European Food: Top 20 Cuisines to Try in Europe

Europe may be a small continent. But it has countless countries. These countries have umpteen dishes that are worldwide famous as European dishes.

Be ready to see unparalleled culinary scenes as soon as you enter a European country. Every frame brims with a host of delicious delicacies that are no less than a reward for an Epicurean traveler.

If you have fantasized about European food enough, it’s time to pounce on it. We have created a list of foods you can have on your Europe tour. Come, let’s have a pleasant look at it.

A Brief Into European Cuisine

Europe comprises many countries with diverse cultures, rich traditions, and overwhelming culinary traditions. All of it gives birth to a range of delectable cuisines that reflect the cultural uniqueness of this continent.

Compared to other continents like East Asia, meat and dairy products are significant in European cuisines. Most European diets include bread, porridge, pasta, dumplings, flatcakes, pastries, and potatoes.

In the medieval era, bread was the most common food across all European classes. However, in the modern era, potatoes, chocolate, pumpkins, tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers are the new ingredients in all dishes.

Top 20 European Foods to Try

Here is the list of foods you should not miss while holidaying in Europe:

1. Pizza- Italy

The most famous European cuisine across the world is Pizza. Its origin lies in Italy. Besides being known for its bustling cities, charming places, and postcard-perfect landscapes, Italy is far-famed for its Pizza scenes. There are a variety of Pizzas in different shapes & sizes in Italy.

You can find too many variations of Italian Pizza in other foreign places, but nothing can beat the taste you get in Italy. That’s why it is the best European food you will ever come across in Italy.

The first Pizza was invented in 1889 for Queen Margherita by a Neopolitan pizza maker. This Pizza had a few ingredients like tomatoes, basil leaves, mozzarella, and tomato-based sauce.

2. Belgian Waffles- Belgium

Waffle is everyone’s favorite sweet snack. But do you know where it originates from? Well, it has roots in Belgium. Yes, the waffles you eat so fondly are the famous European food from Belgium. Belgian waffles are light, easy to digest, and delicious, so you won’t stop licking your fingers. This sweet snack is a famous dessert in Belgium, served best with hot coffee.

Overflowing with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, any fruit, ice cream, and confectionery sugar, Belgian waffles are a fantastic treat for hungry pangs. In Belgium, there are two types of waffles in demand. One is Brussels waffles, and the other is Liege waffle. The only difference between these two is their recipes rest is same. Belgian waffles are a must-try European cuisine if you are in Belgium.

3. Boeuf Bourguignon- France

Boeuf Bourguignon is one of the most-loved dishes among Europeans. This beef-rich cuisine is among the famous European dishes. It is cooked with Burgundy wine and fresh vegetables like garlic, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and lardons. Also known as Beef Burgundy, this dish is on every non-veg lover’s list.

The origin of this dish is in France. It is famed as a French classic worldwide. Boeuf Bourguignon is served along with mashed potatoes or pasta. The savory flavors of this dish make a gourmet traveler’s taste buds dance.

4. Shashlik- Georgia

Shashlik is another European food on the list of dishes you should try in Europe. It originated in Georgia and quickly spread throughout Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is prepared with marinated and grilled chunks of meat combined with vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, or onions. These days, Shashlik is the most famous in Russia. It has been part of the Russian food culture since the 19th Century.

The best part about Shashlik is that you can enjoy it with large family gatherings or friend groups. It is a great European dish that is simple yet delicious and most enjoyed at every gathering.

5. Arancini- Sicily

Arancini are deep-fried traditional rice balls. It is a traditional dish from Sicily that dates back to the 10th Century. These crispy Italian balls are coated with breadcrumbs and stuffed with mozzarella cheese. It is one of the best European foods you will ever taste. Arancini are best served with homemade Marinara to bring some finger-licking flavors.

It is the best evening snack to have a cup of tea after a day of exploration. You will find many variants of Arancini in Sicily that mainly differ in shapes and fillings. These different types of Arancini are arancini al ragu, arancini ai funghi, arancini al burro, and arancini al pistacchio.

6. Plov- Azerbaijan

Plov is one of the most-liked European dishes. It is so delicious and hearty that you will keep having it. Plov is a famous Central Asian dish, first made for Alexander the Great during his Central Asian campaigns.

It has numerous ingredients such as carrots, onions, rice, meat, dried fruits, garlic, and other things as per the taste. It is the symbol of celebration at every festival and occasion. If you are in Azerbaijan, you must try this European cuisine and immerse yourself in its delectable flavors.

7. Potato Pancakes- Belarus

As its name implies, it is prepared with potatoes, which are grated and then deep-fried. Potato Pancakes is a flavorful dish from Belarus. The other ingredients in Potato Pancakes are egg, onion, garlic, and other seasonings. All these ingredients create delicious and crispy pancakes that you can have with a cup of tea and sour cream.

These Potato Pancakes are one of the best European dishes you should try in Europe. It has different variations throughout Europe. Everyone has their recipe for Potato Pancakes, which is tasty and flavorful.

8. Gyros- Greece

Greece is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and beautiful Greek landscapes. It is also known for its hearty European food. Gyros is one of the best out of many. It is a traditional Greek cuisine made with chicken, beef, or lamb. Gyros served alongside tomato, tzatziki sauce, onion, and french fries.
 
In Greece, it is a famous street food. The presentation of Gyros varies according to its availability at different places. It is a famous fast food across Greece that you can munch on anytime. While holidaying in Greece, you haven’t tried Gyros, which means you haven’t tried anything at all.

9. Goulash- Hungary

Goulash is most commonly known as the bowl of happiness in Hungary. It’s a hearty stew of meat and seasoned vegetables. It is a comfortable European food that makes your tongue dance with delicious flavors. This dish originated from the Hungarian word ‘gulya’ means ‘Herd of Cattle’. It is prepared mainly by cowboys.

Goulash is the most famous cuisine in Central Europe. The ingredients of this delicious stew include peppers, meat, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, noodles, caraway seeds, and paprika. Goulash has many different adaptations as per family and restaurant recipes.

10. Irish Stew- Ireland

Irish Stew is the most satisfying stew you will ever taste. It is the best European food to indulge in on a European holiday. This Irish stew is prepared with mutton and vegetables like onions, potatoes, etc. The oldest recipe for Irish stew dates back to the 1600s and originated from Southern Ireland. Irish Stew represents the roots of Ireland.

There are many variations of Irish stew depending on the demands of locals and tourists alike. Some people make it only with vegetables, and some add minced meat to get the best taste.

11. Khinkali- Georgia

Khinkali are delicious soup dumplings from Georgia that leave a long-lasting taste in your tongue. It is one of the most delightful European dishes. These dumplings have two kinds of fillings- one that includes meat and a second that has vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and cheese. Khinkali reflects the Georgian taste and unparalleled hospitality.

As you take a bite of these juicy soup dumplings, your mouth fills with a burst of flavors. Whether you are vegan or non-vegan, you can have these Khinkali with different variations. It is believed that this European delicacy originated in Georgia in the 13th Century.
 
12. Paella- Spain

Paella is a Spanish delicacy that originated in Valencia, Spain. It is the most delicious European food, a national rice dish of Spain. Among the many Spanish cuisines, Paella tops the list. It has many different variations such as paella de marisco, paella mixta, and paella valenciana.

Some incredible ingredients that make this dish more flavorful are rice, green beans, chicken, wine or sherry, herbs, etc. Paella is well-known throughout the country and among tourists. If you are holidaying in Spain and looking to try a national delicacy, you should go for Paella.

13. Kottbullar- Sweden

Kottbullar is a pleasing Swedish cuisine that is an acclaimed European dish. It is a Swedish Meatball made from different ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, meat, pepper, salt, nutmeg, etc. It was first introduced in Turkey and later brought to Sweden by King Charles XII in the early 18th Century. Kottbullar is a traditional dish of Sweden that everyone, including travelers, eats with delicacy.

This iconic European food is a must-try when you are vacationing in Sweden. You can find its various variations depending on the taste and flavors. It is available in every restaurant and street side food stalls.

14. Lasagna- Italy

Lasagna is an everyday cuisine in many countries across the world. Due to its flavorful taste and tantalizing flavors, Lasagna has become one of the most-loved European cuisine. Lasagna is one of the types of pasta, but distinct in taste. It is another Italian dish that stays forever in the heart of every food connoisseur. Lasagna is a layered pasta filled with ragu, bechamel sauce, and ricotta, mozzarella, & Parmesan cheese.

The other variation of Lasagna is Lasagna al Forno, which has a filling of meat and vegetables as you like. Lasagna is a celebration dish, often associated with family gatherings and special occasions.

15. Currywurst- Germany

Currywurst is the most consumed European food. It is a very simple yet flavorful dish that is a must-have for tourists. This German dish was created by accident by mixing Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and curry powder. Today, there are multiple variations of this dish available, which include ingredients like chips and sausage.
 
Currywurst has worldwide popularity. It has cultural significance and even owns a dedicated museum in Berlin. It symbolizes German fast food, enjoyed by everyone, irrespective of age.

16. Fish & Chips- England

Fish & Chips is another popular European street food. It is among the best European cuisines that have a traditional British significance. This delectable dish originated in England and evolved as everyone’s comfort food of all time. The combination of these two components was introduced by immigrant cultures.

Fish is first deep-fried in oil and then served with thick potato chips (fries). You can try this dish at many seashore restaurants in England. If you ever visit England, it is a must-have dish.

17. Pastel de Nata- Portugal

Pastel de Nata is a national dish of Portugal. Pastel de Nata is one of the most sought-after European dishes to taste on your Europe tour. It is a Portuguese dessert, a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart pastry.

If you have a sweet tooth, try this dessert in Portugal. Pastel de Nata was invented in the 18th Century at the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon from leftover egg yolks. It quickly gained popularity in Western Europe, Asia, Goa, Brazil, etc.
 
18. Croissants- France

If there is something France is most known for after the Eiffel Tower, then it is Croissants. It is a French pastry, best served with hot coffee. It is buttery and flaky. It is often considered one of the best European pastries you will ever have. Croissants are famous across Europe. It is slowly gaining popularity in other continents.

It originated in Austria in the 13th Century but later reached France and became its national dessert. Countless street-side coffee shops and cafes sell croissants in every nook and corner in France.

19. Strudel- Austria

Strudel is another European food that tops the list of best cuisines to try on a Europe tour. It is a national dish of Austria. It derived its name from the German word strudel, which means whirlpool. Strudel is a layered pastry filled with different fillings like apple, cherry, and cheese that create a sweet burst of flavors in the mouth.

There is one more variation of Strudel, a savory version. It includes fillings like spinach, cabbage, or meat. However, the apple Strudel is the most famous one among the tourists.

20. Bigos

Bigos is the best European food in Europe. It is a traditional Polish stew loved by everyone. Bigos is a delicious stew that is prepared with the help of many ingredients like meat chunks, shredded white cabbage, onions, forest mushrooms, etc.

These ingredients are seasoned with black peppercorns, juniper berries, bay leaves, and salt. This flavorful stew tastes so delicious, making you want another bowl. Bigos is a traditional dish, most enjoyed during festivals like Christmas and Easter.

Try These Delicious European Dishes

We know you are drooling right now after skimming through this list of European cuisine. If you want to devour these delectable European flavors, you must plan a European holiday. For that, you need to take the help of Dook International.

We have exclusive Europe tour packages that are best-selling across various platforms. All you need to do is pick the best travel package that suits your needs, and we will customize it as per your travel preferences. So, don’t sit back and pause your cravings. Plan a beautiful Europe vacation with us!

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