Top 10 Culinary Specialties in Vannes

1. The Atlantic seafood platter

A little earlier, we mentioned that Brittany was known for its maritime character. This is why we had to start this ranking with the legendary Atlantic seafood platter, which turns many heads. It showcases the ocean treasures that make us salivate the most with their unique and refined taste: lobster; oysters; shrimp; shellfish; various mollusks... Here's a fresh meal, perfect if you're traveling during summer and looking to mix cooked or raw foods. The seafood platter is a Breton specialty that you'll easily find in Vannes.

2. The Breton palet

How can we talk about Brittany without praising the merits of the famous Breton palet, known almost worldwide? This very light dry biscuit is particularly appreciated for its shortbread pastry that gives it a somewhat granular texture. It's mainly recognizable by its somewhat thick shape. If you've ever wondered why this biscuit is so delicious, it's partly thanks to the addition of salted butter with vanilla sugar. A treat! This is a food that can be eaten at any time of day: morning, noon, and evening, without ever having enough!

3. The andouille of Guéméné

Many Bretons would agree that the andouille of Guéméné is THE Breton specialty par excellence. In the city of Vannes, it's certainly the flagship dish that's displayed at the top of restaurant menus and that customers fight over because the flavors are so intoxicating. This charcuterie made from pig intestines that have been stuffed one inside the other can be eaten as a main dish, but also on a buckwheat galette, as a simple charcuterie plate, or even grilled or cooked with mustard. It's up to your taste! Since 1994, there's even been a festival in honor of this dish, to promote 'artisanal andouille'.

4. The tome of Rhuys

In every country you visit, you'll almost always find a cheese specific to the city where you're staying. In the city of Vannes, the tome of Rhuys is the dairy product present on all tables at breakfast or snack time. The milk comes from Breton black and white cows raised in the Gulf of Morbihan. Then, the cheeses are hand-rubbed with Guérande salt, giving them a pronounced and unique taste. The rind is crumbly, while the interior is soft with small fruity and floral aromatic notes. Salty and sweet in one single ingredient...

5. Buckwheat chips

During your stay, put aside the classic chips we all know. Those chips made with palm oil. Buckwheat chips are prepared from black wheat, and are crunchy, making an excellent accompaniment for a successful aperitif. Naturally gluten-free, buckwheat is explosive in the mouth, you'll love this light nutty taste that gently tickles our palate while exciting our senses. It's somewhat the typical food we like to bring back from our stay in Brittany and that will remain engraved in our memory for a long time, for its original taste.

6. Organic beer

We're talking about food yes, but what about drinks? The nectar you're sure to find in all bars and breweries in Vannes is undoubtedly organic beer. Delicious and smooth, it's distinguished from other beers by its citrus notes and very fine foam. Breton craft beers always win unanimous approval among visitors, who rush to participate in tasting workshops, and don't hesitate to seek to know more about this divine cocktail. Moreover, if you're traveling to Vannes with friends and looking for where to party, you'll be delighted to consume organic beer in one of the city's pubs.

7. La Belle-Iloise fish preserves

Here's another essential of Breton cuisine, in the image of the country: fresh fish preserved in cans. Very consumed in Vannes, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are accompanied by fresh salad and can also be added to soups. Otherwise, it's always possible to eat them as rillettes, which further enhances the taste of lean meat. Moreover, fish is an important resource for health not to be neglected. Rich in omega-3 acids, it contributes to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Everything is good in fish!

8. Quiberon niniches

If you've just arrived in Vannes, you must surely see these sweets everywhere: Quiberon niniches. Sold in shops, confectioneries, stands... These are lollipops of all colors that delight young and old alike. By the way, here's a delicious anecdote: in 1946, the candy created by Yvonne and Raymond Audebert was elected 'Best Candy in France'. Today, it's possible to find them in almost all of Brittany, with different flavors, depending on tastes and preferences. It's never too late for a little sweetness!

9. Desplousse chocolate oysters

Who here loves chocolate? After tasting the delicious Desplousse oysters, you can only appreciate this fine delicacy even more. In the city of Vannes, you'll very likely discover the Desplousse chocolate factory and its praline wonders. Chocolate is known for its antidepressant effects. It's a food that helps reduce stress, anxiety, that's a source of happiness, and even helps treat depression. So many benefits in one single small sweet square! Once in Vannes, you can finally indulge in these precious delicacies.

10. Salidou cream

Ryo ends this appetizing ranking with Salidou cream. To give you a little idea, it's somewhat the 'Breton nutella' par excellence. However, you won't find palm oil, but rather butter, and Salidou cream is generally used as an accompaniment on ice cream or on bread. This is a salted butter caramel cream that delights the taste buds and manages to melt even the least gourmand! Even better, it will bring sweetness to your crepes and waffles, so don't hesitate for another second!