If you’re a foodie heading off on a European break, treat your taste buds to the top culinary delights of the continent. Here’s our top ten list of the most exquisite dishes of Europe awaiting your arrival.
1. Sauerbraten
Red wine in hand, sauerbraten is a must-try for its famously slow and tender preparation. Served with traditional sweet raisin sauce and dumplings, this dish can be made with beef, lamb, pork or venison. Treat yourself to the best at Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant in the center of Munich.
2. Paella
After taking in the spectacular Sagrada Familia and the enchanting Gaudi House Museum, take a stroll down La Ramblas and indulge in what is regarded as Spain’s national dish. Cullera de Boix Boqueria is where you can select a chicken or seafood paella to share with your amigos.
3. Feijoada
This rustic bean stew is a rich delicacy famous in the Algarve region of Portugal. From the Portuguese for “beans”, this dish includes fresh pork or beef and is served with kidney beans and a selection of vegetables. Make your way to the city of Faro to enjoy yours served in a traditional clay pot.
4. Mozzarella in Carrozza
After an afternoon perusing the backstreets of Naples, indulge in the golden-crusted delight that is Mozzarella in Carrozza. This fried mozzarella sandwich is simple, yet incredibly satisfying and might have you seeking out the next chic ristorante for another.
5. Filets de Perches
Lake Geneva is the perfect spot to sample freshly caught perch fillets in a light white-wine sauce. This authentic dish can be found at Café Papon in the heart of the old town.
6. Blanquette de Veau
This veal ragout was a well-loved piece of bourgeois cookery, in which the veal and butter is kept un-browned to create an aromatic and delicious dish. Wander down to Chez Monsieur, Paris, to be served tableside in a copper pot.
7. Kalix Löjrom
The best caviar in the country requires true Swedish expertise to produce. Served atop potato cakes with diced red onion, this is THE delicacy to enjoy before whisking yourself off to take in the fabulous northern lights.
8. Pannenkoeken
Pannenkoeken is the pinnacle of pancakes in Dutch cuisine. Savor these huge, thin pancakes with an apple, chocolate or nut filling at The Pancake Bakery in the middle of Amsterdam.
9. Wiener Schnitzel
The national dish of Austria, Wiener Schnitzel is a delicious thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet, named after the capital, Vienna. Wash it down with some Bavarian beer for a true taste of Austrian cuisine.
10. Shopska Salad
The healthiest option on the list, Shopska Salad combines tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions and cheese, to make a light and flavorful dish. Also known as Bulgarian salad, it’s a popular choice for locals and visitors, you’ll struggle to find a restaurant which doesn’t have it on the menu.
Trying local cuisine is a brilliant way of getting to the heart of a nation, so make plenty of room in your itinerary to sample some of these delicacies.
