Pizza, croissants, crème brûlée, Wiener Schnitzel, pasta… Do we need to go on? Yes, Europe is home to some incredible foods. Read on for 13 foods you must eat in Europe.
There’s far more to European food than just the classics. They may not be as well-known, but they’re possibly even more delicious than their famous siblings.
Come take a look.
1. Arancini in Italy.
Though not as popular as pasta and pizza in Italy, these little fried rice balls are seriously to die for. Typically stuffed with meat, tomatoes, mozzarella, mushrooms, pistachios or aubergines, these heavenly morsels of crispy goodness are then coated in bread crumbs and deep fried. Oh, yes.
2. Pierogi in Poland.
Popular in many Eastern European countries, Pierogi are dumplings made of dough usually filled with potatoes, ground meat, sauerkraut, cheese, or fruit. To complete the dish, they can be topped with butter, sour cream, or fried onion – how could you resist?
3. Waffles in Belgium.
Of course, everyone knows all about Belgian waffles. They’re amazing. ‘Nuff said. Always, always try them with Nutella, cream and strawberries.
4. Cheese fondue in Switzerland.
Cheese lovers, get ready. Traditional Swiss fondue is made with Gruyère and Emmenthal cheese with an added kick provided by a glug of white wine and kirsch. Always served with crusty bread such as the traditional Weizenbrot, this is serious gooey heaven and one of those foods you must eat in Europe.
5. Ćevapi in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Now listen up. If you go for anything on this list, go for these. Ćevapi are grilled skinless ground beef sausages usually served with flatbread, onions, creamy kajmak cheese and ajvar (a roast red pepper spread). Sooooo good. Come check it out.
6. Goulash in Hungary.
Everyone has probably at least heard of goulash if not tried it, but if you find yourself even close to (being) Hungary, you need to taste this dish when prepared in the traditional Hungarian way. Read: the ultimate comfort food.
7. Palatschinken in Austria.
Common in many Central and Eastern European countries, think of these as a slightly thicker and fluffier version of crepes – oh my god – they are seriously delicious. Traditionally served with apricot jam and whipped cream but today mostly enjoyed with Nutella (duh), these are ah-mazing! Head to Austria to get your fix, this is for sure one of the foods you must eat in Europe.
8. Currywurst in Germany.
This is exactly what it sounds like – a bit strange. But don’t knock it ‘till you try it. This German fast food staple consists of fried pork sausage (Bratwurst), usually cut into slices, seasoned with curry ketchup and served with French fries. Yum.
9. Potica in Slovenia.
One of the best dessert foods on this list, this traditional nut roll is made of sweet dough that is rolled out very thinly, spread with a paste made from ground nuts (usually walnuts or poppy seeds) and a sweetener like honey, rolled up into a log and baked. Yes please. See ya in Slovenia!
10. Moussaka in Greece.
Common in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and Balkana, this dish is built on either potatoes or aubergines, layered with ground meat and either a tomato or béchamel sauce, sometimes topped with cheese and then baked in the oven. Deffo one of the foods you must eat in Europe. #heaven
11. Köttbullar in Sweden.
Swedish meatballs were made seriously popular by IKEA, but we think they still don’t get the credit they deserve. Made with cream and breadcrumbs soaked in milk, these are super tender and traditionally served with gravy, boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam, and sometimes fresh pickled cucumber. Get us to Sweden ASAP!
12. Haggis in Scotland.
Okay, so Haggis sounds kind of unappealing. But if any foods on this list will completely surprise you, it’s Haggis! Just give it a try if you find yourself in Scotland – you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy it with an obligatory side of ‘neeps and tatties’, of course.
13. Halloumi and watermelon in Cyprus.
In the hot climate of Cyprus, pairing salty Halloumi with sweet watermelon for breakfast or dessert is seriously the best possible way to cool down. So simple, yet so delicious. And the best thing is you don’t even need to leave home to try it.
Hungry for an adventure from our list of foods you must eat in Europe?
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