The Best Dishes In Europe: A Culinary Journey

Europe is a continent steeped in history, culture, and of course, food. From the hearty stews of Eastern Europe to the delicate pastries of France, there is no shortage of delicious cuisine to sample. Join us on a journey through some of the best dishes in Europe, as we explore the unique flavors and traditions of this diverse continent.

🍽️ Italy: Pizza Margherita

🍅 Origins

Legend has it that the Pizza Margherita was created to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy during her visit to Naples in 1889. The patriotic pizza features the colors of the Italian flag – red (tomato sauce), white (mozzarella cheese), and green (basil).

🧑‍🍳 How It’s Made

The Pizza Margherita is made with a thin, crispy crust, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil. It is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven.

🍽️ Best Place to Try It

If you want to try the best Pizza Margherita in Italy, head to Naples. Pizzeria Da Michele, which has been in business since 1870, is known for its simple yet delicious Margherita pizza.

🍽️ France: Coq au Vin

🐓 Origins

Coq au Vin, which literally means rooster in wine, is a classic French dish that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was originally made with a tough old rooster that had to be braised for hours to become tender.

🧑‍🍳 How It’s Made

Modern versions of Coq au Vin are made with chicken instead of rooster. The dish is made by braising chicken in red wine, bacon, onions, mushrooms, and garlic. It is typically served with potatoes or crusty bread.

🍽️ Best Place to Try It

If you want to taste authentic Coq au Vin, head to the French countryside. The region of Burgundy is known for its delicious version of the dish.

🍽️ Spain: Paella

🦐 Origins

Paella is a rice dish that originated in the Valencia region of Spain. It was traditionally made by farm workers who cooked rice over an open flame and added whatever ingredients they had on hand, such as rabbit, snails, and beans.

🧑‍🍳 How It’s Made

Modern versions of Paella usually include saffron, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, and clams. The rice is cooked in a large, shallow pan called a paellera.

🍽️ Best Place to Try It

If you want to taste authentic Paella, head to Valencia. La Pepica, which has been in business since 1898, is known for its delicious Paella Valenciana.

🍽️ Germany: Schnitzel

🐖 Origins

Schnitzel is a thin, breaded and fried cutlet of meat that originated in Austria. It was introduced to Germany in the late 1800s and has since become a beloved German dish.

🧑‍🍳 How It’s Made

Schnitzel is traditionally made with veal, but can also be made with pork or chicken. The meat is pounded thin, breaded with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and then fried until crispy.

🍽️ Best Place to Try It

If you want to try the best Schnitzel in Germany, head to Munich. The restaurant Haxnbauer im Scholastikahaus is known for its delicious Schnitzel and cozy, Bavarian atmosphere.

🍽️ Hungary: Goulash

🐄 Origins

Goulash is a hearty stew that originated in Hungary. It was traditionally made by herdsmen who cooked beef and vegetables over an open flame.

🧑‍🍳 How It’s Made

Goulash is made with beef, onions, paprika, and a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots. It is typically served with bread or dumplings.

🍽️ Best Place to Try It

If you want to taste authentic Goulash, head to Budapest. The restaurant Kiskakukk Étterem has been serving delicious Goulash since 1970.

🍽️ Switzerland: Cheese Fondue

🧀 Origins

Cheese Fondue is a Swiss dish that dates back to the 18th century. It was originally served in the Swiss Alps during the winter months, when fresh food was scarce.

🧑‍🍳 How It’s Made

Cheese Fondue is made by melting cheese and wine in a pot and then dipping bread and other foods into the mixture. It is typically made with a combination of Gruyere and Emmental cheeses.

🍽️ Best Place to Try It

If you want to try the best Cheese Fondue in Switzerland, head to Geneva. The restaurant Les Armures is known for its delicious Fondue and charming medieval atmosphere.

🍽️ Portugal: Bacalhau

🐟 Origins

Bacalhau is a dish made with salted cod that is popular in Portugal. It was originally introduced to Portugal by the Vikings in the 9th century.

🧑‍🍳 How It’s Made

Bacalhau is typically made by soaking salted cod in water for several days to remove the salt. It is then cooked with onions, garlic, and potatoes.

🍽️ Best Place to Try It

If you want to taste authentic Bacalhau, head to Lisbon. The restaurant Solar dos Presuntos is known for its delicious Bacalhau dishes.

🍽️ Greece: Moussaka

🍆 Origins

Moussaka is a dish made with eggplant that is popular in Greece. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East and was brought to Greece by the Ottoman Empire.

🧑‍🍳 How It’s Made

Moussaka is made with layers of eggplant, ground beef, and potatoes, topped with a creamy bechamel sauce. It is typically baked in the oven until golden brown.

🍽️ Best Place to Try It

If you want to taste authentic Moussaka, head to Athens. The restaurant To Kati Allo is known for its delicious Moussaka and cozy atmosphere.

🍽️ Poland: Pierogi

🥟 Origins

Pierogi are dumplings that are popular in Poland. They are believed to have originated in China and were brought to Poland by traders in the Middle Ages.

🧑‍🍳 How It’s Made

Pierogi are made by filling a dough with a variety of ingredients, such as potatoes and cheese, meat, or sauerkraut. They are then boiled and served with sour cream.

🍽️ Best Place to Try It

If you want to try the best Pierogi in Poland, head to Krakow. The restaurant Dawno Temu Na Kazimierzu is known for its delicious Pierogi and cozy atmosphere.

🍽️ Croatia: Pasticada

🐄 Origins

Pasticada is a traditional Croatian dish that originated in the Dalmatia region. It is a slow-cooked beef dish that is typically served on special occasions.

🧑‍🍳 How It’s Made

Pasticada is made by marinating beef in red wine and vinegar overnight, and then slow-cooking it with vegetables and herbs. It is typically served with gnocchi or polenta.

🍽️ Best Place to Try It

If you want to taste authentic Pasticada, head to Split. The restaurant Konoba Fetivi is known for its delicious Pasticada and cozy atmosphere.

🍽️ Czech Republic: Svickova

🐄 Origins

Svickova is a traditional Czech dish that is typically served on Sundays or special occasions. It is a beef dish that is slow-cooked with vegetables and served