Our guide on the most Popular Dishes To Try In Europe and where to find them for your next trip.
Europe is home to a wide variety of world-famous dishes, each representing the unique flavors and traditions of different countries. Whether you’re a foodie looking to try iconic dishes or simply want to taste the local favorites, here’s a travel guide to the most popular dishes in Europe, their prices, and where to find them.
Europe offers an incredible diversity of dishes, each reflecting the unique culinary traditions of its regions. From the rich cheeses of Switzerland to the fresh seafood of Spain and the hearty stews of Hungary, you can find a variety of flavors to suit any palate.
Prices vary depending on the location and type of restaurant, but these popular dishes are often quite affordable, allowing travelers to sample local food without overspending.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick souvlaki in Athens or enjoying a leisurely paella in Valencia, make sure to seek out these iconic dishes to enhance your European travel experience.
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Most Popular Dishes To Try In Europe
1. Pizza Margherita (Italy)
Why Try It: Originating from Naples, the Pizza Margherita is the essence of simplicity—made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. This classic Neapolitan pizza is a must-try for any traveler in Italy.
Where to Find It: Naples, Italy, especially at historic pizzerias like Da Michele or Sorbillo.
Price: €6-€12 depending on the pizzeria and size.
2. Croissants (France)
Why Try It: A freshly baked croissant, flaky on the outside and buttery on the inside, is a quintessential French breakfast item. Pair it with a coffee for a simple yet indulgent treat.
Where to Find It: Paris, France, at bakeries like Du Pain et des Idées or Boulangerie Poilâne.
Price: €1.50-€3 depending on the bakery.
3. Schnitzel (Austria)
Why Try It: A Wiener Schnitzel is a traditional Austrian dish made from a thin, breaded, and fried veal or pork cutlet, often served with potatoes or a side salad.
Where to Find It: Vienna, Austria, at restaurants like Figlmüller or Plachutta.
Price: €15-€25, depending on the restaurant.
4. Paella (Spain)
Why Try It: This famous Spanish rice dish is traditionally made with a variety of ingredients like seafood, chicken, rabbit, saffron, and vegetables. The most authentic paella comes from the region of Valencia.
Where to Find It: Valencia, Spain, at restaurants like Casa Roberto or La Pepica.
Price: €15-€30 per person, depending on the seafood and portion size.
5. Moules-Frites (Belgium)
Why Try It: A delicious dish of mussels cooked in white wine, garlic, and herbs, served with a side of crispy fries. Moules-Frites is a Belgian classic, particularly popular in seaside towns.
Where to Find It: Brussels, Belgium, at brasseries like Chez Léon or La Roue d’Or.
Price: €15-€25 per serving.
6. Fish and Chips (United Kingdom)
Why Try It: A staple of British cuisine, fish and chips consists of battered and fried white fish (usually cod or haddock) served with thick-cut fries. It’s often accompanied by malt vinegar or tartar sauce.
Where to Find It: London, United Kingdom, at fish and chip shops like The Golden Hind or Poppies.
Price: £10-£20, depending on the location and portion size.
7. Goulash (Hungary)
Why Try It: This hearty Hungarian stew is made with beef, vegetables, and paprika. It’s both comforting and flavorful, perfect for cold weather or a satisfying lunch.
Where to Find It: Budapest, Hungary, at traditional restaurants like Hungarikum Bistro or Menza.
Price: HUF 2,000-4,000 (€6-€12).
8. Bratwurst and Sauerkraut (Germany)
Why Try It: Grilled bratwurst sausages served with tangy sauerkraut are a classic German dish, especially popular during Oktoberfest and in street food markets across the country.
Where to Find It: Munich, Germany, at beer gardens like Augustiner-Keller or Hofbräuhaus.
Price: €8-€15 per serving, depending on the location.
9. Herring (The Netherlands)
Why Try It: Fresh Dutch herring is a local delicacy often eaten raw, with onions and pickles. It’s a unique taste experience and a popular street food in the Netherlands.
Where to Find It: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, at herring stands like Stubbe’s Haring.
Price: €3-€5 per herring.
10. Raclette (Switzerland)
Why Try It: A Swiss dish where melted raclette cheese is scraped onto boiled potatoes, pickles, and cured meats. It’s perfect for winter meals in the Alps.
Where to Find It: Zermatt or Geneva, Switzerland, at restaurants like Walliserkanne or Les Armures.
Price: CHF 20-CHF 35 (€18-€32), depending on the portion and accompaniments.
11. Souvlaki (Greece)
Why Try It: Souvlaki consists of skewered and grilled meat (usually pork or chicken) served in a pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. It’s one of Greece’s most famous street foods.
Where to Find It: Athens, Greece, at souvlaki stands like Kostas or O Thanasis.
Price: €3-€6 for a pita wrap.
12. Smørrebrød (Denmark)
Why Try It: Smørrebrød are open-faced sandwiches, often topped with a variety of ingredients such as fish, meats, cheese, and vegetables, served on rye bread. These Danish sandwiches are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Where to Find It: Copenhagen, Denmark, at restaurants like Restaurant Schønnemann or Aamanns.
Price: DKK 75-150 (€10-€20), depending on the toppings.
13. Papas Arrugadas (Spain – Canary Islands)
Why Try It: These “wrinkled potatoes” are a Canarian specialty, boiled in heavily salted water and served with mojo rojo or mojo verde sauce. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s popular in the Canary Islands.
Where to Find It: Tenerife or Gran Canaria, Spain, at local restaurants like El Calderito de la Abuela or Casa Tabaiba.
Price: €5-€10 per serving.
14. Pierogi (Poland)
Why Try It: Pierogi are traditional Polish dumplings stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, potatoes, meat, or mushrooms, and can be boiled or fried. They’re a beloved comfort food in Poland.
Where to Find It: Kraków, Poland, at pierogi spots like Pierogarnia Krakowiacy or Przystanek Pierogarnia.
Price: PLN 15-25 (€4-€6) per serving.
15. Fondue (Switzerland)
Why Try It: Fondue is a famous Swiss dish where melted cheese is served in a communal pot, and diners dip bread, potatoes, or vegetables into it. It’s a social meal perfect for winter.
Where to Find It: Lucerne or Geneva, Switzerland, at restaurants like Chäsalp or Le Chalet Suisse.
Price: CHF 25-CHF 40 (€23-€37) per person.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.