Four Dishes You Have to Try When Touring Europe

For some of us, we live to eat, rather than eat to live - so, when we go on vacation, researching, looking forward to and trying new dishes is all part of the experience. 

European cuisine is like no other. While there may be restaurants that pay homage to delicious European classics across the world, nothing beats trying the real thing in the country where it originated.

Food in Europe is typically fresh and regional, with each area of each country having its own take on similar ingredients, passing down recipes through generations. While convenience food is rising in popularity, traditional dishes focus on the joy of cooking and an appreciation for getting just the right mix of ingredients on the plate.

Is your mouth watering? If so, here are four dishes you’ll want to try on your European vacation.

 

While you can definitely get risotto outside of Italy, tasting it freshly cooked and not created from a packet mix is something everyone should try at least once. A dish many of us avoid cooking at home because of the lengthy and involved cooking process, this meal is far beyond a simple bowl of rice. When cooked properly, the al dente texture (literally meaning ‘to the tooth’) should have a slight bite without being chewy.

This is a dish that should be seasonal, with classics including mushroom, butternut squash, seafood or even meatballs included with the rice, which is cooked in a flavoured stock. Especially if you’re a vegetarian, this is an easy dish to opt for when in Italy and it celebrates vegetables, rather than feeling like going meat-free is a compromise on flavour. 

 

If you like cheese, raclette is a must-try when travelling in Europe, namely in Switzerland, although it’s popular throughout the Alps. The dish is made from a type of cheese which is melted and then poured over various accompaniments, typically boiled potatoes, gherkins and charcuterie meats. The result is a tremendously hearty plate of warming, comforting food - perfect for after a hike, or when you’ve been skiing in the Winter.

Although potatoes and meat are traditional partners to raclette cheese, there are no hard and fast rules. If you’re cooking it yourself, you may use a kitchen gadget that comes complete with miniature frying pans; try frying slices of vegetables, bread or even eggs for a filling dinner.

 

 

As one of the premier food capitals of the world, it’s no surprise that we’re heading back to Italy for our third dish. There are variations of pizza all over the globe, but it originated here, in Naples, as fast food for working-class employees.

In contrast to American-style pizza, which often has a deeper crust and heavier toppings, Napoli pizza is soft yet chewy, with a fluffy crust. Simple favourites such as the Margherita (tomato and cheese) are popular and are often garnished with a sprig of fresh basil. Because of the thinness of the base, you can expect your pizza to be done in just a few minutes – perfect for a quick lunch. There’s truly nothing like eating a fresh pizza in the Italian sunshine, with an ice-cold drink in your hand.

 

A dish that has been around for centuries, souvlaki focuses on simplicity, delivering delicious flavours in one hand-held parcel. The dish primarily consists of spit-roasted meat (or halloumi, if you’re vegetarian), which is then folded into a soft, flatbread-style pita bread, garnished with sliced tomatoes and onions. Some variations add sliced peppers, tzatziki (cucumber, yoghurt and mint dip) and even chips, all wrapped up in one pillowy bread parcel. Easy enough to hold in one hand, but filling enough to be a whole dinner, this is a definite must-try while you’re in Europe.

You’ll find souvlaki in Greece, but also in Cyprus - both offer slightly different spicing on the meat and the pita bread is different in consistency. Don’t skimp on the chips if they’re on offer; while it might feel too indulgent to have your chips in the pitta bread, it’s far superior to having them on the side and is an experience not to be missed.

Eat the European way

There you have it - four delicious meals to try while you’re in Europe. If you have time, why not take it one step further and book a cooking class? Not only will doing so provide you with great memories and support a local food business, but you’ll also be able to recreate your favourite dishes once you’re back home.