Le Goter Is France's Answer To British Afternoon Tea

While the British have the delicious treat of afternoon tea, the French equivalent is Le Goûter. Here’s a handy guide to what it involves, when to eat it and what to bring with you if you’re invited to share one.

Le Goûter is taken in the afternoon

Le Goûter comes from the French verb, goûter, which means to taste; it’s pronounced “le goo tay”. It’s the British equivalent of afternoon tea, sometimes called “high tea”, where you eat something to keep you going until dinner. The French traditionally eat dinner around 8pm (sometimes later), so the goûter can involve a little more food than just a cake or two.

The French goûter should be as sweet as possible

Le Goûter is always sweet (no exceptions)

Le Goûter is not considered snacking

The French always claim that they don’t snack. Le Goûter is thought of as a meal in its own right, so it isn’t considered snacking. Much like the apéritif, which involves crisps, nuts and tapenades, this isn’t snacking because it’s a key meal with its own name and traditions. It is a social occasion – the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends and get to know new ones – not something you do by yourself. It’s a key part of French culture portrayed in the 1911 painting “Le Goûter” by Jean Metzinger.

Bring something homemade or nicely packaged

If you’re invited to participate in a Goûter with someone else or a group of people, it’s always better to take something homemade if you have the time to bake. If not, make sure you take bring something from a bakery or chocolate shop, no matter how small. If you arrive with just a pack of biscuits from the local supermarket, however, it will look like you haven’t made an effort, regardless of the price or brand. And remember the presentation; packaging is everything when you hand your contribution over to your host or hostess, who will hopefully reward you with a dazzling smile and a big merci beaucoup!

Pain au chocolat is a very common goûter for kids after school

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