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The Best and Worst Food in Europe

Last Updated on February 6, 2025 by Ingrid

Let’s admit it: when we travel, we all want to taste something local. At least I know I do! I always fall in love (or end up hating) with the local food as much as the sights I see. I will never forget my first wonton soup after moving to Hong Kong. Or the first Korean barbeque in Seoul. Or that yummy pho soup we had on the streets of Ho Chi Minh.

However, not all experiences are unforgettable in a positive way. Let’s be honest: certain places don’t excel in the culinary aspect. And unfortunately, there are many such places in Europe.

You don’t have to trust only me! Many people have various experiences, and I have summarized what people think is Europe’s best and worst food. So you don’t eat something you will always remember as horrendous.

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Table of Contents

The Best and Worst Food in Europe

Best and Worst Food in Europe
The best focaccia we had in Lecce, Italy

Europe’s Diverse Culinary Landscape

When it comes to food in Europe, you’ll find an amazing mix of tastes and traditions. From the rich pasta dishes of Italy to the hearty stews of Hungary, each region brings its own special touch to the table.

Pasta in Positano

I’ve noticed that some places, like Spain’s Basque Country culinary scene, are famous for their small bites called pintxos, while others shine with their sweet treats – just look at Portugal’s wonderful pastries.

What makes European cuisine so special is how different it can be from one country to the next.

You might enjoy fresh seafood in Greece one day and warming goulash in Budapest the next.

Best Foods in Europe

Pizza in Positano
Pizza in Positano, Italy

Italy stands out with Bologna’s restaurants offering perfect pasta dishes and Naples serving up the world’s best pizza. During our trip to Bologna we tried some exceptional tortellini in brodo (filled pasta in soup). Also, we now live in Italy, and after traveling around the country, we can safely say the best pizza is indeed in the Naples region.

In Spain’s Basque Country, you’ll find amazing pintxos at spots like Itxas Ondo in Bakio.

Pasteis de Belem, Lisbon
Pasteis de Nata and coffee in Lisbon

Portugal won my heart with their sweet pastries and coffee that rivals Italy’s finest.

I come from the Balkans, and I will always recommend the grilled specialties – try the ćevapi and pljeskavica if you get the chance. Sarmale (or sarma) are delicious, and you should not miss all the mouthwatering spreads.

Restaurant in Budapest where we had the best goulash

Hungary’s Budapest culinary experience serves up fantastic goulash and game dishes that’ll make you rethink Eastern European food.

And if you’re heading to Georgia, don’t miss their famous khachapuri – it’s a cheese-filled bread that’ll make your mouth water. Even the one we had in Hong Kong was delicious, so I must try the original one.

Worst Foods in Europe

Based on my travels and local insights, some European dishes might test your food courage. And I did some research to find the all-time worst.

Finland is often mentioned for its challenging flavors.

While things have changed in Britain, some of Europe’s worst food opinions still raise eyebrows. Excuse us for always going to Asian restaurants whenever we travel to the UK. Even though I am not a huge fan of leek pie or blood sausage, I think London is the best place in Europe for Chinese food.

The Netherlands mixes unusual food combinations that might surprise you, and Sweden’s fermented fish dishes can be an acquired taste.

Switzerland, despite its reputation for chocolate, sometimes serves up surprisingly bland meals. It’s pretty much like its neighbor Germany.

In Scotland, while tasty, many dishes lean toward the unhealthy side.

Unusual European Delicacies

Every region in Europe has its own special foods that might raise a few eyebrows. For example, in Sweden, surströmming (fermented herring) comes in bulging cans and fills the air with a strong smell when opened.

Over in Scotland, deep-fried haggis delicacies mix sheep organs with oats and spices and wrap them in a sheep’s stomach.

Finland brings mämmi to the table – a dark pudding made from rye flour and malted rye often served at Easter.

Try Iceland’s hákarl (fermented shark) only if you are not faint-hearted.

The Netherlands offers drop – a salty black licorice that catches many tourists off guard.

These foods tell stories about local traditions and survival methods from long ago.

A conclusion

From the sun-drenched Mediterranean to the crisp Nordic regions, European food culture offers an incredible journey for your taste buds.

Fish in Greece

While some dishes might challenge your culinary comfort zone, each recipe tells a story of tradition, innovation, and local pride that’s been centuries in the making.

Remember, the best way to experience European cuisine is to embrace both the familiar and unfamiliar.

Gelato in Italy

Whether you’re savoring a perfect Italian gelato or bravely sampling Swedish surströmming, every bite adds to your understanding of this diverse and delicious continent.

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Europe's best and worst food

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