By Andrés Muñoz
Some work to live, others live to work. Some eat to live, others live to eat! Exploring a country’s cuisine is one of the most fascinating things you can do when travelling. Whether it is spicy street tacos in Mexico City or artisan sushi in a small restaurant in Tokyo, getting to know a new location through its food is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have.
“Food, glorious food!” -Oliver! The Musical
This time, we bring you a food lover Europe travel guide, showcasing the continent’s diverse and rich culinary landscape. So, grab your appetite and prepare for a culinary journey. From the rich, tomatoey sauces of Italy to the delicate pastries of France, each region offers a unique dining experience that will surely make your taste buds swoon.
Italy: *Chef’s Kiss*
Pizza, pasta, and gelato! What more is there to say? Oh, wait. Risotto, lasagna, ossobuco, espresso… the list goes on and on. Wherever you go, the king of European food will melt your brain with some of the most delicious dishes known to man.
If your time in the Italian boot is limited, venture to Naples for the original Neapolitan pizza. It’s a masterpiece with a thin, crispy crust topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil cooked in a wood-fired oven. OWAP Pizzeria Pignasecca, with its rustic charm and authentic flavours, is definitely worth visiting!
From there, head north to Bologna, the birthplace of Bolognese sauce. One of the best spots in town is Trattoria Collegio di Spagna; the green tagliatelle with ham is particularly recommended. Remember to leave room for dessert, though, with Cremeria Santo Stefano a 20-minute walk away.
A good indicator of the quality of a restaurant is the line standing outside, and this spot is no exception. Ranked among the top 5 gelato spots in Bologna, this place is frequented by locals and tourists alike!
France: Culinary Art
French cuisine is known worldwide for its sophistication. When I visited a friend in Paris, he welcomed me with an entire table of bits and pieces from all parts of France, and it was all stunning. French food is a next-level thing, and I absolutely love it.
While Paris draws people in with its Michelin-starred restaurants and historic cafés (one of the best pastries I’ve ever tried is the Mont Blanc in Angelina, a stone’s throw from the Louvre), authentic French cuisine can be found in charming bistros across the country.
Try the boeuf bourguignon, a slow-cooked beef stew bathed in red wine, or enjoy a plate of buttery escargots (snails!). French cheeses also deserve a special mention: from the mild and creamy Brie to the sharp and tangy Roquefort, there’s a cheese to please every palate.
Spain: A Treasure Trove Of Treats
Spain is a land of vibrant flavours, passionate people, and even more passionate cooks. Deep in the heart of Spanish culture lies the quintessential dish: the paella, a saffron-infused rice dish usually cooked with seafood and meat. This dish, often prepared for festive occasions, reflects the Spanish love for communal dining and celebration.
No matter where it may be, Spaniards and their spectacular paella are always top-notch, and they always go all-out with huuuuge portions that can last for days. Two of the top paella spots in Spain are Fum de LLum in Valencia and Bodega Biarritz in Barcelona.
Tapas, the Spanish equivalent of small plates and finger food, are also a must-try. The possibilities are endless, with pintxos (or pinchos, depending on the region you might be in), all the way to patatas bravas (potatoes) and other fusion types of small bites. No Spanish foodie adventure is complete without some jamón ibérico, cured ham made from black Iberian pigs.
Then there’s fuet, a dry-cured form of pork sausage that still makes my mouth water whenever I think of it. Finally, one of the top grape varieties used for wine is from Spain. Hailing from the La Rioja region, the tempranillo variety and the rich red wines derived from it are an absolute must.
Belgium: Bite-Sized Noms
Belgium may be a small country, but its culinary scene punches way above its weight. Chocolate lovers will find themselves in paradise here, with its treats rivalling the Swiss, given their increased proportion of cocoa. From truffles to pralines filled with ganache, Belgium offers a unique chocolate experience. Don’t miss the chance to try a warm waffle too. And don’t get me started on their beer!
Naturally, no trip to Belgium is complete without trying a plate of moules-frites, mussels simmered in white wine and served with French fries. I tried this a few years ago in T Kelderke in Brussels. The key is to use the mussel shells you’ve cracked open to eat the other mussels!
Our food-lover Europe travel guide just gives you a taste of the vast culinary landscape on offer. So, pack your bags, grab your fork, and embark on a delicious adventure through this incredible continent!
Share your European culinary discoveries in the comments section below, and let’s connect through our shared love for food!
Bon Appétit!