There’s a famous saying about food being the way to a man’s heart, but I’d go as far to say that food is the way to getting to know a new country, too!
So far, I’ve traveled to Belgium, Ireland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain—let me tell you, I’ve had some scrumptious meals along the way and by the end of this article, you’ll have a couple of places to keep in mind if you find yourself in Europe.
Let’s start with Belgium, shall we?
Wherever you go, you’ll find freshly made french fries–which ironically enough, are actually from Belgium, not France–and a wide selection of accompanying sauces. My personal favorite is the andalouse sauce, which is poured right on top. And everything is served in cone-like containers that make on-the-go munching easy!
And of course, after a salty snack, comes Belgian chocolate from my go-to place: Neuhaus! You’ll be overwhelmed (in the best way possible) by the wide selection of chocolates: white, dark, milk, with fruit, sprinkles, caramel filling, ganache filling–I could go ON! It’s basically a chocolate-lovers paradise. Don’t be surprised if you stop here every time you see one!
Next stop: FRANCE!
Famously known for its exquisite cuisine, you can’t go wrong trying all that the city has to offer. Where should you start, though? I have two places just for you! I would highly recommend going to Paul Bert, a French bistro with a ton to choose from. If you come during lunch time, you can take advantage of the “menu of the day,” which is the best way to enjoy a three-course meal on a budget!
When I went, I got their cauliflower starter, followed by a rabbit dish with mushrooms: wow, just wow. A chocolate mug cake that melts in your mouth tops it all off!
I also tried escargot for the first time while I was in France and boy, was it was an experience! For those of you who don’t know, escargot=fried snails and they’re delicious, but getting the actual snails out of their shells is quite the task. Good thing I had six to practice with!
And to satisfy your sweet tooth, you have to go to LaDurée for a macaroon (or 16 if you want to try all of their flavors)!!
Thinking of going to Ireland?
Besides trying their famous Guinness beer (if you’re of age of course), you can’t miss Irish soda bread! Make sure it’s heated so that butter or your spread of choice can melt right on it. Irish soda bread is great to have with soups, salads or as part of your breakfast, like I did! Try it at the centrally located Queen of Tarts.
Head Southeast for some currywurst and pretzels in Germany!
When I was there, I tried this for the first time near the Berlin Wall and stumbled upon Charlie Beach (a man-made beach area in the middle of the city and next to Checkpoint Charlie), where they had east Berlin currywurst and west Berlin currywurst. My favorite was the west Berlin currywurst, but I suggest you try it for yourself! It’s sausage with pink sauce (a delectable mix of ketchup and mayonnaise) and curry powder–YUM.
As for the pretzels, you’ll find these everywhere and can find salty pretzels, plain pretzels, cheese pretzels and even sugar pretzels–pretzels for everyone!
Further west, stop in the Netherlands for some stroopwafels and poffertjes! Stroopwafels can be best described as flat, wafer-like cookies filled with caramel in the middle, and they are SO good. Have them with coffee, milk or tea and you’re all set.
And if you happen to find yourself at the Albert Cuyp Market, one of the street markets, stop by to get poffertjes! I had it with Nutella, strawberries and powdered sugar, and would 10/10 go back for more.
Last but not least: BARCELONA, my home for the semester!
This is another city I could go on and on about, particularly when it comes to their delicious seafood, their famous rice medley – paella – and their sangria, among others. Instead, I’ll recommend my favorite tapas restaurant that offers all of what I just mentioned and more: Lolita’s Taperia!
Tapas are small plates, usually to share, and they are very common in Spain. Personally, I think going to a tapas place is the best solution to not knowing what you’re in the mood for because you can have it all! From bread with tomatoes and their corn & avocado salad to their tuna tartare and steak, you can’t go wrong with any of the items on Lolita’s menu because they surely won’t disappoint.
For dessert, you can have the authentic crema catalana, which is like flan pudding. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, order their special ice cream, which combines two unlikely ingredients!
Bon appétit!