Visiting Europe? Confused about what to eat in your visit to Europe and what are the must-try dishes in Europe? I’m going to provide an answer to this and present some of the best European Delicacies I had on my travels to Europe. These are the must-try European delicacies in an authentic sense.
Europe is home not only to exquisite architecture but is also a land of culinary delicacies for one and all and I fell in love with Europe in my first visit itself. Coming from India I love spicy food and even crave for spices. Yet I completely love desserts, varieties of bread and almost anything sweet. In my European travels, I tasted and loved a variety of authentic European delicacies and try to find them back here in India. As obvious as it may sound I like the privilege of having to enjoy their variants in my city but for me, they don’t taste anywhere close to the genuine ones.
I think after a pretty fair share of my travel to Europe, here are some of my Must Try European delicacies which you might find handy in case you are planning a visit anytime to Europe.
8 Must Try European Delicacies
Crepes
Heading to Paris? Then crepes are a delicacy from Paris, one must not miss from the city of love. You might wonder why am I even mentioning it here considering everyone already know this so let me tell you a story here –
Recently some of my relatives went on a Europe trip including Paris. I met them after they came back home. We got to chat and after the routine question how their trip went I asked if they liked *Crepes* and then they asked me back me what is that? I was like..OMG really? How could go to Paris and not even try crepe! So that drove Crepes on my top list so that people don’t miss this wonderful and unique European delicacy which might not taste like the one we get there.
Suggested Read – Things to know before visiting Paris!
For my vegetarian friends, it doesn’t contain the meat of any sort, although it does contain egg if that’s a concern to anyone. It is a sort of pastry usually circular in shape, are sweetened with or without fillings like chocolate, banana, etc. So don’t miss this delicacy from Europe.
Read how Chandrima enjoyed the Parisian food in her Paris Food Tour.
Croissant
Another one from the popular European delicacies, known all over the world as a must-have from France. Popular due to its crescent-like shape and found in various flavors including praline, chocolates and even almonds. Easily found in various bakeries around Paris and is also a famous pick for breakfast. This is one of my favorites from the list of must-try European delicacies.Â
The pastry variant is today easily available around the world but what makes it so special? I think it’s the way it’s made, and the flavors specific to a region. I kept looking for a typical chocolate croissant version in Delhi, and I must admit I’m yet to find that close to perfect croissant – Noooo!! a choco-chip croissant is not the same as chocolate croissant – I guess I need to head back to its origin now!! So don’t forget to try the freshly baked this European delicacy.
Suggested Read – Where & what to eat in Paris!
Pretzel
Care to taste a twisted bread? Pretzel is my top choice for a unique, knotted and asymmetrical dough looped into the product as a delicious bread. This dish is typically salty and if you like you might even choose butter variant – just like me 🙂 Yet to make it to Germany, but I tasted this European delicacy on Munich airport on way to Vienna – aren’t layovers best spent if we get a taste of the country in the short window itself!!
Pretzels are believed to be originated from upper German regions and known to have religious significance as well in terms of shape and ingredients. At one time, during Lent season eggs were forbidden and as Pretzels are made of simple floor and water were allowed till Easter. Nowadays people hide eggs before Easter day prayers like in those early days pretzels were hidden. So this savory is not only delicious but also have a great historical connotation – hope I got your attention now!!
Macarons
Originally Macarons are French cookies garnished with eggs, almond paste, sugar, jam or cream filling. Gaining popularity at a fast pace and are easily found today in almost every major city around the world.Â
Various flavors are available in the cookies ranging from rose, vanilla, orange, hazelnut, chocolate, pistachio and even few more. As most of these are a little too sweet for my preference so personally, my favorite includes chocolate, hazelnut, and almond. Don’t ignore one of the famous European delicacies now known in the entire world.
Belgian Chocolates
Chocolates from Belgium are one of many glories of the nation with a history of its own. Although the cocoa doesn’t originally come from the nation, was in fact brought to the country from Africa during its colonial era.Â
Traveling to Belgium? Know more about the Foodie guide to Sightseeing in Brussels.
French are known for their vineyards and Belgians for passing the authentic chocolate recipes through their families for so many generations. You might not have heard that even the small Belgian villages have their own little chocolate shops. Next time you’re anywhere in Europe – even if not Belgium – you will find Belgian chocolates in most major bakeries. Don’t miss these amazing authentic European delicacies!Â
While in Belgium, don’t miss the Last Post at the Menin Gate, it’s always nice to visit the less-touristy spots too. If you are spending one day in Bruges, don’t miss out on their chocolates, waffles, and beer.Â
Waffles
Another one of the popular European delicacies is a dish made from dough uniquely identified by its exclusive shape generated from waffle iron peculiarly in squares. Waffles are today relished in almost all parts of the world. Upon hearing Waffles, the attention immediately goes towards the special Belgian waffles which were showcased to the world in 1958 in Brussels Expo.Â
Although I still haven’t got the fortune to enjoy the waffles from Belgium itself, waffles from Europe are still not to give a miss. I tried the above one from a huge bakery – I don’t remember that though – in the town square of Prague. Not typically Belgian, but Gosh that was delicious!
If you’re traveling to Belgium, don’t forget to include the charming Bruges in your itinerary.
Trdelnik
A culinary delicacy from Europe which is uniquely found in the Czech Republic, although not many know about its roots to be non-Czech. Trdelnik is a fire cooked sweetened dish made from thin rounds of dough and optional toppings available to suit your taste buds.Â
There are various theories about the history and myths of the dish. The delicacy is believed to have arrived in Czech by Hungarian army personnel in the 18th century. Few people believe it to have a connection from the stone age as guessed by the methods of its preparation, nonetheless Czech got its ownership now!!
Roaming the streets of Czech capital you will easily find Trdelnik being prepared in a concept almost similar to barbecue. The dough is wrapped in thin round shape onto a rod and is cooked until it turns light brownish in color. A savory yet to make its way to being famous beyond Czech is a must have while in Prague.Â
Cakes
Step into any European bakery and you will find a variety of cakes aka various flavors on display for you to choose and relish. I also had the good fortune of nibbling some flavors including my ever favorite chocolate and red velvet. There are variants to the types available in each country and each region, but cakes from entire European are delicious and must try!!
An Additional one – Coffee
If you guys have been following my blog, then you must know by now that I am a huge coffee buff and have coffee no matter where I go. Either a milky or creamy cappuccino or iced coffee or typical milk flavored cold coffee from Starbucks – I enjoy all sorts of coffee. If you’re heading to Hamburg in Germany? Check out the best cafes and Coffee in Hamburg. To my surprise, the coffee seems to have an intriguing impact on my taste buds while in Europe and hence an addition to this list 😉Â
Love to try the coffee at local cafes? Read more about Tanmaya’s Vienna Cafe Tour.
So here are my most favorite choices of delicacies from Europe. How many of these have you had? Do share your experiences with me!
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Of all the delicious things available in Europe, it’s the croissants I miss most. It’s REALLY hard to find anything close in the US.
Being from Belgium myself, I can only thank you for spreading the love for our delicious chocolates and waffles 🙂 Love you post on the delicacies found all over Europe!
Yummmmmm! Yummmmmm! O just love this
Thank you 🙂
My mouth is literally watering from this post!!! Amazing!
Thank you 🙂
So good, it looks like you have found all the yummy food here!
Glad you enjoy it as much as I do :)!
Already your pictures make me hungry.
Cheers,
Karo
https://karoadores.com/
Glad you liked it🙂
These are all great delicacies. And combine with coffee, uhm feels like heaven to me haha. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked them 🙂
This has my sweet tooth kicking! I could eat all of them. Probably not just one… 😉
Thank you🙂
I’m down to eat and try each and every one of these. They look amazing, so good!
Thank you🙂
I’m cleaning up all of my droll right now. I have a weakness for pretzels and I really want to try the trdelnik.
Totally agree, apart from the beautiful architecture, Europe is a land of culinary delights for one and all. I love all that you have in this post but my favorite would be the Macarons and the Belgian chocolates! 🙂 Trdelnik looks interesting and would love to try it out.
Yeah do try it whenever you get a chance🙂
This is a fantastic list. It probably is the best thing for me as I have a serious sweet tooth. I’m also proud to say I’ve tried everything on the list, waffles being my favourite. I’m sad to see that Portuguese butter tarts did not make the list. Maybe that that a good idea…for me and my weight. Lol
I’m yet to make it to Portugal and I’m sure will add more to this list then🙂
is it weird I love everything on this list. I would choose these delicacies over a million dollars anyway! and I am serious. the crepes are just amazing.
I agree and it’s not weird🙂 They are in my top charts too🙂
I’m heading to Paris next month and am looking forward to trying crepes and macarons while there 😀
Wow … Hope you’ve a great trip with so many dishes to try🙂
Well Europe is on my list, adding these sugary treats to my long list already 🙂 Hi Five I am a Coffee addict too 🙂
Glad you liked it🙂
Superbly curated article.
Have tried almost all in India barring Trdelnik. But, yes I have to try them when in Europe. Will do so some day. I love Belgium Chocolates. Thanks for this post.
Glad you liked it🙂
I’ve had several of these delicacies. I’ve very curious to try the Trdelnik. Crepes? Yum!
You’ll be delighted if you try these two as well🙂
Such a great list of European goodies! I always make it a point to have most of these every time I’m in Europe! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you liked it🙂
Ooh I am so hungry from reading this!! My favourites are waffles and macaroons!
Mine too 🙂
So many great food pics — could eat so much of the dessert right now! The Nutella crepe looks incredible!
Thank you 🙂
I was only in and around London when I was there, and then I stayed with a friend and her mom and she made amazing food. We didn’t go out all that often. It was crazy how amazing the food she made was. Although all of this food there in Europe does look amazing. I really do need to go back and do a more extensive tour of Europe.
You’ll like it then 🙂
Such mouth watering pictures!! Now I’m hungry 🙂
You have compiled a lovely list
Thank you 🙂
everything looks so incredible. it’s been years since i visited europe and now i have even more reasons to want to go back as soon as possible! 🙂
I hope you do 🙂
Some of this great food I can get in the US, although I’m sure it’s different. However, I’d never even heard of a Trdelnik! It’s looks delicious! Definitely going to have to make sure I get one of those if I make it to that area!
Hope you do 🙂
You have to try salty liquorice if you come to Finland!
I surely will try and keep in mind💙
Omg this post is making me so hungry. I’m especially craving some crepes, oh a Nutella crepe. But I would also settle for a waffle. Ok going to go find some pastries now, because this craving is real!
Ha ha.. Glad you liked it🙂
Mmmmm my taste buds are tingling. Everything looks amazing
Thank you🙂
Yummmmmmm! This made me so hungry! Now I’m planning an eating tour of Europe 😉
Ha ha..Hope you enjoy all the delicacies on your tour 😀
Delicious! Makes me want to stop walking and save instead for meals and snacks 😋
Thank you 🙂 Glad you liked it 🙂
Oh wow, that all looks so delicious! Would be in a sugar coma after that haha
ha ha..thank you 🙂
Delicious! Now I want to go to Paris and try these all sugary treats! <3 except Starbucks.. Don't think they need any promotion knowing what bad things they are doing to the world because of money.
I agree!! But I still love Starbucks!!
In love with the treats in this list!! the macarons and crepes sold in the US cannot compare to the ones in Europe and I can only wish to travel there one day:)
Hope you do go soon and get to try these authentic ones 🙂
Reading this list before breakfast was a bad idea! Hahahaha. I’m a sad-sack gluten-free girl unfortunately, so I’ll just have to eat my fill of Belgian chocolate and coffee 😉 Gorgeous photos!!
Thank you 🙂
Your post made me really hungry! I want a crepe, a croissant and a Bretzel right now 😀
Ha Ha..hope you get soon 🙂
What a delicious post! I already love crepes and Belgian chocolates, but that Trdelnik is amazing looking. I believe that has to be tried. MMmmmm…..
I agree, you should try whenever you’re in Prague 🙂
Mmmm yes, the best part of travel has got to be trying new foods isn’t it? That’s definiteky where all my money goes haha. Trdlink were my favourites, so warm and sweet on a cold day. And macaroons in Paris really cannot be beat, melt in your mouth goodness!!!!
I agree, trying authentic cuisine is the best part of travel🙂
I’ve had a lot of these desserts, but MY GOD Trdelnik looks amazing! It has my mouth watering and I want to book a flight just for this reason, haha!
Ha ha..I wanted to try it as soon as I saw it being cooked 😀
This is like a list of my favourite things! If we can’t eat whatever we like when we’re travelling then when can we? Plus its all so instagrammable
I agree, so Insta like pictures 🙂
You sure did find some awesome tasty looking treats. I wish I could taste them all. 🙂
Thank you🙂 Hope you do💙
This post makes me really hungry! I’ve tried every single one them and must say, the Belgium waffle is my absolute favorite 😀
Mine too🙂
What a delicious post! I too have to have all of these while on a trip to European countries.
The pictures are triggering off my salivary glands. 😛 🙂
Glad you liked it🙂
Crepes are my all time favourite food. The list looks amazing
Thank you🙂
Yummy!!! Europe does seem to be a heaven for people with sweet-tooth. 🙂 I wouldn’t say no to a piece of crepes or a pretzel!
I agree🙂
OMG yes. Europe has the best sweets! Whenever I leave Europe, I always miss our deserts and sweets. Glad to see Belgian chocolate among your list too (I’m Belgian and in love with chocolate 😀 ).
Yes we get Belgian chocolates here in India but far too expensive😀
Delicious post! I feel very lucky to have been able to try many of these treats during our years in Europe! I actually mentioned trdelniks in my post this week about Prague – ha! They are amazing!
I saw that😀 Trdelnik are a yummy delight from Prague💙
I can’t believe that I never had Trdelnik even though I’ve been to the Czech Republic twice. Maybe next time. It does look yummy, especially with the fillings. Europe really has great treats.
Really, hope to get to try this one next time🙂
European food is great! I especially love the Italian kitchen <3
Yes me too🙂
Not much of a dessert fan here but I have to say you have nailed this list with my favourites: pretzels, croissants, chocolates, crepes oh my word happiness time. I am definitely putting Trdelnik on the list to try. I love the fact that not all are super sweet sugary N. American style desserts we have way too much of that although I do think you missed out on a Canadian favourite the Butter Tart….lol…
I’ll have to try Canadian butter tart when I busy Canada🙂
Thank you for this delicious post! I suffer from a very serious sweet tooth so I absolutely love this post. My favourite delicacies are all sorts of cakes, crepes (sweet & savory) and macarons, I want some right now! Traditional Finnish cinnamon buns are the best, hope you get to try them some day.
Oh I would love to try those cinnamon buns💙
Oh my gosh! You are making my mouth water! I love all these things and will definitely need to get one of each ASAP!
Ha ha.. You should🙂
Wow these look so delicious, macarons are my favourite out of all these.
yum! Can’t wait to get back to Europe to eat more of these!!!
Me too🙂
Crepes, all day every day. Back home, we try to be Paleo, so I bought my husband a crepe maker and he’s been making them with coconut flour and coconut sugar and Paleo Nutella! Still YUM
Crepes, all day every day. Back home, we try to be Paleo, so I bought my husband a crepe maker and he’s been making them with coconut flour and coconut sugar and Paleo Nutella! Still YUM
Ha ha… This is also a great idea💙
Ok, now I’m hungry after reading!!! Europe definitely has the best food, you’ve got me wanting to nip to Paris for a crepe as soon as possible haha – great post 🙂
Thank you🙂
yes yes yes, these are great! I would LOVE if people would hide pretzels for me instead of eggs on Easter…. I am a pretzel fanatic!
I too love pretzel💙
This post just made me so hungry! I am a HUGE fan of all desserts and Europe really is the mecca of desserts. I’ve tried everything on your list except for the Trdelnik, sounds delicious!
I guess that’s a common opinion, I hope you get to try Trdelnik soon 🙂
Oh how I love these European delicacies…my kids tried crepes for the first time in Paris last year…and they were hooked!! And we got a croissant almost every day!! I’ve never had a Trdelnik…but next time I will rectify that for sure!! Yum!!
I’m sure you and kids will love Trdelnik🙂
Ok, you had me from that first picture of macarons. This post isn’t fair. I’m drooling up a storm now. I’ve had many of these things. Trdnelik looks incredible. Never heard of it. Gotta go try it!
Yeah even I never heard about Trdnelik before visiting Prague. If you’re anywhere in Czech or Prague do taste that. 💙
Annnnnnd my mouth is completely watering! I want alllllll the things. If you ever happen to be in Sicily, try some granita — that is now high on my personal list! Though admittedly not as high as crepes and Belgian chocolates because YUM.
I’m sure I’ll keep it mind when I’m in Sicily. Thanks for sharing that 🙂
It’s always so cool to read reactions from people who come from different cultures to foods that one may almost take for granted. I’m sure I’d be experiencing the same in India, amazed at how everything tastes so different and so-much-better 😀
Yes I agree 🙂
Crepes and croissants are foods that I love. The Treelike you introduced looks similar to a dish I usually buy at Cake Boss. It is similarly made of dough and filled with delicious cream and I think it is baked while Trdelnik is a fire cooked.
What’s that called? I’ll look it up💙
Yum yum yum yum! I really shouldn’t have read this on an empty stomach 😋😋😋 everything looks and sounds so good! Thanks for sharing
Ha ha… Glad you liked it💙
Another vote for Pastel de Natas and baklava – and for Sticky Toffee Pudding and Apple Crumble in England. I love Belgian chocolates too!
Oh then added to must eat savory list🙂
YUM! You reminded me of some of my favourite treats. I am lucky enough that i can tick all the boxes, but my favourites are macarons in Paris and Trdelnik in Budapest.
I have to agree with you, trdelnik are my favorite too💙
These all look so delicious! Making me hungry, I’ll definitely have to try some of these!
Glad you liked them🙂
Yes, I love all of the foods you have mentioned. The one thing I would add to your list is the Pastel de Natas from Portugal. They are so good!
I’ll try that one I make it to Portugal💙
Though as you rightly say, Crepe is primarily an European delicacy. But guess where I had the best crepe? Tokyo. I know weird enough!
Yeah weird enough? How did it taste?
Oh stop it with this temptation! I have to try the Trdelnik as I never have. And those waffles look heavenly. Whatt??
I agree.. I crave everytime I see this pictures💙
I haven’t tried the Trdelnik – another reason to go to Czech Republic! We adore French treats and will confirm that Scandinavia definitely has it’s fair share of delicious baked goods – cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Really?? I’m going to try Scandinavian dishes whenever I’m in the area💙
Oh yummy!!! Love all of these!! And missing so many now I am in Australia!!! My tummy is now rumbling!
Ha ha… I too love these🙂
Your post makes me hungry! I’ll love to have some European crepes =)~
You sound, they’re delicious🙂
Coming from Belgium, crepes is something I have eaten my whole life and I’m happy to tell you that it is reaaaaally easy to make. You don’t need many ingredients and the recipe is really basic. I have no doubt you’ll be able to make great crepes at home!
Apart from that, it was a very interesting read for me :). I’ve been living in Europe my whole life and all the delicacies you are talking about (except the pretzels) are part of my daily life. I am in love with cakes (although there’s thousands of differents cakes so it’s a veeeery general term), honestly I couldn’t imagine living somewhere where cakes are not an usual thing ahah :).
I agree cake itself is a wide area where Europe is concerned, I couldn’t find a single flavour which I didn’t like so I generalised the term😀 And as you say I’m sure I’m going to try making crepes at home.
Yum! Reading this makes me want to go back to Europe asap.
Ha 😀 me too💙
Love this. From our voyages this year I would add Baklava from Greece and Stroopwaffles from Netherlands. Yummy.
I’m going to try them when I’m there💙
What a mouthwatering post! I guess some of us can plan a Europe trip based on this alone. However, nothing seems to be pure vegetarian and diabetics friendly.
No, most of these items have eggs as main ingredient and these are mostly sweet.
Fascinating to see our European treats from the perspective of a non-European visitor! Glad you enjoyed so much great food!
Thank you🙂
Great article. I tried Galler, Cote d’Or, Godiva, Leonidas and Neuhaus and except the Galler and Cote d’Or, the others aren’t worth their price. I really love the chocolates so I was really excited to taste them (about 20 type of different chocolates) but unfortunately they are highly overpriced. They taste good but not good as they price, especially the Neuhaus.
Yes chocolates are surely expensive there. I’ve never heard about the items you mentioned here. I’ll try then in my next visit – thanks for the info.