Best Street Food in Europe | Foodie Travel Bucket List
Travel and food go hand in hand ! And the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! – Having said that, here’s a list that I’ve curated about the Best Street Food Items in Europe that you need to Try on your next trip to Europe !
I’m sure that you are going to drool ( I sure did when I was compiling this ?) while going through these 25+ Yummy Street Foods from European countries like Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Hungary and others.
While I have been to some of the European nations, I have just tasted maybe 4-5 of these Street Foods, and now all I want to do, rent a car an plan an Epic Road trip to Europe, specifically to tick off all the Street Food Items listed in this Europe edition of the Foodie Travel Bucket List, such as Gyros and Souvlaki in Greece, Khachapuri in Georgia, Pierogi in Poland, Potato pancakes in Czech Republic and Poland, Waffles and Frites in Belgium, among others !
PS – Before you head to Europe and discover the Best Street Foods of Europe, as listed below, check out these 20+ Travel Hacks and Resources, that will elevate your Travel experience to a different level all together.
So if you are wondering What to Eat in Europe ?
All you need to do, is to scroll and check out these yummy and popular European Street Foods!
25+ Street Food in Europe that You Need To Try
Contents
Balik Ekmek in Istanbul
By Anca and Sinan | Dream Book and Travel
Without a doubt, the Bosphorus is what makes Istanbul tick, a unique destination uniting two continents and millennia of human history. Assume you were to only see one place in Istanbul, that will definitely be the Galata bridge, across the Golden Horn. It links two of the city’s oldest districts and it is lined with traditional fishermen boats which sell the most famous street food in all Istanbul – the fish sandwich, also known as balık ekmek.
Prepared on the spot, with fresh fish straight out of the Bosphorus grilled on the spot and seasoned in a bread bun with vegetables, this is the best snack to warm you up on a cold winter in Istanbul together with a hot glass of Turkish tea. If it’s summer, go for pomegranate or apple drinks, and don’t be surprised if you’ll rub shoulders with businessmen on their lunch break or women on a break from running errands.
Balık ekmek is not there just for the tourists, it’s as popular with locals who appreciate the fresh flavors of the city they love just as much as you will!
As the price of one sandwich is below one euro, you will probably be able to get like 4 for the price of a Starbucks latte, so don’t hesitate to go back for more! Enjoy!
Banichka and Kifla in Bulgaria
By Alexandrina Nikolova | EarthOSea
The cuisine in Bulgaria is one of the most delicious in Europe and is definitely a must-try. Thus, while you are spending some time in Bulgaria, you should definitely try fast food too. Among the best street options for traditional Bulgarian foods are the Banichka (Banitsa) and the Kifla.
The Banichka is a traditional Bulgarian salt pie made with a special type of phyllo dough and Bulgarian white cheese. In addition to that, you can get Boza, which is a wheat sour drink that is usually drank by locals while eating Banichka. The Banichka can be found in every bakery or street food stand and varies in types. The price of the Banichka is half the price of a Starbucks coffee and is absolutely worth the try!
The Kifla is another traditional street food in Bulgaria that is definitely worth the try. It is made out of nice puffy dough and is usually filled with rosehip marmalade, but you can also get it with chocolate or other types of marmalade. Thus, if you are craving something sweet you should definitely try it out! Also, it is not expensive and usually costs half the price of a Starbucks coffee.
Belgian Waffles
By Bhushavali | My Travelogue by Bhushavali
Did you know there are 2 very different types of waffles within Belgium namely Brussels Waffles and Liège Waffles?
While Brussels waffles are lighter, thinner and are a perfect rectangle, Liege waffles are thicker, chewier and have uneven & caramelized edges!!! Though they’re named after 2 cities, you will get both types of waffles in all the cities! Quite amusingly, the very busy waffle kiosks close to the very busy tourist spots of Brussels – Grand Place & Mannekin Pis – are actually Liege waffles!
You can have the waffles plain or customize them with a gazillion toppings including whipped cream, icecream, fruit slices, syrups and more. My personal suggestion – skip ice cream on it – waffles are meant to be had warm and ice cream topping spoils the temperature and flavour of it! Best place & time would be a hot afternoon sitting down at Grand Place! The fresh, plain waffles cost €2, the ones with all the toppings go upto €6-7! Pre-packed waffles are available in most super-markets. While they are great souvenirs, they don’t even come close to the freshly prepared ones, right out of the waffle iron!
Bocadillo de jamón in Spain
By Inma Gregorio | A World To Travel
One of the things Spain is most famous for is Serrano ham.
Born and raised in this country, I have eaten Serrano ham from a young age in multiple ways, with melon, alone, with olive oil, in small squares with pasta or pizza, with peas, and many other ways. But perhaps the most common way to eat this delicacy is as part of a simple ham sandwich.
The Museo del Jamón chain of establishments – which can be found in some of the most central squares, avenues and streets of Madrid, the capital – knows this well. Thus, they have created a pack of 1 sandwich and 1 can of soda for € 2.5.
But you don’t have to go there to enjoy it. In any of the 17 Spanish regions, it is very easy to get the two main ingredients, bread, and ham, in a supermarket. The kg of ham is around € 15 to € 60 (depending on its age, how the pigs were fed, and the general quality of the product) but you will only need around 100 grams; and a good loaf of bread can be purchased for € 1. Enjoy!
Boquerones in Southern Spain
By Joanna | Andalucia In My Pocket
Boquerones is Malaga’s most famous dish. No matter how you have them, boquerones have deep roots into the city’s culture, as far as the locals proudly call themselves by this name.
Boqueron, in translation, means anchovy. However, they are not what you would imagine when you think of an anchovy. Boquerones are bigger and fleshier fish, that grow between 9 and 12 centimetres long and are cooked from fresh and not preserved as their relatives do.
Everywhere you go in Malaga you will find boquerones: in the form of espetos – grilled on a skewer over an open fire, boquerones al limon – marinated in lemon and then deep fried, boquerones en vinagre – marinated in vinegar for 24 hours and served raw.
There is no complete holiday in Spain without having boquerones on the beach, accompanying a cold pint of beer. They are relatively cheap, with espetos costing between 5 and 7 euros, and a tapa of fried boquerones costing around 3-5 euros. There are some places in Malaga where you can even get them for 2 euros.
Bramborák in the Czech Republic
By Veronika Primm | Travel Geekery
Bramborák is one of the most typical dishes of the Czech Republic, and one of the best street foods in Europe. Essentially a potato pancake, it consists of only a few ingredients and is not hard to make, just a little laborsome.
Bramborák is often sold at markets as popular street food. To have just one as a hearty snack is often a preferred way to making the potato pancakes at home and eating a plateful of them.
The best bramboráks should not be too oily, have crisp edges and a soft center. They have to be made from quality potatoes and smell of marjoram and garlic.
The price can be anything from a few crowns in villages to a 100 CZK and more in cities (especially Prague), even surpassing the price of a tall cappuccino at Starbucks. The price is often counted by weight.
Similar types of potato pancakes can be found in the whole Central and Eastern Europe and parts of Germany.
Cevapi in Serbia
By Mark Anderson | VogaTech
If you find yourself in Serbia, but also in the entire Balkans, and ask the locals which street food to try, you will most likely get the answer cevapi!
Every chef has his own unique recipe and way of preparation, which makes his cevapi different and special. Generally, cevapi are made from pure beef or a mixture of beef and lamb or pork. The meat is finely minced and spiced with salt, ground pepper, and other spices. Then, it is shaped into rolls 8-10 cm long. It is grilled on BBQ over moderate heat to keep the meat juicy.
In a portion, there are 5 or 10 cevapi served in a bun or somun (specially prepared flatbread) with traditional side dishes such as onions, crushed peppers, and kajmak. But, it will also offer you other side dishes such as french fries, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, ketchup, sour cream, and others. Cevapi are very tasteful and juicy if you travel to Serbia, it’s must-taste street food.
The price of a small portion of cevapi (5 pcs) is about 250-300 rsd, which is around 2-2.2eur, similar to the price of coffee late in Starbucks.
Chimney cake in Budapest
By Krisztina Harsanyi | She Wanders Abroad
Chimney cakes are one of the most popular street food in Europe, especially in the Christmas markets. While many people associate them with Prague, chimney cakes originally come from Hungary! The first known recipe of chimney cake comes from Transylvania (West-Romania, which was also part of the Kingdom of Hungary at that time) but this recipe didn’t include any sweetening. The sweet version of chimney cake was first born in 1795 when a Hungarian recipe suggested sugar coating.
So, what is a chimney cake exactly? It’s practically a sweet dough that is rolled in granulated sugar, wrapped around a cone and roasted over charcoal. During the baking process the sugar caramelizes so the crust will become golden brown on the outside and the sweet scent of caramelized sugar will catch your nose immediately. The last stop is choosing the coating, which is totally up to you. The most popular choices are coconuts, cinnamon, walnuts or chocolate, but nowadays ice cream filled chimney cakes are becoming more and more popular.
Even if you spend only a weekend in Budapest, you should try this traditional Hungarian street food! You will find many stalls across the city selling chimney cakes all year round. The price can vary a lot as you can get a small chimney cake for 300 HUF (0.8 EUR) at the kiosks around metro stations and main squares, while you can also spend up to 1,800 HUF (5 EUR) for a full-extra chimney cake at the Christmas markets.
Cig köfte in Turkey
By Sasha | Mog and Dog Travels
If you are looking for a good vegan street food snack in Turkey, then look no further than spicy çiğ köfte to set your tastebuds alight. Originating from Eastern Turkey, this dish, according to local folklore, has apparently been enjoyed since the time of Abraham. In Turkish, çig means “raw” and köfte means “meatball”. “How on earth is that vegan?” I hear you ask. Well…
The original version of the dish was made with very finely ground beef or lamb however in 2009, the Turkish government banned the street sale of raw çiğ köfte, thereby leading to the now popular vegan version (for those still hankering after raw meaty goodness, the ‘original’ version of the dish is still served in a few specially licensed restaurants).
Çiğ köfte restaurants usually have a big burly man at the helm – no surprise when you consider the amount of physical work involved in making the dish. Bulgur wheat is kneaded into chopped onions, parsley and water until it all gets very soft. Huge dollops of tomato paste, pepper paste, red chilli flakes, urfa pepper flakes, cumin and sometimes walnuts are then added as everything continues to be kneaded until well combined.
The kneading process (which can take 30 – 90 minutes in some places) is supposed to ‘cook’ the mixture, making the end result look and taste very similar to meat. The good news is that most places have a çiğ köfte mix ready, so you won’t have to wait that long.
Currywurst in Berlin
By Vicki Franz | Vicki Viaja
One thing is clear: anyone who visits the German capital Berlin cannot leave without trying a real Berlin Currywurst. This dish is as much a part of Berlin as the Brandenburg Gate and should definitely be an integral part of every Berlin itinerary.
The Berlin currywurst can be served in two ways. You either buy them as a snack in between. Then it is served as a chopped sausage in a tomato curry sauce.
Or you can order them in a restaurant. Then there is a large German sausage, which is also served with a curry tomato sauce. Of course, there are also fries and, depending on the restaurant, a small side salad.
The price of this Berlin specialty naturally changes depending on whether it is enjoyed as a snack or as a whole meal. As a snack, you can find them in some places for less than a Starbucks coffee. In the restaurant, they are often cheaper than many other dishes (usually fewer than 10 €) – but they still fill you up entirely.
Good news for all vegetarians: By now, you can even get the famous German sausage as a veggie version in many currywurst restaurants throughout Berlin.
Frites in Belgium
By Babs and Kath | Next Stop Belgium
If there’s one thing you should know about Belgians, it’s that they absolutely love their ‘frietjes’. This potato dish known as chips or French(ed) fries exists in its ultimate version in the tiny Western-European country, where locals eat them at least once a week.
While they are often made at restaurants and at home to accompany an array of meat, fish or vegetable dishes, Belgians usually eat them straight from the ‘frietkot’. In the past those places looked like a shed/stall, but times have changed and now the golden deliciousness is mostly (but not always!) sold in a regular take-away restaurant – in Belgium known as a ‘frituur’.
We do not only eat frites though, we accompany them with a sauce of choice and some kind of deep-fried side dish (usually meat but nowadays there are many fish and vegetarian options as well).
To compare the price, a Starbucks Caffe Latte Grande will cost you €3,65 in Belgium. You can pick fries in a couple of sizes, usually setting you back between €1,50 and €2,50 for a package. Sauce will be about €0,80 and a side dish ranges from €1,50 to €4. This means you can get an entire meal for about €5-6. That’s about the same price as a McD menu, but a whole lot better!
Gyros in Greece
By Nisha Dalal | Nerdy Footsteps
Gyro is my favorite wrap sandwich that is a staple of the Greek Cuisine with a variety of meat fillings and vegetable options. It is similar to my favorite German-ized fast food, Doner Kebab.
Gyro contains meat (that could be pork, lamb, beef or chicken) that is roasted and cut into paper-thin slices. These meat slices are then piled on pita bread and topped with onions, spices, tomatoes, roasted potatoes, cayenne pepper, and tzatziki. Tzatziki is a classic greek dressing made of strained yogurt and infused with cucumber, salt, pepper, garlic, and dill.
In Greek, gyros mean to turn and it refers to the vertical meat holder than turns and roasts the meat gradually.
Fun fact: Even though Gyros are one of the most famous Greek dishes, it’s one of the most mispronounced ones as well. It is pronounced as yee-roh. The G is silent since there is no letter G in the Greek language.
I had eaten gyros before but I understood its true flavors during my short but epic trip to Thessaloniki. The best part is this amazing and filling dish costs only around 3 euros, a Starbucks small cappuccino costs more than this!
Hot dogs in Iceland
By Nisha Dalal | Nerdy Footsteps
What do you eat when you travel to one of the world’s most expensive countries? Hot dogs! As weird as it sounds, Hot dogs are Iceland’s most popular street food. Locals eat them, visitors eat them and even Bill Clinton ate them when he was in Reykjavik. You can find them in all the major streets in the capital Reykjavik.
I love the Icelandic hotdogs: grilled sausage, toasted soft bread, fried crispy onions, a mix of mustard and tomato dressing, all with the side of the stunning view of the city.
While Reykjavik city is not very budget-friendly, these hotdogs help a bit. You can get an average hotdog for about 4-5 USD, i.e. same price as a medium cappuccino in Starbucks. One of the fun facts about Iceland, aside from their cool Viking clap and Icelandic horses, is that there isn’t a Starbucks or McDonalds in their country.
Kapsalon in Netherlands and Belgium
By Lieze and Josh | Glitter Rebel
Are you looking for a nice and greasy midnight meal after all those amazing (and strong) Belgian beers? Then you will HAVE to try a ‘Kapsalon’. This amazing meal literally means ‘’hairdresser’’ in Dutch and got its weird name after Nataniël Gomes, the owner of a hair salon, would regularly ask the owners of the Turkish restaurant down the road to make this exact dish. The dish made it onto the menu of the restaurant and soon became an absolute favourite in shawarma and doner restaurants in the Netherlands and Belgium. In 2017 kapsalon even became a fan favourite in Kathmandu after a Dutch chef introduced it in the Nepalese capital.
So what is a Kapsalon I hear you ask. Well, it is a layer of perfectly cooked fries, topped with doner meat and a massive layer of cheese. This is put under a grill for a few minutes so the cheese is deliciously melted over the meat and fries. On top of all this cheesiness you will get crispy salad and tomatoes and a massive squirt of garlic sauce. That, by definition, makes it a balanced meal – no?
Anyway – this calorie bomb is one of the most amazing fast food dishes I have ever had and everyone I ever introduced to this heavenly delicious dish has fallen in love with Kapsalon. If you visit Belgium, the Netherlands or apparently even Nepal, you need to try a Kapsalon!
Khachapuri in Georgia
By Maggie Turansky | The World Was Here First
Arguably the most internationally famous dishes in Georgian cuisine also happens to be one of the best fast food dishes to eat in the country — and that is khachapuri! Khachapuri, or cheese-stuffed bread, has countless different iterations throughout Georgia but still remains one of the favourite dishes in this Eastern European nation.
Khachapuri is available almost everywhere in Georgia, from streetside bakeries to finer dining establishments. While there are many different types of khachapuri that can be found throughout the country, arguably the most notable is Adjaruli khachapuri, a boat-shaped cheese bread filled with molten cheese and topped with a golden egg yolk and a pat of butter. Hailing from the Adjara region of Western Georgia, this decadent treat can be enjoyed at divey cafes or proper restaurants throughout the country and it is always delicious.
The most common type of khachapuri that one may find in a streetside bakery, however, is khachapuri Imeruli. This iteration is a bit more simple and is simply a round bread stuffed with cheese, however, it is nonetheless completely delicious.
So if you want to experience one of the most delicious street food dishes in Europe, then head to Georgia and sample a khachapuri!
Lahmajo in Armenia
By Megan and Aram | Absolute Armenia
Lahmajo is one of the most common street foods you’ll find in Armenia and it is known as an Armenian pizza here because of its flat nature and that it contains a lot of ingredients. In other parts of the world, many will refer to it as ‘lahmacun’ or ‘Turkish pizza’.
Originating in the Middle East, lahmajo received a huge boost and movement around the world with the Armenian diaspora and food enthusiasts enjoying this simple, yet tasty treat. One of the biggest perks about ordering lahmajo is that it merely takes minutes to prepare and cook and even fewer to consume!
On lahmajo, you will find minced meat marinated with spices and herbs, parsley, and tomato sauce. Sometimes, they will even include options that contain cheese or other ingredients. To have a truly Armenian experience, enjoy lahmajo with a glass or tan (Armenian salty yogurt drink) and lemon.
Another great thing about lahmajo is the price point. In Yerevan or Gyumri, the two largest cities in Armenia, you will pay around $0.50 for one at small kiosks and bakeries. If you order in a fancier restaurant or setting, it will be about $1 for one. It truly is a must-eat fast treat when you visit Armenia!
Langoș in Transylvania
By Ana Grozea | Jaunting Trips
It’s no secret that in this part of the world, South-Eastern Europe and the Balkans – we share a lot of recipes, be it homemade or street food. And if it’s so wide spread, you know it’s good.
Langoș (langoshi) is a traditional food in Transylvania, with Hungarian roots. Due to the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this delicious street food can be found from Poland down to Bulgaria, and from Czech Republic all through Croatia, Serbia and Slovakia. However, if you come to Dracula’s land, in Transylvania, it’s one of the “must eats”.
The Langoș is made from basic ingredients: flower, yeast, salt, water or milk, fried in oil. After trekking in the Carpathian Mountains it’s the perfect snack to compensate for all that workout. The advantage of this quick delicious dish is that you can have it with either sweet or savory toppings. Of course, if you are in Transylvania, you should definitely go for sour cream and garlic. But you can add ham, graded cheese, powdered sugar or delicious homemade jams.
You can find it around most pastry shops in cities like Brașov, Sighișoara and Sibiu and it is one of the most popular street foods in local fairs and traditional or medieval festivals in Europe. Since it’s a street food, it’s also cheap. A plain one can be around 8 Ron (less than 2 euro or 2 USD) and one with toppings can go up to double that price. Basically, between a Regular and a Grande latte.
Oysters in Bordeaux
By Jennifer and Tim | Bordeaux Travel Guide
You might not think of oysters as a street food, but in Bordeaux, oysters are one of the ultimate street foods found year round. Located just 30 miles from Bordeaux, the Bassin of Arcachon is famous for its oyster production. Unlike Brittany oysters that are sold in mass commercially, the Cap Ferret oysters of the Bassin of Arcachon are only sold directly to consumers at markets throughout the department, direct at the no-frills oyster shacks that dot the Bassin, and to very few restaurants locally. That’s because there’s only around 350 oyster farms producing a small production of 10,000 oysters per year.
Cap Ferret oysters are a Bordeaux specialty, and priced typically around just 1.50€ per oyster, are a bargain at that. You won’t find the oysters exported or sold at grocery stores, but you can find oyster producers selling their fresh oysters at local markets. Take your plate of 6 oysters with a glass of white Bordeaux to one of tiny tables set up to enjoy the oysters at. Typically at markets a plate of 6 oysters and a glass of white Bordeaux is just 6€ and Jennifer and Tim of Bordeaux Travel Guide say you’ll definitely feel like a local indulging in this Bordeaux tradition.
Paella in Spain
By Manjulika Pramod
No trip to Spain is complete without digging into Paella. It is one of the oldest and most popular dishes in Spanish cuisine. I definitely knew about Paella before traveling to Spain but I learned about it more when I visited Valencia and Ibiza. My first tryst with Paella had taken place in a culinary fest (Sunday Farmers Market) in Johannesburg but I am not sure if I liked it. But what I ate in Valencia, the place which deserves all the credit for inventing the dish, was definitely worth remembering. I relished every bite of it. Though the rice is quite different to what we eat in India, the charm lies in the stock, the grain variety and the way of preparation.
The metal pan or “paellera”, in which Paella is made, is made from iron (cast iron preferred) or polished steel. It was interesting to learn that Paella gets its name from the vessel (wide, shallow traditional flat pan) in which it is prepared and served too. Paella is actually not about single serves but its is about many people eating together. So its very important to order your Paella as per the number of people who would be eating. At good restaurants, its might cost you somewhere between 20 to 35 Euros per head for a Paella meal without wine. Paella is not just staple food of Spain but street food too. It is available everywhere and one can relish it in its many recipes. One need not get confused about the variety and must go for it at 2-3 places. Every chef in Valencia has a story to tell when it comes to Paella, so you will not be disappointed.
A classic Paella is about simple and traditional flavors. The Sea food paella seems to be popular at most of the places but originally Valencia claims that it was originally cooked with rice and meat. And don’t you worry because you do get a vegetarian version too. Also, Paella has different tastes in different cities of Spain. What I ate in Ibiza was different than in Valencia but both were good.
Panelle in Sicily, Italy
Contributed by Wendy Werneth | The Nomadic Vegan
Panelle is a ubiquitous street food snack that you will find all over the streets of Sicily, and especially in the city of Palermo. It’s quite a regional specialty, though, so if you go looking for it in other parts of Italy you’ll probably be disappointed. Panelle is made from a dough of chickpea flour, which is seasoned, fried and cut into squares. Since chickpeas have their origins in the Middle East, it’s believed that they were introduced to Sicily when Muslims conquered the island in the 9th century AD.
Vegetarians and vegans traveling to Italy will be happy to know that panelle is one of many vegan Italian street food snacks. The reason it’s my favorite is because it’s vegan yet also quite filling and full of protein. Sometimes you’ll see a slice of panelle stuffed into a bread roll and eaten as a sandwich. My favorite place to eat panelle is at the is Rosticceria Palermitana da Andrea, a little hole-in-the-wall eatery in the town of Noto.
Panzerotti in Southern Italy
By Susanne | My Golden Pear
Panzerotti are not only a popular street food in southern Italy, these deliciously filled, deep-fried dumplings are a statement and art, especially in Campania and Puglia where they are available in every corner. The otherwise already picky Italians are especially picky when it comes to this. And, of course Mama’s Panzerotti are the best!
These handmade, palm-sized delicacies are filled with mozzarella and tomato, with cime di rape or seafood. But also other creations are available in the Panifici. The ones filled with sweet chickpea purée are particularly interesting. Choose one from the display cabinet, take it and eat it immediately and warm while standing or sitting. Freshly deep-fried Panzerotti should be left to cool down a bit because the inside is extremely hot.
Pro Tip: Make sure you take several napkins with you. The delicious filling likes to drip out.
Depending on its size, a Panzerotto is a whole meal and very filling. With prices between 1,50€ and 3€ you are well fed. Order a cafe for 90 cents afterwards and you are happy! Guaranteed!
Patatas Bravas in Spain
By Jiayi Wang | The Diary of a Nomad
One of my favourite European dishes is patatas bravas from Spain. It’s a very popular tapas dish that consists of fried potatoes cut into irregular cubes and served warm with a spicy tomato sauce. While it originated in Madrid, you can find it in restaurants and tapas bars all over Spain, especially in Seville. It usually costs around €5 (in comparison, a cup of coffee costs around €1.50 in Spain).
One thing I love about patatas bravas is that it’s so simple, you can easily make it at home when you’re missing Spanish food! All you need are potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, sugar, paprika, and chili powder. Once you’ve roasted the potatoes, you just need to mix everything else in a boiling pan to create the sauce. Not only is this dish very filling, it’s also super flavorful — imaging french fries with ketchup, but a lot classier and tastier. So next time you visit Spain, specially Seville, make sure to give patatas bravas a try!
Piadina in Italy
By Giulia | Travelling Sunglasses
There are so many delicious dishes to try in the region of Emilia-Romagna, in Northern Italy. However, it is safe to state that “piadina” is an institution. When travelling to Bologna, to Rimini, and any city in between, make sure you taste this traditional Italian street food.
Piadina is a flat disc of bread, very thin in some cities and thicker in others. The piadina is warmed up, folded in half, and filled with different ingredients, such as cold cuts, cheese and vegetables.
While the classics are certainly reliable, such as prosciutto ham and mozzarella, make sure you explore some of the local delicacies, such as the salty “porchetta” ham or bresaola, grilled vegetables, aged or smoked cheeses.
The traditional piadina is filled with prosciutto crudo (you may know it as Parma ham), a soft cheese called squacquerone, and rocket salad. It’s the perfect combination of salty, fresh and bitter flavors. Just thinking about it makes me crave it!
A piadina costs between 4 and 7 EUR, depending on the ingredients and on the location of the restaurant.
Pierogi in Poland
By Debjani | The Vagabong
Pierogi is the best street food in Poland. In fact, these are the tasty little dumplings that originated mainly from Poland and is fairly popular in Eastern Europe. Once, in Poland, you can find pierogi of different varieties and fillings. They are super easily available and are very cheap.
Pierog is generally semi-circular dumplings made of dough and is filled with plenty of choices like chicken, pork, soya, tofu or sometimes you may get to taste chocolate-filled Pierogi as well.
In fact, tourists are spoilt for choice for places to try pierogi and there are endless types of Pierogi to sample. Polish dishes are often difficult to understand but pierogi could be a safer option to choose from. A plate of pierogi generally cost from 3-5 Euros depending on the place you are having.
Infact, Pierogi in Poland is as similar to Tapas food in Spain or Enchiladas in Mexico.
Placki Ziemniaczane in Poland
By Reshma | The Solo Globetrotter
Potato Pancakes, called in Polish as Placki Ziemniaczane or Placki Kartoflane are one of the famous dishes in Poland. Although it has now become a popular fast food item, Potato Pancakes is a traditional Polish dish from Mazovia region, which originated as a substitute for meat for Catholics who cooked them on Fridays.
Gradually, the recipe of these delicious pancakes spread far and wide, with people developing various forms of these Pancakes. The Jews in Poland and Europe prepare Latkes, which is a type of Placki.
I tasted them first at Poznan, which was one of my day trips from Warsaw, and I completely fell in love with the dish. No wonder, I had them many times after that, throughout my journey, every day. The are not only delicious, but far better than plain pancakes. Also, the portion size is large and filling for one, especially as they are usually served with sour cream.
They are available everywhere in Poland, with the cheapest and the best ones in Milk Bars, where a plate of Potato Pancakes will cost you less than 3 or 4 Euros. You can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and you will feel energized for a long time! Also, better to have them with Borscht(Clear Beetroot soup).
Souvlaki in Athens
By Chrysoula | Athens and Beyond
Souvlaki is a classic street food option in Athens and all over Greece that comprises tender meat cooked on a skewer and either served on a stick with sides or in a heartily-filled pita as a gyros (pronounced “year-os”). This meat is juicy and delicious with little crispy bits that have been left to cook a little longer, and when it’s served ‘apo ola’ (with everything) it comes with tzatziki, tomato, onions and fries all wrapped up in a fluffy pita. This makes for a tasty, cheap and cheerful lunch, that comes in at just €3-3.50 in Athens and even cheaper on the islands.
There are souvlaki restaurants and takeaways all over Athens so you’ll never have to search far to find yummy gyros and they’re perfect for those strapped for time or cash! I would suggest sitting down to eat your souvlaki though, as they can be a little tricky to eat on-the-go without getting tzatziki all over your face!
Tortilla de Patatas in Spain
By Sabine and Sean | The Travelling Chilli
Tapas bars are not just places to eat, but also an integral part of Spanish culture where you will often find large, loud groups of families and friends, and that’s without the music. You will be hard pressed to pass through any Spanish city, town or village and not find a tapas bar. Spanish tapas are little plates of various finger foods which are a classic Spanish food dish that is usually accompanied by some kind of refreshment, such as soft drink, beer or wine. 2×4 tapas plus a whole bottle of wine can set you back about as much as a single large cup of coffee at Starbucks.
One of the most common tapas is ‘tortilla de patatas’. This classic Spanish omelette is filled with a scrumptious, gooey potato and onion mix and is cut into little squares and served on French baguette which makes it really easy to eat as finger food.
What I like most about tapas is they can constitute as a full meal if you have enough of them, and considering the variety on offer, eating out at a Spanish tapas bar is one of my favourite all-round experiences when visiting Spain.
Zapiekanka in Poland
By Deeptha Doshi | The Globe Trotter
There’s nothing not to like about this Polish street food. Zapiekanka is an open-faced sandwich (usually made with plain baguette cut lengthwise) topped with sautéed white mushrooms and a generous helping of cheese. It is served hot with ketchup and is one of the best street foods in Poland!
Zapiekanka has its origins in the austere times Poland faced in the 1970s when even the most basic ingredients were difficult to come by. And it is popular even today and is available across Poland, Krakow being the hub where you will find a Zapiekanka stall in almost every major street. You cannot miss it. A stop at a Zapiekanka stall is also included in most food tours in Krakow.
While the recipe remains the same across vendors, there can be a slight variation with some vendors using additional ingredients (meat, pickled cucumbers, olives etc.) and sauces (BBQ sauce, Garlic sauce).
Zapienkanka is hearty, filling and cheap making it one of the best street foods in Poland. The price ranges between 1-2 Euros depending on the toppings. Don’t forget to try it when you visit Poland.
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