Unfortunately, everyone in my life is probably sick of hearing about my time spent studying abroad in Rome, Italy. So, I have decided to subject you to my stories, tips, and favorites now. First up are the top seven meals I had while abroad. Seven is an odd number to choose, but I had serious trouble narrowing it down to five. I spent four amazing months abroad and traveled to a new city 13Â out of the 16Â weekends I was there. I challenged myself to try something native to each region in every city I went to, and made sure to do research ahead of time. Prior to going abroad, I was not necessarily a picky eater but found myself eating the same meals. I wanted to come out of my comfort zone during my time away, and I am so glad I did. The food in Europe, especially Rome, is amazing, but you would probably be shocked to learn most of the best meals I had were actually not in my home base.
7. Fried chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese in Budapest.
With mashed potatoes, gratin potatoes, green pea puree, and cheese sauce.
This might sound a little different, but it was an amazing pairing of flavors. The plate presentation was also phenomenal. My roommates and I had wanted a bit of a nicer experience at a restaurant for our first big trip abroad, so I did some extensive research. I found Retek Bistro, which is honestly the cutest restaurant I have ever been to. The service was absolutely amazing and I would definitely go back to try something new.Â
6. The Trastevere sandwich in Rome.
Mozzarella, tomatoes, pesto, olive oil, and salt.
I have to be honest, this choice could just be vibes-based. One of the first and last meals I had while eating out in Rome was the Trastevere sandwich from Saporizzo. The first time I had it, my roommates and I sat overlooking the Roman Forum on Capitoline Hill and ate them. The last time, I was with my newfound best friend abroad while we sat by the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. It is an amazing sandwich though. The pairing of mozzarella and pesto will always be top tier, and they do it very well here. Another plus? This sandwich is massive.
5. Pierogies in GdaĹ„sk.Â
With chicken, smoked Gouda, and cheddar with herbs.Â
These were just insane. They were massive and came with a garlic sauce. I honestly do not know where to begin with these. My family is German, so I grew up eating pierogies semi-frequently. When I booked my flight to Poland, I immediately was on the hunt for the best pierogi spots. I hit the jackpot with Pierogarnia Mandu. It is extremely cheap and they are, again, massive. 10 out of 10 would recommend.Â
4. ReBro style cheeseburger in Gdańsk.
I do have to apologize for the fact that I did go to an American restaurant, ReBro, in Poland. Though, I will say this was genuinely the best burger I have ever eaten. The vibes of the restaurant were really funny to me, they were playing Nickelback and had pictures of men in cowboy hats everywhere. Again, that burger was remarkable, and I wish I was being dramatic.
3. Chicken Caesar salad in Edinburgh.
Another choice I am not proud of, but I have had my fair share of Caesar salads and can confidently say this was the best one. Pub culture in the U.K. is truly amazing, and the atmosphere of this restaurant was incredible. I had a crisp Diet Coke and fries with this as well, if you know you know. Ryrie’s Pub was such a good find on this trip. Â
2. Chicken Souvlaki in Crete.
With pita, chips, and tzatzikiÂ
If you have ever had the privilege of going to Greece and having authentic Greek food, you know just how lucky you are. This one shocked me because I expected to love gyros more while being there. Souvlaki took me by surprise, and I ended up getting it another time on our trip. After a very long day of exploring Chania, my friend and I were hunting down a good spot for food. We discovered Bellot, which shockingly allowed us to get takeaway. It was an incredible meal and I wish I could go back.
1. Number 13 Focaccia sandwich in Monterosso al Mare.
With brie, pesto, and tomatoes
Anytime someone asks about food I had while abroad, this is the first thing out of my mouth. When I came home, I immediately replicated this for my family to try. I truly don’t know what about this sandwich was so amazing, but it changed my life. I just love pesto so much, and I added balsamic vinegar to it as well, which took it to the next level. I even went back the next day and got this sandwich again. Stella Marina was a popular destination as it was right on the beach, and I completely understand why. I will be replicating this sandwich for the rest of my life.
Before I went abroad, I would not have considered myself to be a foodie. Now, I feel like I had no choice but to be one after trying the fantastic meals I had the opportunity to eat. I find myself looking for these meals everywhere I go now, whether that be making it myself or looking for something similar when I am out. Traveling abroad takes you out of your comfort zone in so many ways, and I am so glad it allowed me to expand my food horizons.