Our food map of Europe is reflective of the dishes we’ve tried while exploring the old continent and its glorious food.
Food is one of the main reasons to travel to Europe. Delicious and unknown delicacies can be found in every country.
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Ultimate Food Map of Europe and the Best Food in Europe to Try
1. Ireland
The quintessential dish for beautiful Ireland goes to Irish stew, a tasty lamb or beef stew with potatoes, onions and thyme. In other words, it keeps you warm even in Irish weather.
This delicious Walking Food Tour in Dublin is highly recommended.
2. France
Foie gras is a famous delicacy made of the liver of a duck or goose and it clearly must be mentioned when compiling this Food Map for Europe.
Additionally, a crêpe or crepe is a kind of very thin pancake, usually made from wheat flour or buckwheat flour and flavoured with lemon and sugar or Nutella.
Makes for a perfect street snack, virtually anytime.
3. Monaco
It wasn’t easy to find a special dish in Monaco. Everyone was more concerned about casinos, flash cars and shopping. As a result, food is not the main reason anyone visits. We could’ve skipped the small countries when creating the food map of Europe.
However, there is a dish we must mention! Barbagiuan – a deep-fried pastry stuffed with ricotta and spinach.
4. Spain
Paella is the signature dish of Spain made from rice, saffron, chicken, seafood and vegetable, cooked and served in a large shallow pan. The original paella comes from the city of Valencia. Tapas are bite-sized snacks served in Spanish bars, the variety and range are as rich and wide as Spanish culture.
The food of Europe is of a huge variety. We admit it, Spanish food is at the top of our favourite food in Europe!
Ask a local to find a real gem or join this Paella Cooking Experience with Boqueria Market Visit in Barcelona.
5. Greece
One of the most well-known Greek dishes, moussaka can be made in many different ways to suit taste. It includes sliced eggplant baked with ground beef sauce and then smothered in a thin white sauce. Home-made moussaka is always the best.
Planning to visit Greece? Our detailed post about what to do in Athens in One Day is the perfect itinerary. And the best places to eat in Athens is a must-read!
6. Portugal
Bacalhau is the Portuguese word for cod and it seems like Portugal has 365 ways of preparing cod in their dishes. Hence, their bacalhau makes our list.
Bacalhau a bras was our favourite: shredded cod is sautéed with potatoes and onion.
Our perfect 2 Days in Lisbon itinerary includes our recommendation for the local restaurant that serves the best bacalhau!
Portugal is really gaining popularity as a foodie destination and there are plenty of dishes to eat your way through Portugal.
7. Andorra
The tiny country wedged between France and Spain is not shy next to its neighbours when it comes to food, as they enjoy their own national dish. Escudella is a traditional Catalan slow-cooked stew of meat, potatoes, chickpeas, turnips, and carrots. Perfect for a cold winter evening after a day of skiing.
8. Italy
Oh, Italy, you must be a food affair for many of us. Can the food in Europe get any better than Italian cuisine? Now, that’s a challenge!
Pizza and pasta are deemed to be the ultimate food experience for any visitor, and we politely agree. With 300 types of pasta to try, who could disagree? Food Map of Europe without pasta or pizza is simply not possible.
We answer the common question about where to eat the best pizza in Florence and reveal the food in Rome you need to try – 10 AMAZING Dishes.
We adore this country! Check out our recommendations for the 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy.
Did you know that we used to be Tour Guides in Europe? And, it happens that Italy was always one of our favourite countries to revisit. We’ve combined our knowledge of the most popular cities in Italy and put together a few comprehensive travel guides.
- 3 days in Rome Itinerary: The Perfect Itinerary
- Florence in 2 Days Itinerary: The Complete Guide
- Top 10 Best Things to Do in Venice
- How to see Venice in just 1 day! The Perfect Itinerary
9. San Marino
We thought there was no chance of finding a dish that signifies San Marino, considering its location in the food heaven of Italy. We were wrong. Piadina does it.
Ok, it is flat thin bread, but the filling can include all the goodness of Italy… Think prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella, and tomatoes out of the world.
– Why you should visit San Marino – The most underrated country in Europe
10. Germany
Wurst, the German word for sausage can truly deliver in the country of pork, sauerkraut and of course, beer. Above all, try the currywurst – fried pork sausage cut into slices and seasoned with curry ketchup, a sauce based on spiced ketchup and curry paste. They even have a museum dedicated to currywurst in Berlin.
11. Luxembourg
Judd mat gaardebounen or smoked pork-neck in a cream-based sauce with broad beans is the dish of Luxembourg, which is impressive considering the size of this country. We came, we saw and we eat. And yes it was quite enjoyable.
12. Austria
Schnitzel has been the king in Central Europe probably for centuries and Austria claims to be the birthplace of this tasty meat dish. Boneless meat is hammered thin with a meat tenderizer.
Firstly you coat the meat with flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. Then you fry it in vegetable oil.
Traditionally it comes with potatoes. If you ask us, one schnitzel is never enough…
13. Switzerland
Fondue is undoubtedly Switzerland’s national dish. Emmental and Gruyère cheese are mixed with white wine in a large pot and cooked until the flavours come together. You eat it hot. It bubbles in the pot that sits on a small table gas burner. You simply dip small pieces of rye bread in this cheesy, thick mixture.
You really enjoy it in winter – it warms you up. We absolutely loved this Gourmet Tour in Zurich which includes cheese fondue.
Read more about Switzerland’s most popular foods, and if you’re planning a trip, these 16 best things to do in Switzerland will cover your needs.
14. Belgium
Waffles in Belgium seem to taste better! Belgian waffles are denser than other waffles, made with buttery brioche dough and sprinkled with sugar that caramelises on the crust when cooked.
Oh, and strawberry plus whipped cream is a must!
Read more: 10 Best Things To See in Ghent, Belgium
15. Liechtenstein
Another small country that has proudly come up with its own meal.
Käsknöpfle is a pasta-like dish with melted cheese, sweet fried onions, butter and applesauce.
Don’t miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES
- ROME 3 Days Itinerary
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- PRAGUE 2 Days Itinerary
- LONDON 1 Day Itinerary
- ATHENS 1 Day Itinerary
- BERLIN 2 Days Itinerary
- VIENNA 2 Days Itinerary
- LISBON 2 Days Itinerary
16. The Netherlands
Herring might not sound like something you would like to try, but ensure that you do when you come to the country of bikes, cheese, and tulips.
You will be pleasantly surprised. If you eat it like the Dutch, it comes with a raw onion as a topping.
Don’t miss our Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Amsterdam.
17. Denmark
Smørrebrød means an open sandwich, and it consists of a piece of buttered rye bread topped with cold cuts, pieces of meat or fish, cheese or spreads.
It is an absolute must when in this beautiful country, and if you waiter it over the top pleasant, don’t question it: the Danes are the happiest people on the planet.
Here are 10 Reasons you should visit Denmark
18. Sweden
Köttbullar, or Swedish meatballs, are renowned worldwide, thanks to the world domination of Ikea, which spread it across the globe. Oh, and yes, they are delicious. I must go back to Sweden and eat more meatballs…
If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll love Stockholm. The coffee is fantastic! We’ve even curated where to find the best coffee in Stockholm.
19. Finland
Finland isn’t known for its food, but its blubbery pie, or in Finnish, mustikkapiirakka (Don’t worry—we had to google the spelling, too), is one of the best desserts we have ever had. It is juicy, fresh, and full of flavours.
If you’re heading to Finland to chase the Northern Lights, this tour includes a traditional Lappish BBQ. How cool would that be?
If you’re short on time, these top 10 things to do in Helsinki are a great way to explore the capital city!
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20. Norway
Yes, we know. Salmon doesn’t sound as foreign and unique, but we couldn’t help ourselves. Salmon in Norway is simply too exquisite not to list here. Don’t believe us? Just try it, and you will understand. Exquisite!
Wondering what else to eat in Norway? Check out our top 12 amazing foods from Norway.
21. Belarus
If you haven’t been to Belarus yet, Draniki might just be the reason to go. Draniki or potato pancakes are shallow-fried pancakes of grated or ground potato, flour and egg, often flavoured with grated onion or garlic and seasoning.
Topped with mushrooms or sour cream you will question how you could ever live without them.
22. Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world, so picking only one dish wasn’t easy, but we had to settle on Pelmeni – Russian dumplings. They are made of soft dough filled with meat and served with sour cream.
You can find them virtually everywhere, from Moscow to Siberia.
23. Estonia
Estonia has fantastic food overall, but the most typical and unique meal we encountered must be the Verivorst—a traditional blood sausage.
Yes, we understand it’s not everyone’s taste, but served with sauerkraut and bread and in very cold winter, you might like it.
Don’t miss these 16 Best Things to See and Do in Tallinn, Estonia.
24. Lithuania
Cepelinai is a Lithuanian national dish. They are a kind of dumpling made from grated and riced potatoes and usually stuffed with minced meat, mushrooms or dry cottage. Mushrooms were our favourite and it seems like the country is obsessed with mushroom picking.
Have you ever wondered about the differences between Latvia and Lithuania? Read more about their differences in this quick post.
25. Latvia
After eating lots of potatoes and meat in Latvia, we eventually came across Sklandrausis, a really unique dish.
Sklandrausis is a small pie, made from rye pastry that is filled with a mixture of carrots and potatoes and baked.
26. Poland
Pierogi are the most popular Polish food for visitors. And why not? These little dumplings come with tonnes of fillings, but sauerkraut, meat and cheese are the better ones. Pierogi are given with fried onion on top.
Don’t miss these other 18 Traditional Foods from Poland you’ll love. This country has some very cool places to visit.
These are our 8 Favourite Cities to visit in Poland.
27. Kosovo
Flia is the traditional dish in Kosovo and it even has its own national day! Flia consists of multiple crepe-like layers laid in a star pattern and layered with cheese.
It’s served with a kayak ( a dairy product similar to clot cream).
28. The Czech Republic
Svickova translates to marinated beef sirloin and for us, it is as Czech as it gets. The beef must be marinated for more than 24 hours and it’s served with gravy and Czech dumplings.
So next time you are in the Czech Republic, Czech out these 6 Restaurants serving the best Czech foods in Prague and don’t miss our detailed blog on the 7 best things to do in Prague.
Read more: The Perfect 2 Days in Prague Itinerary
29. Iceland
Skyr is a famous Icelandic soft cheese/yoghurt, and although we understand it might not be considered a dish, it’s simply too tasty not to mention.
Icelanders claim it to be a super-food, so there is yet another reason to try it.
Our post about how to visit Iceland on a budget and our best money-saving tips cover some other food to try while you’re here, too. We recommend you travel around this beautiful country on four wheels.
Read our Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland, which includes some essential tips.
30. Slovakia
Halusky or Bryndzove Halušky is the traditional dish of little Slovakia. Potato made dumplings are served with sheep cheese called bryndza and topped with bits of fried bacon. Oh yes, it’s even better than it sounds, trust me… We would live on them if we could.
If you want the best halušky visit “Koliba” which is the name of a traditional old-fashioned restaurant. Or try to eat at “salaš”. Salaš is a traditional type of farmland, usually far from the main cities. The best ones are always in the countryside, near Orava, Liptov and Kysuce ( northern Slovakia).
Read our complete list of the 18 Most Popular Food from Slovakia.
The Best Places to visit in Slovakia all have traditional restaurants where you can find delicious Slovak cuisine. If you’re visiting the capital city, here are our 13 Things to do in Bratislava Slovakia (including the fun things to do).
31. Croatia
Whether you love a good burger or not, Pljeskavica will certainly satisfy you. This is the truly Croatian way of doing a burger the right way. Quality meat is minced for a juicy patty, grilled and served inside fresh bread with some vegetables.
You can be sure that the cuisine will be a highlight of any visit to this beautiful country. Don’t miss these 15 popular places to go in Croatia.
Check out these 20 most popular foods from Croatia.
Add a sunset over the water somewhere along the long Croatian coast.
32. Hungary
Goulash is a genuine crowd-pleaser. This thick stew is made from vegetables, meat, and potatoes and seasoned with paprika, Hungary’s essential spice. It has been the national dish of Hungary for centuries.
The best thing about goulash, the longer you cook it the better it gets.
You’ll need our 2-Days in Budapest Itinerary to see the highlights of the capital and find the best Hungarian food.
33. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cevapci or Cevapcici is yet another dish that originates in the Balkan. Minced meat formed into cylindrical pellets is grilled and served in fresh bread with onions, sour cream and ajar (red pepper relish).
34. Slovenia
Gibanica, or the exact Prekmurska Gibanica, is a dessert that will impress even a no-sweet eater. It combines poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, raisins and ricotta fillings into one delicious dessert. Served hot, you might experience the foodgasm we had.
Above all, the generous portion might push you over the edge, so we suggest eating it with coffee in the afternoon rather than after dinner.
Do yourself a favour, and don’t miss the 10 Most Popular Slovenian Foods if you have the pleasure of visiting this beautiful nation.
Furthermore, this 3.5 hr food & Wine Tour in Ljubljana covers some excellent food stops, which we highly recommend.
35. Serbia
Burek is the ultimate breakfast and snack in Serbia. Essentially a pie made out of flaky dough filled with meat, cheese or spinach, eaten with yoghurt. Travelling to Belgrade?
Take this Serbian cooking class to learn all the secrets.
36. Macedonia
The less-explored Macedonia will ignite your taste buds. Tavče Gravče (Baked beans with peppers) is the heart and soul of Macedonian cooking. Fresh beans, onions and red peppers are cooked in a unique earthward pot.
Can’t decide what to eat in Macedonia? Here are our top 8 foods you need to try. And our final recommendation is to visit Lake Ohrid – a highlight of our time in Macedonia.
37. Montenegro
Located next to Croatia, Montenegro shares a few dishes with its neighbour. But then there is Kacamak.
Kacamak is a heavy dish consisting of mashed potatoes, cornflour and wheat, served with cheese and milk. It will keep you going all day long.
38. Turkey
Turkey truly delivers when it comes to food. There are too many choices to choose from for our extensive food of Europe list! But we think kebab is the most obvious choice! Meat is roasted on a vertical spit and shredded.
Then a pita bread holds it together: meat with vegetables and yoghurt-based sauce. Amazing!
This is a world-class cuisine. Learn about the must-try foods in Turkey and check out our Turkish Food Guide.
Once you have satisfied your hunger, head to one of the many bakeries selling baklava – a rich sweet pastry made of layers of filo, syrup, nuts and honey. Orgasmic!
39. Scotland
We have chosen to list Scotland here, instead of absorbing it under the United Kingdom. Mostly, we really wanted to feature Haggis, as it might be amongst one of the most unique meals in Europe.
Haggis consists of a sheep’s or calf’s offal mixed with oatmeal, suet, and seasoning and boiled in a bag, traditionally made from the animal’s stomach. Maybe you can try some on this guided secret Food Tour in Edinburgh?
Don’t miss our list of 12 Popular Scottish Foods to Try. And if you’re planning a visit to explore this stunning destination, we recommend you consider touring with Rabbies. We did, and you can read our review on Rabbies Tours to decide whether they’ll be a great fit for you, too.
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40. England
England is not famous for its culinary treats, but good old-fashioned fish and chips are proudly the traditional food of England.
So head down to the coast on that one sunny day a year and enjoy it. Believe it or not, London has some fantastic food to be found.
Read about our fantastic experience on this London Food Tour; what a great time!
41. Moldova
Moldova is among Europe’s least visited countries, so we hoped to find undiscovered food here.
Mamaliga, its national dish, is a cornmeal porridge with a bread-like texture. It reminded us of Italian polenta.
42. Ukraine
You will find borsch on the menu if you visit Russia or Poland. But this dish originates from Ukraine.
Borsch is a soup made with beetroot and usually served with sour cream, which you can stir in if you prefer a creamier soup. Dill is often the garnish on top of the soup.
Do you know why? To make it “dill – icious”.:)
Here are 10 most popular dishes in Ukraine.
43. Cyprus
Halloumi is Cyprus’ national pride. This semi-hard cheese is exceptional, made using a mixture of goat, sheep, and cow milk. Unusually for cheese, it can be easily fried or grilled, so it is great for barbeque.
Find all the best things to do in Cyprus, including food-focused tours.
44. Malta
Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, we were expecting Italian/Spanish flavours only to find the national dish to be fenkata – a rabbit stew. Divine! But there is also another dish that defines Malta even more and we decided to add it to our Food Map of Europe: Pastizzi!
This savoury phyllo pastry is diamond-shaped and is traditionally filled with ricotta or mushy peas. The crunch when you first bite in is so good.
45. Albania
Albanian cuisine is strongly influenced by nearby countries. In short, Italian, Slavic, and Turkish flavors come together to create some amazing dishes. The one dish you must try is Fergesë.
This dish includes baked peppers, cheese, egg and sometimes meat. Scrumptious!
Check out all the fantastic things to do in Albania.
46. Bulgaria
Banitsa is a Bulgarian savoury cheese pie served as an appetiser or street snack. It is created by layering a mixture of whisked eggs and cheese pieces between filo pastry and then baking it in the oven.
Try to get it when it’s hot; there’s nothing better!
47. Romania
Even though Romania is more known for Dracula than its food, we kept our bellies full and our taste buds happy here. Let us intorduce you to Ciorba. It’s a simple but delicious sour soup. Lemon juice and yeast make it sour. Apparently, some variations include vegetables and meat.
They also claim to fix your hangover after you had one too many shots of homemade plum brandy.
We’ve got you covered with these 20 popular foods from Romania, and our list of the top 10 things to see in Romania will be helpful to plan.
48. Vatican City
Unfortunately, we could not come up with a unique dish for the smallest country in the world to add to our Food Map of Europe… but we had a pretty nice gelato nearby. 🙂 Does that count?
Maybe go searching for gelato after you’ve completed one of these top rated Vatican tours, which are a MUST for any visit here.
How about you? What would your Food Map of Europe include? Most importantly, have you tasted a European dish you can’t forget? Then let us know in the comments below.
Travel Tips for Europe
We have many travel guides and tips for Europe— an incredible continent!
Are you travelling on a budget? These ten cheapest European countries will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible while there.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.
Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Europe, and our food map of Europe will inspire your culinary journey.
For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies, a couple of them are located in Europe.
Here are 8 things to know about travelling to Eastern Europe and it’s good to know these 7 misconceptions about Eastern Europe too.
These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels.
You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Europe. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual European countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Europe (which covers 39 countries).
If your travels in Europe are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.
If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. View the best deals on group tours in Europe.
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View the travel gear we use on the road, and don’t miss our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.
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