalling our way through France has worked up a hefty appetite. It’s a good thing that all this cycling is quite the workout as we always indulge to our heart’s content whilst exploring a country. Initially, it seemed like vegans in France would really struggle but we have managed to find some accidentally vegan foods, supermarket finds and fresh produce markets, plus we’ve been whipping up some triumphs on the camp stove!

Traditional French food, however, is really not that vegan friendly. When wandering past restaurants we’ve kept our eyes peeled for potential things to try but never find things completely free from some type of animal product. Whilst staying with hosts we’ve asked them what traditional French foods we can try only to be met with puzzled faces and being told that “you cannot find ANY traditional dish without meat, cheese or egg!”.

This had to change!

One of the best ways to experience a culture is through its cuisine, so this seemed like bad news. Determined not to miss, and to share a famous cuisine with the vegan community, we’ve compiled a list of the best vegan French recipes so they can be enjoyed by all.

We’ve covered all bases from starters to mains, and sauces to desserts. Take a peep at the list and tell us which is your favourite!

Smaller Vegan Bites

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Crustless Mini Vegan Quiche

One of our favourite French vegan recipes, these mini French quiches are great as a starter or served as a side. They can also be eaten hot or cold and work nicely to accompany light lunches.

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Warm French Vegan Lentil Salad

A simple recipe that’s full of nutrients, flavour and can be rustled up quickly. The lentils are full of protein, so this is a good vegan French recipe if you’re fueling an active lifestyle!

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Vegan Coquilles Saint Jacques

French traditional food at its finest! This vegan take on coquilles saint Jacques is rich and creamy much like the original, which would combine nicely with one of the lighter salad options.

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Easy Vegan-Friendly French Potato Salad

Another easy vegan recipe that you can make quickly from scratch but is oozing with flavour!

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Vegan French Onion Soup

One of the iconic French recipes that has been enjoyed for centuries all over the country and the world. Give this vegan-friendly version a go, you won’t regret it!

Vegan Main Dishes

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Vegan Seitan Bourguignon

Another traditional French dish which is steeped in history and culture. This vegan recipe is made using seitan which adds delicious flavour and lots of nutrients too.

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Smokey Portobello Mushroom Vegan Cassoulet

This one is a great winter warmer and French food recipe if you’re looking for some comfort eating. Portobello mushrooms, mmmm…

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Smokey Tempeh Vegan Quiche with Aubergine Crust

Want to make some vegan French food that will impress? This smokey tempeh quiche stands out from the crowd with an aubergine crust instead of pastry and also makes it lighter and full of flavour. Plus, who doesn’t love smokey tempeh!?!?

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Vegan Choucroute Garnie

We first tried this traditional recipe from a French vegan cookbook and it’s delicious. It originated from the Alsace region near the German border and is a fusion from both cultures.

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Vegan Ratatouille Recipe

Ratatouille is one of the very few classic French recipes that doesn’t need to much veganising. This recipe shows this dish at its finest.

Vegan Sauces & Dips

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Vegan Hollandaise Sauce

This Hollandaise sauce is perfect to pour over your French veg recipes. Add a little to the potato salad and you’re on to a winner!

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Vegan Dijon Mustard Sauce with Herbs

Another French vegan food which can be found all over the world and is naturally plant-based too. This recipe is delicious to add to salads and dressings.

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Vegan Lentil and Walnut Dip

This dip is perfect smothered over some fresh French baguette and with some salad vegetables.

Vegan French Desserts

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Mint Chocolate Vegan Pots de Creme

Like a chocolate cloud in your mouth, this vegan French recipe is creamy, damn tasty and guilt free!

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Aquafaba Meringue Nests with Coconut Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries

Vegan meringue is probably the quickest way to our heart and this scrummy recipe, topped with an array of fruits and chocolate, is hard to beat!

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Vegan Cherry Clafoutis

A veganised version of the traditional French dessert that contains no eggs or butter but has the same melt in your mouth consistency.

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Vegan French Croissants

The most popular of all French pastries and a speciality you’ll find all over the world. This vegan croissant recipe means you can make the most of your continental breakfasts with a clear conscience.

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Vegan French Crepes

French crepes are something we’ve probably all enjoyed, both savoury and sweet, and this vegan crepe recipe is perfect to avoid any animal-products.

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Gluten-Free Mini-Eclairs

On the more intricate side of recipe-creating but worth the fuss for these delicious vegan eclairs. Damn they’re moreish!

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Vegan Apple Tart

Inspired by French market pastries from her childhood, Sophie created this beautiful vegan apple tart recipe.

What was your favourite recipe? Or are there others we should add to the list?

Tell us in the comments below! Want to find out about our latest articles? Sign up for our mailing list here!

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The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes

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The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (2024)

FAQs

What is the most eaten vegan food? ›

Most vegan diets include beans in at least one meal per day, including lentils, chickpeas, black beans, pinto beans and many more. Many vegans consume soy-based proteins such as tofu and tempeh; their mild flavor makes them a great substitute for meat in stir-fries, soups and stews.

Is veganism popular in France? ›

During a survey carried out between January and December 2023, approximately 7 percent of French people aged between 18 and 19 said they were following a vegan diet.

How to eat vegan without cooking? ›

16 No-Cook Vegan Recipes to Beat the Heat
  1. Berry Overnight Oats.
  2. Chia Breakfast Parfait.
  3. Enchanted Smoothie Bowl.
  4. Chickpea Salad Rolls.
  5. Tofu "Egg" Salad Sandwich.
  6. Rainbow Hummus Sandwich.
  7. Thai Crunch Salad With Peanut Dressing.
  8. Rainbow Salad.
Jul 21, 2022

What food is surprisingly vegan? ›

18 Snacks and Foods You Didn't Know Were Vegan
  • Sriracha Mayo. I'm just as surprised as you are that Flying Goose's brilliant sriracha mayo is completely plant-based. ...
  • Hackney Gelato Dark Chocolate Sorbetto. ...
  • Lotus Biscoff Spread. ...
  • Lindt Excellence 70% Dark Chocolate. ...
  • Ritz Crackers. ...
  • Jacob's Cream Crackers. ...
  • Oreos. ...
  • Twiglets.
Jan 11, 2023

Which country is #1 for vegans? ›

INDIA. Undoubtedly the vegetarian capital of the world, the urban Indian population is quickly accepting veganism as a way of life. A lot of traditional cuisines already have many vegan dishes which are eaten by everyone. Vegan food is easily available in western and south Indian restaurants too.

What is the best city in France for vegans? ›

Paris is by far the most vegan friendly city in France but other cities like Lyon and Bordeaux also boast many vegan establishments. On your way outside of major cities, pile up on local Vegan Snacks for your trip and for the first few hours at your destination until you can orient yourself.

Is bread in France vegan? ›

Is French bread vegan? When we talk about French bread, we usually mean baguettes—long loaves with crispy outsides and soft insides. In general, these breads are vegan.

Do the French cater for vegans? ›

Eating Out at Restaurants as a vegan in France

Chefs are creatively reimagining classic dishes to cater to plant-based tastes, ensuring that your dining experience remains both authentic and satisfying. Le Potager de Charlotte in Paris is a quintessential example of this shift.

What is the most French thing to eat? ›

Most common French dishes in a nutshell:
  • Steak-frites. ...
  • Boeuf Bourguignon. ...
  • Raclette. ...
  • Coq au Vin. ...
  • Pot au feu. ...
  • Salade Niçoise. ...
  • Ratatouille. ...
  • Confit de canard. Confit de canard is a duck dish that's prepared in a special way which allows for the meat to be extremely tender, flavorful and last for long periods of time.

What is a typical Parisian breakfast? ›

A typical French breakfast consists of a croissant or bread with butter and jam and sometimes a sweet pastry. Fresh fruit juice and hot beverages, like coffee or tea, are also included. Here all meals for French breakfast. The tradition of eating a large meal mid-day continues at dinner time in France.

What are three authentic French foods? ›

15 French meals you have to try
  • Steak frites. Voila – this simple, yet impressive recipe is inspired by French bistro cuisine. ...
  • Chicken confit. ...
  • French onion soup. ...
  • Bouillabaisse. ...
  • Salmon en papillote. ...
  • Quiche Lorraine. ...
  • Croque monsieur. ...
  • Boeuf bourguignon.

What not to eat when going vegan? ›

Vegans don't eat any foods made from animals, including:
  • Beef, pork, lamb, and other red meat.
  • Chicken, duck, and other poultry.
  • Fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams, and mussels.
  • Eggs.
  • Cheese.
  • Butter.
  • Milk, cream, ice cream, and other dairy products.
  • Mayonnaise (because it includes egg yolks)
Nov 3, 2023

What snack foods can vegans eat? ›

Try These Popular Vegan Snacks (Chips, Cookies, and More)
  • Vegan Rob's Chips.
  • Rivalz Extra Chedda' Mac.
  • Outstanding Foods PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds.
  • Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars—Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate.
  • Trader Joe's Almond Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets.

Can you survive as a raw vegan? ›

A raw vegan diet may not be sustainable in the long term. The lack of bread, cooked grains, and cooked legumes can make it challenging to get enough calories every day without frequent meals, which may make it too restrictive to be a 24/7 thing.

What foods do vegans love? ›

Protein from beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh and seitan, along with healthy fats from avocado, nuts, seeds, and coconut and olive oils, can also keep your blood sugar stable. High-protein vegan diet: Protein is one of the nutrients often lacking in a vegan diet.

Are Oreos vegan? ›

Many vegans refer to Oreos as “accidentally vegan,” meaning they don't contain animal products — but they weren't created to be a specifically vegan treat. Oreos do not contain milk, eggs, or any other animal-derived products, so they are technically vegan in that sense. Plant-based cookies and cream lovers rejoice!

Are most vegans wealthy? ›

Veganism is increasingly popular and it is a place for everyone, rather than just for the wealthy.

What is the most extreme form of veganism? ›

Fruitarianism is more restrictive than veganism or raw veganism, as a subset of both. Maintaining this diet over a long period can result in dangerous deficiencies, a risk that many fruitarians try to ward off through nutritional testing and vitamin injections.

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