Essential European Foods that everyone should try
Europe is home to so much more than palaces and art museums. The old continent gastronomic scene is based on ancient traditions and influences from all over the world. Each European country specializes in some of the most delicious cuisines, they are quite different, but tasty and special in many senses. Anyone visiting usually asks what are the best foods in Europe and here are some of my favorites, which I had discovered during travels I undertook to some beautiful countries. Let us check it now!
1. ZUREK
Native to Poland and Belarus, Zurek or Sour Bread Soup is a creamy soup stuffed with sausage, ham and egg served in an edible bread bowl. In Poland, it is traditionally eaten on Easter but can be found in any tourist area all year round. As the name suggests, the base ingredient of zurek is fermented rye flour, which gives it the sour taste the soup is famous for.
2. SVICKOVA NA SMETANE
A staple in Czech cuisine, Svíčková Na Smetaně is a marinated steak sirloin dish served with a side of bread dumplings and drizzled with creamy vegetable sauce. Regional varieties of the dish exist after being exported by Czech immigrants to America, but typically the meat is marinated overnight in a cold vegetable stew.
3. LAKE BLED CREAM CAKE
In the heart of Slovenia lies Lake Bled, one of the country’s most popular attractions. After a mandatory visit to the islet that sits in the middle of the emerald green lake, the perfect way to enjoy the rest of the day is to hike to Bled Castle perched on the side of the lake and enjoy a piece of fluffy Bled Cream Cake. The velvety cream concoction sandwiched between delicate puff pastry and custard can only be found in the town of Bled due to an EU Protection of Designation of Origin status.
4. CRNI RIZOT
Found in every town along the Croatian coast Crni Rižot is a seafood risotto characterized by its deep black coloring and delicate fishy taste. Variations of the dish exist from town to town but it is most commonly prepared using cuttlefish or octopus. With a dash of lemon and some grated parmesan, it makes for the perfect late afternoon lunch on the Adriatic Coast.
5. OBWARZANEK KRAKOWSKI
Every Polish travel itinerary includes an obligatory trip to Krakow where you will find the quintessential Polish street food Obwarzanek Krakowski. Similar to a bagel, it is a braided circle-shaped piece of boiled bread sprinkled with your choice of poppy or sesame seeds. Sold by street vendors in Krakow for hundreds of years it now holds status as a regional protected food meaning it can only be sold in the Krakow region.
6. BUNYOLS DE BACALLA
Everyone who visits Spain want to taste the best tapas, and beyond the usual suspects (olives, hot potatoes, Iberian ham, etc…) there is one in particular that it is quite unique because it is sold only in food markets (at least the real ones) and the recipe hasn’t changed in nine centuries! Bunyols de Bacalla or Cod Fritters in English is a deep fried ball made of cod, parsley, garlic, and flour. Delicious!
7. ARANCINI
Italy holds the flag when it comes to European foods, the country has the most famous cuisine in the world and while pasta and pizzas are well devoured by visitors, the arancini, a dish that originates in Sicily, it is a delicious street food to try in Italy. It is a rice ball, filled with ragu, mozzarella, and peas, and coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried in olive oil. Don’t forget to pair it with a cold beer.
Photo Source – Wikipedia
Author: Carlita – a travel, photography and music lover who reflects her passions on her online diary, where you can read about her travel adventures, guides, and reviews, including an amazing odd food guide.
Website: http://www.carlita.me