25 foods you must try in Europe

April 28, 2023 Bern

Are you feeling tired of having the same old meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week? Why not step out of your routine and explore some exciting new culinary options that will tantalize your taste buds in Europe? We have compiled a list of the top 25 must-try dishes in Europe, which won’t cost you a fortune but will provide an unforgettable dining experience. From Dutch delicacies to classic British favorites, these dishes are guaranteed to make your mouth water. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself drooling over them!

Come take a look.

1. Arancini in Italy.

Though not as popular as pasta and pizza in Italy, these little fried rice balls are seriously to die for. Typically stuffed with meat, tomatoes, mozzarella, mushrooms, pistachios or aubergines, these heavenly morsels of crispy goodness are then coated in bread crumbs and deep fried. Oh, yes.

Topdeck foods you must eat in Europe Arancini

2. Pierogi in Poland.

Popular in many Eastern European countries, Pierogi are dumplings made of dough usually filled with potatoes, ground meat, sauerkraut, cheese, or fruit. To complete the dish, they can be topped with butter, sour cream, or fried onion – how could you resist?

Topdeck foods you must eat in Europe Pierogi

3. Waffles in Belgium.

Of course, everyone knows all about Belgian waffles. They’re amazing. ‘Nuff said. Always, always try them with Nutella, cream and strawberries.

4. Cheese fondue in Switzerland.

Cheese lovers, get ready. Traditional Swiss fondue is made with Gruyère and Emmenthal cheese with an added kick provided by a glug of white wine and kirsch. Always served with crusty bread such as the traditional Weizenbrot, this is serious gooey heaven and one of those foods you must eat in Europe.

Topdeck Travel Switzerland cheese fondue foods you must eat in Europe

5. Ćevapi in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Now listen up. If you go for anything on this list, go for these. Ćevapi are grilled skinless ground beef sausages usually served with flatbread, onions, creamy kajmak cheese and ajvar (a roast red pepper spread). Sooooo good. Come check it out.

Topdeck Travel foods you must eat in Europe Cevapi

6. Goulash in Hungary.

Everyone has probably at least heard of goulash if not tried it, but if you find yourself even close to (being) Hungary, you need to taste this dish when prepared in the traditional Hungarian way. Read: the ultimate comfort food.

Topdeck Travel foods you must eat in Europe Goulash

7. Palatschinken in Austria.

Common in many Central and Eastern European countries, think of these as a slightly thicker and fluffier version of crepes – oh my god – they are seriously delicious. Traditionally served with apricot jam and whipped cream but today mostly enjoyed with Nutella (duh), these are ah-mazing! Head to Austria to get your fix, this is for sure one of the foods you must eat in Europe.

8. Currywurst in Germany.

This is exactly what it sounds like – a bit strange. But don’t knock it ‘till you try it. This German fast food staple consists of fried pork sausage (Bratwurst), usually cut into slices, seasoned with curry ketchup and served with French fries. Yum.

Topdeck Travel foods you must eat in Europe Currywurst

9. Potica in Slovenia.

One of the best dessert foods on this list, this traditional nut roll is made of sweet dough that is rolled out very thinly, spread with a paste made from ground nuts (usually walnuts or poppy seeds) and a sweetener like honey, rolled up into a log and baked. Yes please. See ya in Slovenia!

Topdeck Travel Potica foods you must eat in Europe

10. Moussaka in Greece.

Common in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and Balkana, this dish is built on either potatoes or aubergines, layered with ground meat and either a tomato or béchamel sauce, sometimes topped with cheese and then baked in the oven. Deffo one of the foods you must eat in Europe. #heaven

Topdeck Travel Moussaka foods you must eat in Europe

11. Köttbullar in Sweden.

Swedish meatballs were made seriously popular by IKEA, but we think they still don’t get the credit they deserve. Made with cream and breadcrumbs soaked in milk, these are super tender and traditionally served with gravy, boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam, and sometimes fresh pickled cucumber. Get us to Sweden ASAP!

Topdeck Travel Kottbullar Sweden foods you must eat in Europe

12. Haggis in Scotland.

Okay, so Haggis sounds kind of unappealing. But if any foods on this list will completely surprise you, it’s Haggis! Just give it a try if you find yourself in Scotland – you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy it with an obligatory side of ‘neeps and tatties’, of course.

Topdeck Travel Scotland Haggis foods you must eat in Europe

13. Halloumi and watermelon in Cyprus.

In the hot climate of Cyprus, pairing salty Halloumi with sweet watermelon for breakfast or dessert is seriously the best possible way to cool down. So simple, yet so delicious. And the best thing is you don’t even need to leave home to try it.