Saturday 4 April 2015

It is OK to snack...but what do you call it !

For the most part, the French do not snack. But when they do, they make it sound so much better. Although popular as an after school treat for children, le goûter – a late afternoon snack – has become part of the French culture as much as afternoon tea is in England.

Le goûter, pronounced “luh goo tay”, happens around 4 PM, when children are getting out of school and workers are heading into the last 1-2 hours of work. At this time, children will rush home in a frenzy to get a delicious treat, just enough to satisfy hunger or a craving, but not enough to spoil the appetite for dinner.

Hoping no one will notice I've eaten the end of the pétitos !!
But you won’t find crisps or sweets during this ritual. For French children,  le goûter typically includes a piece of bread and a square of chocolate or bread and nutella, usually accompanied with a fruit compote.

If you ask a French woman if she snacks, she will undoubtedly say no. Yet, the French woman most likely does practice the tradition of taking le goûter. However, she does not consider this snacking, because le goûter is not considered snacking. It is more like a refined, cultural experience to share with friends, family, co-workers. It works for me !!

No comments: