From the signature to the slightly different – Europe is home to an array of tantalising cuisines just waiting to be tried. On your travels around Europe, why not try some of the best European food and drink while you’re there?
From the sharp tastes of the Greek drink, Ouzo, to the national delicacy of Iceland, the puffin – find out our best European food and drinks to try on your next holiday.
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European food countries to explore
Ever wondered which are the European countries with the best food? If you’re looking to try something different on your next holiday, Long Travel can help recommend the best European food and drink to devour.
Whether it’s traditional national main courses, local pastries or the country’s most popular drink to wash it all down with, discover our best European food destinations – and learn which delicacies to enjoy from each country.
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Iceland
Skyr – a dairy product made from cheese, Skyr has a similar consistency to yoghurt. Low in fat and high in protein, Skyr is a popular national snack that’s been consumed for over a thousand years.
Plokkfiskur – this traditional Icelandic fish stew is boiled cod or haddock mashed together with a white sauce, served with onions and potatoes. This national dish encompasses Icelanders love for fresh fish in their cuisine!
Puffin – this local seabird speciality is an Icelandic dish which is usually smoked or boiled in milk, tasting close to beef, but with a distinct seafood taste.
Brennivin – a local spirit which is similar in taste to Schnapps – just slightly less sweet. Famous during the Porrablot winter festival, Brennivin is the country’s national alcoholic beverage – so certainly one to try when visiting!
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Italy
Arancini – delicious, crispy Sicilian rice balls oozing with a mozzarella cheese filling and a crunchy bread crumb coating.
Seadas – also known as Sardinian pastries (having originated in the centre of Sardinia), these sweet and savoury snacks can be eaten either as an appetiser, or a dessert.
Gelato – well-known famous Italian ice-cream, gelato is a hit not only throughout Italy, but in many countries worldwide, too. Sicily is said to have played a large role in the history of creating gelato.
Limoncello – Italy’s famous zesty lemon liqueur, popular in the South of Italy, along the Amalfi Coast, is usually served as an after-dinner digestive drink.
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Portugal
Porco Preto – a particularly popular dish, Porco Preto is pork from the Alentejan pigs which have been fed on acorns, giving it a sweet flavour.
Bacalhau – discover this dried salted cod of Portugal, Bacalhau. With reputedly over 365 ways of preparing it, this is virtually the national dish of Portugal and can be made into a pie, char-grilled and more – with an endless list of serving suggestions.
Pasteis de nata – for something sweet, this dessert resembles that of a custard tart – making them the perfect delectable delicacy to finish off your meal.
Port – also known as ‘vinho do Porto’, Port is Portugal’s famous fortified wine – produced from grapes in the Douro valley.
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Greece
Koulouri – large soft bread rings covered in sesame seeds, this on-the-go breakfast food is a staple of busy city life in Greece, and often snacked on with a cup of coffee in hand.
Moussaka – arguably Greece’s most famous dish, Moussaka is made from fried aubergine, minced meat and potatoes – topped with a creamy sauce.
Souvlaki - grilled pork skewers often served with tzatziki, Souvlaki is not only popular in Greece, but all over the world. This meat is usually served with pita bread, salad or rice.
Ouzo – harsh in its taste and for the adventurous drinkers among us, this Greek liquor is sure to tantalise taste buds! A national staple alcoholic beverage, it’s one to say you’ve tried at least once.
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Croatia
Black Risotto – also known as crni rižot locally, this risotto is made with cuttlefish or squid with olive oil, garlic, red wine and, the unusual ingredient, squid ink. This gives it it’s black colour, and seafood flavouring.
Fritule – these donut-like fried pastries are predominantly made up of egg yolk, raisins, grated lemon and even a dash of rum or rajika. Find these addictive pastries in Croatia all year round.
Truffles – Istria’s Motovun forests (a Croatian peninsular in the Adriatic Sea) have some of the highest concentration of truffles in the world. Although not as well known as Italian truffles, Croatian truffles have a stronger aroma, and are also less pricey.
Osjecko – with an estimated annual 500,000 hectolitres of production, Osjecko brewery is the largest in Croatian. Dating back to as early as 1697, this is thought to be the first Croatian beer.
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Finland
Grillimakkara – perfect for Finnish summer or winter around the campfire, these are large grilled sausages eaten with mustard and washed down with a beer!)
Korvapuusti – translating into ‘slapped ears’, these cinnamon buns are often consumed with a cup of coffee and are said to be incredibly moreish.
Poronkäristys – more commonly known as reindeer, this traditional Lappish cuisine is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. High in B-12 and omega-3, this dish is eaten all year round in Finland.
Karelian pies – also known as Karjalanpiirakka, these traditional pies are made from rye flour crust, filled with potatoes, rice or carrots. Perfect to fit in your palm and melt in your mouth.
Now you’ve learnt some of the best European food and drink, why not try some for your self? Find your own luxury bespoke holiday from Long Travel – book online today for a tailor-made luxury experience with help on hand every step of the way.
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