European cuisine every student must try | Discovering European cuisine

As a student, experiencing different cultures is one of the best parts of studying abroad. And what better way to experience a culture than through its food? Let’s explore European cuisine every students must try and three must-haves for each –

France

France is known for haute cuisine, and French cuisine has significantly influenced European cooking. French cuisine is known for using butter, cream, and rich sauces. France has rich culinary traditions, with classic dishes such as coq au vin and bouillabaisse. French cuisine often features high-quality ingredients such as foie gras.

1. Croissants –  A famous French pastry that is flaky, buttery, and crescent-shaped. They are typically eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
2. Escargots –  A dish made from snails cooked with garlic butter and parsley. It is a classic French delicacy that is an appetizer.
3. Coq au Vin –  A French chicken dish braised in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, and onions. It is a hearty, flavorful dish often served with crusty bread.

Italy

Italian cuisine is known for its simplicity and emphasis on fresh ingredients, such as tomato, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Famous dishes include pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, risotto, cheeses, cured meats, and seafood.

1. Pizza Margherita –  A classic Italian pizza made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The Italians made it in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy.
2. Spaghetti Carbonara –  A pasta dish with spaghetti, bacon, eggs, and cheese. It is a classic Roman dish that is creamy, rich, and satisfying.
3. Gelato –  A type of Italian ice cream that is dense and creamy. It comes in various flavors, including fruit, chocolate, and nut varieties.

Spain

Spain’s cuisine blends flavors and techniques influenced by its Moorish and Jewish heritage. Spanish cuisine is known for using olive oil, garlic, and fresh seafood. Spain’s cuisine is diverse, with influences from the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Key ingredients include olive oil, garlic, saffron, and paprika.

1. Paella –  A Spanish rice dish typically made with saffron, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. It is a colorful and flavorful dish often served on special occasions.
2. Churros –  A Spanish pastry fried and coated in sugar and served with hot chocolate for dipping.
3. Gazpacho –  A cold soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and garlic. It is a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for hot summer days.

Germany

German cuisine is known for its hearty, meat-centric dishes, such as sausages and sauerkraut, with key flavors such as mustard, caraway seeds, and juniper berries. It also features a variety of bread, cheese, and beers.

1. Schnitzel –  A dish made with breaded and fried meat, typically pork or veal, and served with potatoes and various vegetables.
2. Sauerkraut –  A traditional German dish made from fermented cabbage, served as a side dish to meat dishes like schnitzel or sausages.
3. Bratwurst is a German sausage made from pork and seasoned with spices like marjoram and caraway, served with sauerkraut and mustard.

Greece

Greek cuisine is healthy and flavorful, featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. Greek cuisine is known for its fresh, light flavors and emphasis on vegetables, seafood, and olive oil. Key ingredients include feta cheese, lemon, oregano, yogurt, various olives, honey, herbs, and grilled seafood.

1. Moussaka –  A traditional Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce, and is served with a Greek salad.
2. Spanakopita –  A Greek pastry made with spinach and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough and served as an appetizer or snack.
3. Gyro –  A Greek dish with grilled meat (typically pork or chicken) wrapped in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.

Poland

Polish cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes, such as pierogi, bigos, and kielbasa, with key ingredients such as beets, cabbage, potatoes, and meat. Pastries like paczki and szarlotka are also popular. Students who are foodie must try European cuisine.

1. Pierogi –  A traditional Polish dumpling with various fillings like meat, cheese, and potatoes. They are typically boiled or fried and served with sour cream or butter.
2. Bigos –  A hearty stew made with meat, cabbage, and sauerkraut, served with rye bread or boiled potatoes.
3. Kielbasa –  A Polish sausage made with pork and flavored with garlic and spices, served grilled or boiled and accompanied by sauerkraut or mustard.

Sweden

Swedish cuisine is simple and comforting, featuring meatballs, mashed potatoes, and lingonberry jam. Sweden is also known for its smoked salmon and herring. Swedish cuisine is based on the use of simple and fresh ingredients. The key flavors and ingredients include seafood, berries, dill, and potatoes. The use of dairy products such as cheese, cream, and butter is also common in Swedish cuisine.

1. Meatballs (köttbullar) – Swedish meatballs are made with ground beef and pork mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices. They are typically served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes.
2. Gravlax – Gravlax is a popular Swedish dish made from raw salmon cured with salt, sugar, and dill. It is an appetizer with rye bread and mustard sauce.
3. Cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) – Cinnamon buns are a popular Swedish pastry made with yeast dough, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. They are enjoyed with coffee or tea as a snack or dessert.

Portugal

Its maritime history influences Portuguese cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and spices. The key flavors include olive oil, garlic, chorizo, and seafood. Other popular ingredients are beans, rice, and potatoes.

1. Pastel de nata – Pastel de nata is a famous Portuguese custard tart that originated in Lisbon. The custard filling is made from egg yolks, sugar, cream, and vanilla and is served in a flaky pastry shell.
2. Bacalhau – Bacalhau, or salt cod, is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. It is often cooked with potatoes, onions, and garlic and served with various dishes, such as fritters, stews, or baked with cream.
3. Francesinha – Francesinha is a Portuguese sandwich made with ham, sausage, and steak smothered in melted cheese and spicy tomato sauce. It is typically served with french fries and is a hearty comfort food.

Russia

Russian cuisine is hearty and filling, featuring borscht (beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings), and beef stroganoff. It also features plenty of pickled vegetables and preserved meats. Russian cuisine is hearty and filling, focusing on meat, potatoes, and grains. The key flavors and ingredients include sour cream, dill, and beets. Other popular ingredients are mushrooms, cabbage, and smoked fish.

1. Borscht – Borscht is a hearty soup made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and sometimes meat, served with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of rye bread.
2. Pelmeni – Pelmeni is Russian dumplings made with minced meat, typically beef or pork, and wrapped in thin dough. They are usually boiled and served with sour cream or butter.
3. Blini – Blini are thin pancakes made from buckwheat or wheat flour. Blini is served with sweet or savory toppings like jam, sour cream, caviar, or smoked salmon.

UK

The cuisine of the United Kingdom is a blend of influences from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In addition, British cuisine is influenced by the country’s history of colonization and trade. The key flavors and ingredients include potatoes, carrots, peas, and meats such as beef, lamb, and pork. Other popular ingredients are gravy, mustard, and mint sauce.

1. Fish and chips – Fish and chips is a classic British dish of battered fish, usually cod or haddock, and thick-cut chips, served with mushy peas and tartar sauce.
2. Shepherd’s pie – Shepherd’s pie is a savory pie made with minced lamb or beef and topped with mashed potatoes. It is a popular comfort food in the UK.
3. Bangers and mash – Bangers and mash is a traditional British dish of sausages and mashed potatoes, often served with onion gravy.

Key takeaways

• European cuisine that every students must try is diverse, with unique traditions, ingredients, and flavors.
• These cuisine focus on quality and seasonality, resulting in delicious and healthy dishes so european cuisine every students must try.
• European cuisine is steeped in history and tradition, with dishes and cooking techniques passed down through generations.

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FAQs

Q1. Is European cuisine only about fancy, high-end dishes?

Ans. No, European cuisine is not limited to gourmet dishes, but also includes delicious and simple traditional dishes that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

Q2. What are some popular European desserts?

Ans. European cuisine is known for its delicious desserts, including French pastries, Italian gelato, Spanish churros, German Black Forest cake, and Greek baklava. 

Q3. What is the difference between Northern and Southern European cuisine?

Ans. Northern European cuisine tends to be based on simpler, heartier dishes with a focus on meat and potatoes, while Southern European cuisine tends to be more diverse, with a greater emphasis on seafood, olive oil, and fresh vegetables.