The 17 European Dishes You Absolutely Have to Taste
Ever wondered what Europe tastes like? Europe’s food tells the story of its soul. Europe is home to a rich and diverse culinary tradition that reflects centuries of history, culture, and innovation in every bite. Exploring traditional European dishes is like embarking on a delicious journey through the continent’s rich and unique cultures.
If you’re a foodie planning your next trip or simply someone curious about expanding your palate, this listicle brings you 20 must-taste dishes that capture the heart and soul of Europe.
German Sauerbraten
A national favorite in Germany, sauerbraten is a pot roast steeped in a marinade of vinegar and spices before being slow-cooked to perfection. Served with red cabbage and potato dumplings, it’s a celebration of traditional German flavors. Enjoy sauerbraten with a full-bodied Bavarian beer for an unforgettable experience.
French Coq au Vin
This traditional French dish translates to “rooster in wine.” Coq au vin is a hearty meal of chicken braised with red wine, mushrooms, onions, and garlic, cooked until tender and aromatic. It is the epitome of French comfort food. A recent survey revealed that coq au vin ranks among the top 5 regional dishes tourists want to try when visiting France.
Paella from Spain
A culinary pride of Spain, paella is a rice dish originating from Valencia. Traditionally cooked over an open flame, it features saffron-infused rice, seafood such as shrimp and mussels, or chicken and rabbit in the Valencian variant. Each bite is a celebration of robust Spanish flavors. A staggering 33% of tourists in Spain state paella as one of the primary reasons for exploring the country’s gastronomy.
Italian Pizza Margherita
Italy’s pizza, Margherita, is an iconic dish celebrated for its simplicity and unbeatable flavor. Made with just three ingredients—fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil leaves—this dish reflects the genius of Italian culinary minimalism. Try this dish in Naples, where it originated, for an authentic experience.
British Fish and Chips
A culinary classic from the UK, fish and chips is the ultimate comfort meal. Crispy beer-battered fish (often cod or haddock) is paired with hand-cut fries and served with tartar sauce. A sprinkle of malt vinegar can take this dish to the next level. Don’t skip it!
Greek Moussaka
Moussaka, Greece’s quintessential dish, is a layered casserole of ground meat, eggplant, and béchamel sauce. It’s baked to golden perfection, offering a truly Mediterranean taste experience. Over 80% of tourists consider Greek cuisine a highlight of their travel, with moussaka being the star dish.
Belgian Moules-Frites
This dish combines tender steamed mussels with crispy golden fries. Moules-frites have become synonymous with Belgian culinary culture, and it’s worth trying. Wash it down with a locally brewed Belgian beer for an authentic experience.
Swedish Meatballs
Known locally as “köttbullar,” Swedish meatballs are cooked with love and served with lingonberry jam and creamy mashed potatoes. They are a staple in both Swedish homes and globally beloved restaurants, such as IKEA. Try this dish in a typical Swedish “husmanskost” restaurant for a homestyle flavor explosion.
Hungarian Goulash
A heartwarming stew, Hungarian goulash is made with tender chunks of beef, paprika, onions, and potatoes. It’s a dish that embodies Hungary’s culinary passion. Pair this dish with hearty Hungarian bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
Dutch stroopwafels
These thin, round waffle cookies, filled with caramel-like syrup, are a delightful treat from the Netherlands. Perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, stroopwafels are an addictive snack. Place a stroopwafel over a hot cup of coffee or tea to slightly melt the syrup before taking a bite.
Austrian Wiener Schnitzel
Austrian cuisine is incomplete without the iconic Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet that’s crispy, tender, and delicious. By law in Austria, it must be made with veal; if made with pork or chicken, it must be labeled accordingly (e.g., Schnitzel Wiener Art). It is typically served with lemon wedges, potato salad, parsley potatoes, or lingonberry jam for the best flavor combination.
Swiss Fondue
Swiss fondue is all about dipping crusty bread into a pot of molten, bubbling cheese. Sharing fondue is an experience that transcends mere dining; it’s a celebration of Switzerland’s alpine culture. Switzerland has a Cheese Fondue Day every year to celebrate this dish!
Polish Pierogi
Pierogi are delightful dumplings filled with fillings such as potatoes, cheese, or meat. Topped with sour cream, these traditional Polish treats are hearty and delicious. They’re a staple of Polish cuisine, commonly served at holidays and family gatherings.
Danish Smørrebrød
Smørrebrød is more than a sandwich — it’s carefully constructed with balance, texture, and flavor in mind. This open-faced sandwich is a Danish icon. Served on rye bread and topped with ingredients like salmon, pickled herring, or roast beef, smørrebrød is as visually appealing as it is tasty. It originated as a working-class lunch but evolved into a celebrated part of Danish culinary culture.
Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
Lohikeitto (pronounced LOH-hee-keht-toh) is a traditional creamy salmon soup from Finland. This creamy soup, featuring chunks of fresh salmon, potatoes, and dill, is quintessential Finnish comfort food. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold day. For a richer flavor, consider using homemade fish stock or adding a splash of white wine.
Russian Blini
Blini are traditional thin pancakes or crepes made from a yeasted batter, often containing buckwheat flour (especially in older recipes). They can be served with toppings like caviar, smoked salmon, or sour cream. They’re a staple in Russian cuisine and a must-try dish. Historically symbolic of the sun, they’re a key dish during Maslenitsa, the Russian festival that celebrates the end of winter.
Czech Trdelník
A popular street food in the Czech Republic, trdelník is a hollow pastry roasted on a spit and coated in sugar and cinnamon. It’s often filled with whipped cream or chocolate for an indulgent treat. Although widespread in the Czech Republic, especially in Prague, its roots can be traced back to Slovakia and Hungary.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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