When most people think of European food, they imagine bland potatoes, unsalted meats, and boring soups - those people are tragically wrong. Centuries of war and rations have led to the stereotype that the food is a bit...lacking. While war and rations have certainly led to a shortage of ingredients throughout history, that doesn't make the case for European food as a whole.
Home to over 40 nations with varying cultures and food traditions - European food is anything but bland. From Eastern Europe's hearty peasant dishes to fresh and zesty Mediterranean bites, there's something for every palette. Whether you fancy something rich and indulgent, spicy and stewy or cheesy and salty, there's something for you. Here are eleven dishes that prove European food is far from flavorless.
11 Goulash - Hungarian Savory Meat Stew
Few things scream comfort food like a big hearty bowl of Hungarian goulash. This chunky stew is primarily made of tender beef and veggies and heavily seasoned with paprika. Famous for it's slightly sweet and slightly spicy flavor, it's a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Originating in Medieval Hungary around the 9th century, Hungarians have had over a thousand years to perfect this savory meat stew making it one of many reasons to visit.
10 Currywurst - German Curry Spiced Sausage Bites
This German fave consists of a classic bratwurst that's been grilled, fried, and DRENCHED in a special curry sauce. This isn't just any curry sauce - unlike Indian curry, currywurst sauce has a tomatoey base with a bit of onion or Worcestershire making for an unforgettable flavor. This unique German fast food can be found all over street food markets and is the ultimate fast food while in Germany.
9 Paella - Spanish Slow Cooked Rice And Seafood Medley
Paella is the quintessential Spanish food. Originating in Valencia's rice fields, this brothy, flavourful rice dish can be served with just about any meat though seafood or chicken and pork are the most popular. Sure, at first glance paella sounds a little underwhelming, but trust us - it's so much more than rice and meat. Paella rice has a caramelization on the lower level and is steeped in tons of spices such as saffron, paprika, garlic, and onion.
8 Moussaka - Greek Meat Layered Casserole
You've heard of lasagna, but have you heard of moussaka? This classic casserole dish can be found through the Balkans and the Middle East but is most popular in Greece. Sliced eggplant, stewy ground beef, and creamy bechamel sauce come together to make this unbelievable filling, flavourful and unforgettable Greek classic. Traditionally it is served with a minced meat filling of lamb or beef, but nowadays, tons of vegetarian options are available.
7 Fondue - Swiss Melted Cheese For Dipping
Nothing spells guilty pleasure like Swiss cheese fondue. A perfect blend of gruyere, emmental and appenzeller cheese are heated in a pot and served family-style for dipping. That's right - Switzerland has an entire dish dedicated to cheese dipping. And we love them for it. Enjoy it with your pick of crusty bread, apples, filet mignon, roasted veggies - the options are limitless.
6 Pizza Napoletana - Traditional Italian Pizza From Naples
Nobody - and we do mean nobody does pizza like its birthplace - Naples, Italy. Traditional Napolitan pizza is characterized by its paper-thin freckled crust, rich tomato sauce, and gooey homemade mozzarella cheese. Simple - yet unbelievably fresh and flavourful Naples prides itself on being the birthplace of pizza and the best place in the world for it.
5 Adjarian Khachapuri - Georgian Cheese Bread
Georgia is Europe's best-kept secret when it comes to delicious food. Take Adjarian khachapuri for example - this buttery, cheesy, eggy bread boat is the stuff of dreams. A large yeast dough is filled to the brim with a blend of local cheeses and once it's piping hot, a fresh egg is cracked on top. Enjoy it with any of Georgia's scrumptious dishes such as spicy beef stew or khinkali.
4 Swedish Meatballs - Swedish Meatballs Stewed In Roux And Spices
Thought Italians were the best in the meatball game? Think again. Instead of tomato sauce, Swedish meatballs are stewed in a creamy roux made from broth and cream. Traditionally they are served alongside fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes and given a generous topping of fresh pomegranate seeds. Be sure to enjoy them with a side of lingonberry jam and pickles.
3 Belgian Waffle - Light And Fluffy Waffles With Endless Toppings
Belgium cranks breakfast waffles up a notch with their classic Belgian waffles. These waffles are typically much thicker and larger than standard waffles. Thanks to this, their grids are deeper which means more syrupy sweet toppings for you! Enjoy the deep square pockets with jam, cream, syrup, butter, and more. Be sure to get them from the best source - local street vendors on the streets of Brussels.
2 Doner Kebab - Turkish Flatbread With Spit Roasted Meat
This Turkish fave starts with spit-roasted lamb meat that has been slow cooking for several hours. A pita or flatbread is stuffed with the meat and given generous bits of crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions. The real star fo the show, though, is the creamy white sauce made with garlic, lemon, and mayo.
1 Francesinha - Portuguese Ham Sandwich
Francesinha is the sandwich to end all sandwiches. Thick slabs of white bread are filled with wet ham, roast beef, and spiced sausage before being covered in melted cheese. And it doesn't stop there, the full sandwich is then drenched in a thick tomato and beer-based sauce. This saucy meat-filled monster is a right of passage into Portuguese food and anything but bland.