European Cuisine | Top 10 Dishes to Taste
Europe is known as a top spot for stunning holiday sights. However, do you know that natural and man-made attractions are not the only things to enjoy on the continent? If you are a good lover, you can spend some time enjoying various dishes across Europe. We have highlighted 10 European cuisines you should try during your next trip to the continent.
Pizza in Italy
This may seem cliche initially, but it is essential to add to this list. Award-winning tours to Italy include various activities where you can get to taste diverse pizzas from their origin. While most think of pizza as fast food, there are some decadent places to eat pizza in Italy that you won’t forget after a visit.
Paella in Spain
Taking a train from Barcelona to Madrid in pursuit of your favorite Paella spot is not out of the ordinary. It is the national food of Spaniards and one you should taste while in the country. Each Spanish city adds its twist to the cuisine, but any is enough to give you a memorable taste you will love.
Fish and Chips in England
Another staple dish on this list is the quintessential English lunch. Enjoy authentic English culture by stepping into one of the fish ‘n chips shops that dot seaside areas. Order a packet of fish and chips to taste the famous dish that has made it into Charles Dickens’s books.
The fish is usually covered with batter before frying, and the chips are cut thickly. This process gives the dish the ability to fill empty stomachs on busy days.
Herring in the Netherlands
A trip to the Netherlands is not complete without tasting herring. This dish has been around for a while and has undergone various evolution. However, it still manages to retain its original character, which is that it is eaten raw. The idea of eating raw fish may seem unappealing to you until you taste it and see why the dish became so popular.
You can eat your herring in various ways, from eating it alone to adding it to a sandwich.
Waffles in Belgium
Waffles are another common dish that makes it to this list. While it is now a popular food across the world, Waffles remain special where they originated from. What is known as Belgian waffle is a simplified version of Brussels waffles in Belgium. Another type of waffle you can eat in the country is the Liege waffle, which is oval to Brussels’ rectangular shape.
Pierogi in Poland
Pierogi is a famous Polish cuisine that is similar to Russian Pelmeni. This dumpling has the basic dough but features diverse fillings that can change its taste. The most popular is pierogi ruskie, which has potato and cheese fillings. You can also choose different toppings, from melted butter to caramelized onions.
You can get Pierogi from some other Eastern European companies, but none matches the taste you will get in Poland.
Goulash in Hungary
Goulash is another cuisine you should taste in Europe, especially if you happen to be in Hungary. This traditional Hungarian cuisine is a meat-filled soup that will appeal to your palate with its flavourful taste. The meat seems to be the main feature of the soup, but the heavy paprika flavor and an assortment of vegetables are also important.
Overall, Goulash is deemed the ultimate comfort dish by those who have tasted it.
Currywurst in Germany
Currywurst is a must-eat when in Germany. This fast food was first created in 1949 and has since become the top snack in the country. Currywurst mainly consists of three ingredients. First, there is sausage (mostly pork), which is usually steamed and then grilled or fried. Then, there are chips or fries (as you may prefer to call them). Both are topped with curry-flavored ketchup mixed with various spices.
Fondue in Switzerland
If you love cheese, you should not miss the opportunity to eat fondue in Switzerland. This dish is made primarily by melting Emmenthal and Gruyere cheeses together. The meal becomes whole with some white wine and kirsh. Fondue is served with crusty bread that you can dip into the melted cheese using a long-stemmed fork. Since Fondue is mainly served in large communal pots, it allows you to bond with others as you enjoy the gooey goodness.
Borscht in Ukraine
Borscht is famous in Europe, but nothing beats eating it in Ukraine. The soup is a staple in the country, with every region adding different touches. Borscht has a red color from the main ingru, which is beet. Once the beet is in, people add different stock, meat, and vegetables as they prefer. You can eat Borscht with several meals, so carefully select what you accompany it with.
Food is not one of the first areas people focus on when traveling to Europe. You can do better by appreciating the various delicacies each country has to offer. Some of these dishes can be found in other countries, but many believe they taste special when eaten in their countries of origin.