Glossary (talk like a chef)


lexique
You have probably noticed that many recipes given by chefs are full of incomprehensible jargon. This is because chefs have their own "language".
Here is a small glossary of words and expressions that you are likely to find in recipes.
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Last modified on: September 16th 2025

Words

Expressions


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The 14 comments already posted on this
  • Recipe from this site?
    jh december 25th 202018:47 14
  • I just made a sauerkraut salad cold winter salad and it says to let it rest for four hours before serving. Does that mean leave it out of the refrigerator or should you refrigerate it
    Anonymous december 25th 202018:07 13
  • In french?
    jh october 5th 201907:48 12
  • Is there a phrase to use, in a restaurant when asking for the head to be removed from fish?
    Lynn october 4th 201922:27 11
  • Maybe 'Punwa' is Brunoise? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunoise
    Andy F august 2nd 201617:09 10
  • I use "en chemise" also for boiled potatoes, as served with raclette, for example.
    Carlo july 23th 201613:43 9
  • They don't exist in French.
    The second could be "Matignon", it's a mix of vegetables cutted in small dices, and cooked in olive oil.
    jh july 8th 201308:57 8
  • What are words which sound like 'punwa' and 'matignor' in french
    arissafahim july 8th 201307:29 7
  • It is actually spelt mise-en-place, it is defined as before you start cooking, you have time to prepare e.g. Put apron on, wash hands, get equipment, weigh ingredients out and chop up vegetables or meat etc. These are just a few examples :)
    Anonymous june 19th 201321:43 6
  • What about misanplas ?
    jon january 22th 201310:23 5
  • I think it's a "grille" (a grid), but I'm not sure to have completely understand the question, sorry broken English...
    jh november 30th 201215:40 4
  • What is the term chefs use for a tray that is specifically used for gathering ingredients?
    Anonymous november 30th 201200:03 3
  • It's "rondelles de carottes"
    jh november 3rd 201010:11 2
  • What is the french word for carrots cut into circles?
    copper penny carrots november 3rd 201009:50 1

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