One of the best parts of exploring new cultures is tasting the food! That being said, we’ve gathered a list of some traditional dishes commonly found in Europe. Read on for a look into some delicious gourmet cuisine that you will be dying to try! Bon apetit! (Beware! post may induce extreme hunger)

Austria

1. Wiener Schnitzel

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Although not invented in Vienna, the Wiener Schnitzel has become one of the city’s famous icons and is Austria’s national dish. The dish consists of a thin, breaded pan-fried veal cutlet. It is often served with potato salad, french fries, or boiled potatoes and a lemon garnish.

Czech Republic

2. Svíčková

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Svíčková is a traditional Czech dish made of beef sirloin prepared with vegetables (carrots, onion, celery, and parsley root), spiced with pepper, bay leaf, and thyme, and boiled with double cream. Svíčková is typically served with knedliky (bread dumplings) and garnished with cranberry sauce, a slice of lemon, and a dollop of whipped cream.

Poland

3. Bigosshutterstock_91686515

Bigos, or “Polish hunter’s stew” is a national and traditional Polish dish. It is made of various types of finely chopped meat (usually kielbasa) stewed with sauerkraut and fresh cabbage. The name “hunter’s stew” refers to the optional use of wild meat it can be prepared with (pork, rabbit, and venison).

Italy

4. Ragu alla Bolognese

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Although Italy is home to many delicious specialities, Ragu alla Bolognese is one of its most popular. Ragu alla Bolognese is a meat-based sauce typically served with tagliatelle pasta. Although many variations of Ragu alla Bolognese exist, the sauce is typically made using pancetta, vegetables (such as carrot, onion, and celery), wine, spices, among other various other ingredients. 

Germany

5. Weißwürste

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Weißwürste, or “white sausage” is a Bavarian speciality made from a combination of minced veal and pork back bacon. It’s typically a mid-morning snack served with a breaded pretzel and sweet mustard. To enjoy as the locals do, skin the Weißwürste before eating it and pair it with a wheat beer for the perfect snack.

Hungary

6. Gulyásleves (Goulash)

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Gulyásleves is not quite a soup or a stew, but something in the middle. It consists of beef cooked with onions, Hungarian spice, tomatoes, and green pepper. It’s typically enjoyed as a main dish. Potatoes and noodles are sometimes added as well. Gulyásleves is one of the national dishes on Hungary and is considered a symbol of the country. 

Croatia

7. Zagorski Štrukli

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Zagorski Štrukli is a traditional Croatian dish, commonly found in Zagorje and Zagreb. It consists of dough and various types of fillings (usually cheese) and can be either cooked or baked. It’s made with eggs, butter, heavy cream, among various other ingredients.

Slovenia

8. Kraški pršut

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Kraški pršut is dried ham (Karst prosciutto) that has been salted, dried, and cured. There are many different types, but Karst ham is the best known in Slovenia. It’s known as a true gourmet delicacy. 

What’s your favorite traditional European dish? Which one would you most like to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

One Comment

  1. Jane St John

    Wow, we will be heading to 4 of the above countries and cannot wait to try all of the dishes especially the goulash in Hungary.

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