Cities for food lovers in Europe

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam could be considered the sweets capital of the world. Stroopwafels, made with two thin wafers and a caramel filling, are a must-try in Amsterdam. You can buy them at bakeries and grocery stores anywhere in the city, but trying a large, fresh wafer from a street vendor is the best way to enjoy this treat while out and about. I've heard that even McDonald's (only in Amsterdam) has its own version of McFlurry, which shows just how popular it is here.

The Dutch love Indonesian rice dishes, so there are many Indonesian restaurants in the city. The dishes, served in small portions to be shared at a table, typically include items like egg rolls, satay sauce, fish, and various spicy vegetables, all accompanied by rice.

Cupcakes aren't really a traditional Dutch delicacy, but they're very popular and can be found in cafes, making them a popular tourist attraction in Amsterdam.

Lisbon, Portugal

When traveling to Lisbon, one must-try is pastel de nata, a crispy caramel-crusted egg tart filled with sweet cream and a hint of cinnamon. Locals say the best pastel de nata is at Manteigaria. But on any culinary itinerary, you can't miss Pastéis de Belém, a former monastery that has been selling these charming pastries since 1837. Pastel de nata is sold everywhere in countless variations. However, ordinary pastries are nothing like Pastéis de Belém – which possesses the original, unique, and completely secret recipe!

Another trendy dining spot is the Time Out food market, housed in the historic Mercado da Ribeira building, featuring the city's top chefs. The menu includes classic Portuguese dishes like roast pork sandwiches and squid croquettes, alongside innovative options such as sardine sushi and grilled octopus with black noodles.

Salted cod is considered a national dish by the Portuguese. There are approximately 365 ways to prepare it, including the bacalhau à bras version made with shredded cod, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Don't miss the chance to try this dish in Lisbon.

As a city with a thriving startup community, Lisbon's culinary scene boasts a diverse international flavor profile. Dishes that often draw long queues include Peruvian ceviche (an appetizer of sliced ​​fresh fish mixed with fruit juice, sliced ​​onions, salt, and chili) at A Cevicheria, dumplings at Boa-Bao, and dosa (a type of crepe) at Chutnify. Additionally, The Food Temple in Mouraria is an ideal destination for those seeking a family-friendly Portuguese dining experience, while da Terra is renowned for its vegetarian pastel de nata.

Vienna, Austria

Torte is a type of pastry invented in the 1800s for an Austrian prince and has been popular in Vienna ever since. The experience of sitting in a classic Viennese café and enjoying this popular dessert is delightful.

Viennese people also love schnitzel. Schnitzel, with its fried veal, french fries, and greens, is a traditional Austrian dish. If you visit Vienna, you should stop by a restaurant and enjoy it slowly with some music in the evening – it's truly wonderful.

Split, Croatia

While the fansGame of ThronesWhile many flock to Dubrovnik to walk in the footsteps of "Mother of Dragons" Daenerys, food lovers will head to Split, considered the country's culinary capital. Split, steeped in Mediterranean and Austro-Hungarian culture and boasting an ideal climate for wine and olive oil, is a worthy culinary destination for travel enthusiasts.

Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood, precious truffles, squid risotto, smoked ham, and paški sir (a hard cheese made from sheep's milk), all in the rustic, simple atmosphere of riverside cafes and shady restaurants. Brasserie on 7 is one of the most popular restaurants. Villa Spiza is a local favorite, offering the opportunity to watch chefs showcase their skills with dishes like beef stew, veal ribs, and calamari. For a Croatian afternoon experience with pastries and coffee, you can visit Bajamonti or Luka.

Budapest, Hungary

Goulash, a traditional Hungarian beef and vegetable stew, is a must-try dish when visiting Budapest. It's often served with Budapest's famous spices and paprika.

For dessert, try some kürtőskalács, also known as chimney cakes. These are sweet cakes that are roasted in a rotisserie oven with a sugar glaze and baked over charcoal. They become smooth with a sugary crust and often have a filling of caramel, walnuts, or chocolate.

Prague, Czech Republic

Like Budapest, Prague is also known for its chimney cakes. I think the cakes in Budapest are lighter and softer, and you can also choose the flavor (from chocolate, cream, pizza) to your liking.

Prague also boasts Pilsner beer, a beverage that can win over even the most discerning diners. This is a traditional Czech beer, available in both light and dark versions, made from malted barley using a secret recipe.

Girona, Spain

Not a famous destination, Girona has all the beauty, vibrancy, and charm of Barcelona, ​​without the hustle and bustle. Wander through its medieval streets, enjoy tapas, and shop for local produce at Mercat del Lleó – famous for its fresh seafood, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.

The "star" of Girona's culinary scene is the Michelin-starred restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, but its popularity means you often have to book a table a year in advance. A more affordable option is the gelato shop Rocambolesc, also owned by the same people as El Celler de Can Roca. There, you'll find unique flavors like baked apple or panettone.

Alternatively, you can visit restaurants like Divinum, Massana, and Nu to enjoy a typical Catalan dinner. For lunch, try local specialties such as escalivada (a mixed vegetable dish with black tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant), cod salad, and botifarra amb mongetes (sausage with beans), accompanied by the dessert crema catalan (Spanish-style custard) – impressive with its sweet, creamy egg layer harmonizing with a crispy caramelized sugar crust.

Dublin, Ireland

Ireland isn't famous for its food, but it is for its drinks. Nothing can make you feel as warm and happy as a cup of pure coffee, mixed with whiskey and fresh cream, in Dublin – the capital of Ireland.

Additionally, if you participate in a tour of Dublin, you will certainly have the opportunity to enjoy Guinness beer, a signature drink of the city.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Many people think Iceland is all about marinated fish, geysers, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Blue Lagoon hot springs resort. In reality, it boasts a wealth of delicious food, making it well worth a memorable culinary trip, especially in Reykjavík.

Icelandic cuisine is often distinctly Nordic, featuring dishes like lamb, Arctic salmon, rye bread, and skyr yogurt. Locals also absolutely love hot dogs, most notably the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur chain. Reykjavík boasts the Michelin-starred Dill restaurant, the exquisitely presented Mat Bar and Skál!, and Bergsson Mathús overlooking the picturesque Lake Tjornin.

Paris, France

When in Paris, you absolutely must try a crêpe from a street vendor. Or, alternatively, you can savor this sweet treat at a café, enjoying it while admiring the stunning view of the Eiffel Tower – truly Parisian.

Macarons are simply two almond meringue cookies with jam or cream, but they are incredibly delicious and a must-try when visiting the French capital. Chocolate bread, on the other hand, is a classic French treat. Even if you're not a fan of pastries, these French sweets are sure to captivate your taste buds from the first bite.

Lucca, Italy

Italy is certainly a standout name on the culinary tourism map. You can enjoy amazing food everywhere, especially pizza and pasta. The city of Lucca, in particular, offers a unique Italian culinary experience, with dishes like farro bean soup, farinata made from chickpea flour, and tortelli lucchese – a type of pasta stuffed with meat and nutmeg.

In this city, still retaining many Renaissance walls, you'll find restaurants steeped in history and traditional cuisine. Buca di Sant'Antonio, open since 1782, has the best farro soup in the city. Da Felice has a 100-year history of serving entirely handmade pizzas (if you visit, be sure to try their green bean pizza).

Additionally, foodies can visit La Cantina di Lucca, an American-style bar famous for its hot dogs and craft beer, or Gelateria Paniko, which boasts the region's best pistachio gelato.

Huong Thao