Cities for food lovers in Europe

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is arguably the world capital of sweets. Stroopwafels, two wafer-thin wafers with caramel filling, are a must-try in Amsterdam. You can buy them at bakeries and grocery stores all over the city, but the best way to get one on the go is to try a big, fresh one from a street vendor. I’ve heard that even McDonald’s (only in Amsterdam) has their own version of the McFlurry, which goes to show how popular it is there.

The Dutch love Indonesian rice dishes, so there are many Indonesian restaurants in the city. Dishes are made into small, shared portions and often include dishes such as egg rolls, satay, fish, and various spicy vegetables, and are served with rice.

Cup cake is not really a traditional Dutch delicacy but it is very popular that you can buy it in coffee shops and it is also a dish that attracts tourists when coming to the capital Amsterdam.

Lisbon, Portugal

When traveling to Lisbon, one must-try treat is pastel de nata, a crispy caramel egg tart filled with sweet cream and a dash of cinnamon. Locals say the best place to find pastel de nata is Manteigaria. But on your culinary itinerary, you can’t miss Pastéis de Belém, a former monastery that has been selling these lovely pastries since 1837. Pastel de nata are sold everywhere in countless different versions. However, the average pastry is nothing like Pastéis de Belém, which has the first, only, and completely secret recipe!

Another trendy dining spot is the Time Out food market, housed in the historic Mercado da Ribeira, which features some of the city’s top chefs. Portuguese classics like barbecued pork sandwiches and squid croquettes are on the menu, alongside innovative dishes like sardine sushi and grilled octopus with black noodles.

Salted cod is considered a national dish by the Portuguese. There are around 365 ways to prepare the fish, including the bacalhau à bras version, which is made with shredded cod, mashed potatoes and a rolled egg. Don’t miss the chance to try it in Lisbon.

As a city with a thriving startup community, Lisbon’s cuisine also has a wide range of international flavors. Dishes that often have long queues include Peruvian ceviche (a starter of fresh sliced ​​fish mixed with fruit juice, sliced ​​onions, salt and peppers) at A Cevicheria, dumpling rolls at Boa-Bao and dosa (a type of crêpe) at Chutnify… In addition, The Food Temple restaurant in Mouraria is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy Portuguese food in a family atmosphere, while da Terra restaurant is famous for its vegetarian pastel de nata.

Vienna, Austria

The torte was invented in the 1800s for an Austrian prince and has been popular in Vienna ever since. The experience of sitting in a classic Viennese cafe and eating this popular dessert is a delight.

The Viennese also love schnitzel. Schnitzel with fried veal, fries and green vegetables is a traditional Austrian dish. If you are in Vienna, you should go to a restaurant and enjoy it slowly with music in the evening, it is wonderful.

Split, Croatia

While the fansGame of ThronesWhile many flock to Dubrovnik to walk in the footsteps of Daenerys, those with a taste for food will head to Split, considered the country’s culinary capital. With its Mediterranean and Austro-Hungarian influences and climate ideal for wine and olive oil, Split is a worthy culinary city for foodies.

Here you can enjoy fresh seafood, precious truffles, squid ink risotto, smoked ham and paški sir (hard cheese made from sheep's milk), in the rustic, simple atmosphere of riverside cafes and leafy restaurants. Brasserie on 7 is one of the most popular restaurants here. Villa Spiza is a favorite among locals, where you can watch the chefs prepare dishes such as beef stew, veal ribs and calamari. For a Croatian afternoon of cake and coffee, you can go to Bajamonti or Luka.

Budapest, Hungary

Goulash, a traditional Hungarian beef and vegetable stew, is a must-try dish in the capital city of Budapest. It is often served with spices and paprika, which Budapest is famous for.

For dessert, try some kürtőskalács, or chimney cake. It’s a sweet pastry that’s been turned on a rotating stove, dusted with sugar, and baked over charcoal. It then turns into a smooth, sugary crust and is often filled with caramel, walnuts, or chocolate.

Prague, Czech Republic

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

Prague also has Pilsner beer that can conquer even the most demanding drinkers. This is a traditional Czech beer with golden and dark versions made from barley sprouts with a secret recipe.

Girona, Spain

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

The star of Girona’s culinary scene is the Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca, but it’s so popular you often have to book a year in advance to get a spot. A more affordable option is the gelato shop Rocambolesc, also run by the same people who own El Celler de Can Roca, where you’ll find unique flavours like baked apple or panettone.

Alternatively, head to restaurants like Divinum, Massana and Nu for a typical Catalan dinner. For lunch, try local specialties like escalivada (a vegetable salad with black tomatoes, peppers and eggplant), cod salad and botifarra amb mongetes (sausage with beans), accompanied by crema catalan (Spanish flan) – a sweet and soft egg layer combined with a crunchy caramel layer.

Dublin, Ireland

Ireland is not famous for its food, but it is famous for its drinks. Nothing can make you feel warm and happy like a cup of pure coffee, whiskey and fresh cream in Dublin - the capital of Ireland.

In addition, if you join a tour in Dublin, you will definitely enjoy Guinness beer, a typical drink in this city.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Many people think that Iceland is all about pickled fish, Geysers, Gullfoss waterfalls and Blue Lagoon hot springs. In fact, there are so many delicious foods here that it is worth a memorable culinary trip, especially Reykjavík.

Icelandic menus are typically Nordic, with lamb, Arctic char, rye bread and skyr yogurt being the mainstays. The locals also love their hot dogs, most famously from the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur chain. Reykjavík also has the Michelin-starred Dill, the exquisitely presented Mat Bar and Skál!, and Bergsson Mathús, which overlooks the picturesque Tjornin Lake.

Paris, France

When in Paris you must try a crêpe from a street vendor. Or else you can try this sweet treat in a cafe, while enjoying the wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower, which is truly Parisian.

Macarons are just two almond meringues with jam or cream but they are very delicious and a must-try when you visit the French capital. Chocolate bread is a classic French dish. Even if you are not a fan of cakes, these French pastries will surely tempt your taste buds at first taste.

Lucca, Italy

Italy is definitely on the foodie map. You can find great food everywhere, especially pizza and pasta. Lucca is a unique Italian city, with farro, farinata, and tortelli lucchese, a pasta stuffed with meat and nutmeg.

In this Renaissance-walled town, you'll find restaurants steeped in history and traditional cuisine. Buca di Sant'Antonio, opened in 1782, has the best farro soup in town. Da Felice has a 100-year history of serving artisan pizzas (try the chickpea pizza).

Alternatively, foodies can head to La Cantina di Lucca, an American-style bar known for its hot dogs and craft beer, or Gelateria Paniko, which has the best pistachio gelato in the area.

Rosemary