European Cuisine: A Food Tour of Epic Portions

“European cuisine,” a restaurant sign said.  European cuisine???  What European cuisine?  European cuisine is as diverse as its languages, landscapes, and histories. We can’t simply lump them into a homogenous continental taste. So, in this post, we’ll embark on a culinary journey through the continent, exploring the rich flavours that make European food so extraordinary. And if you behave, dear reader, I may even suggest some culinary food itineraries. This way, you can eat, pray, love your way through the deliciousness.  You’re welcome!  Disclaimer: Europe is a vast continent with countless regional variations. This post is just a starting point for your culinary exploration. So please, get curious. This post is also limited to where I have travelled to/ food I have explored. There’s obviously soooo much more. And I am also highly biased. Potato & Beer Europe Although every country in the world has it’s own quirks, it’s clear that there is a very obvious culinary divide on the European continent.  On social media, it’s been called the potato/ tomato divide. I’ve also heard it being called the beer/ wine divide. It also follows the weather (grim/ sunny), and a language divide (Germanic, Latin). IYKYK.  We’re going to first look at the potato/ beer/ grim weather/ Germanic European cuisine first.  Vegans, turn away NOW!  German Cuisine is (Not?) the Wurst A giant schnitzel with a meagre side salad When I visited Germany nearly 10 years ago, the food was NOT something I enjoyed. As a long-time vegetarian, I was a little annoyed that even the French fries came with ham bits and were fried in animal fat.  But I was pleasantly surprised on a work trip to Berlin a couple of years back where I found a wide variety of fun, delicious eating spots in the vibrant city. Unfortunately, as a vegetarian, none of these spots offered traditional German cuisine.  German food is still heavily meat-based. Schnitzel, the endless variations on the wurst sausages, pork and chicken dishes dominate the main meals. I cannot attest to their deliciousness, but it does look very hearty (if not a little heart-attack-y).  Beyond boiled vegetables, there are some German–vegetarian options, like the German-version of mac-and-cheese: käsespätzle. German baked goods are also delicious. They have many gorgeous dark breads, yummy cakes, and, of course, it’s the home of the pretzel (vegan!). For vegetarian versions of German cuisine, check out Forsters in Berlin. You’re welcome! British Pub Grub A Beef Wellington with a Degree from Oxford I detest “chip shops” and old-style pubs (including every Weatherspoons I’ve ever been to). They’re smelly, dusty and dark. Or worse, lit with operating-table fluorescent lights and reeking of cheap oil. The food at these places is also generally quite hit-and-miss. And more often than not, a greasy miss. Thankfully, a sub-group of British cuisine has evolved significantly from the traditional pub grub.  Introducing: the gastropub. These are pubs that serve high-quality food, and often offer a better ambiance, too.  Gastropubs create delicious, modern takes on British classics like the shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, and various pies.  And the wonderful thing about the UK is that they cater very well to a variety of diets. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, nut-free… you’ll find something delicious for everyone.  The one thing I don’t mess with in the UK?  Traditional British desserts.  Be it the scones, sticky toffee pudding, or the god-awful Christmas cake that Brits like to set on fire, it’s a “no” from me. I’ll eat everything else, though.  Except for the black pudding. (It’s made from congealed blood). Swiss Cheese & Chocolate The Swiss Win Potato European Cuisine with the Cheese Fondue Now, if I had to live anywhere in Potato Europe and settle for only having that specific European cuisine my whole life, I would choose Switzerland.  I would, however, be cheating.  Because Switzerland is Potato and Tomato Europe fused into one ball of deliciousness.  You have the Alpine lamb dishes, hearty stews, and cheese pies. (Yup, that gorgeous Swiss cheese with the holes). And you have the lovely dishes from their French side, including raclette and fondue.  And if that isn’t enough, there’s an Italian speaking area of Switzerland, too. So, hello Risotto and pasta!  And don’t forget dessert. Swiss chocolate. Swiss rolls. Swiss meringue. All the cakes and pastries… *salivates* Switzerland really has it all.  Belgium: Half Potato, Half Tomato Second only to Switzerland, I’d choose Belgium.  Half potato and beer, half tomato and wine, Belgium is a delicious blend of culinary traditions from all across European cuisine.   Think of Belgian fries to Belgian chocolates to Belgian waffles to Belgian beer… yes, it’s ALL delicious! (By the way, what we think of as “French fries” are actually Belgian. Just erroneously named by American soldiers during one of the world wars). So if you’re looking to sample different cuisines and cultures without leaving one country, go to Belgium. You’ll find French, Dutch, and Flemmish traditions, all with numerous tasty treats to offer a food tourist. Czech Beer & Dumplings Beer is Cheaper than Water in Czechia… I went to Prague, and honestly cannot remember anything I ate.  This might be because the beer was cheaper than water. Tasty, light, and so diverse! Czech beer is some of the best in the world.  But if you are looking for something to help you hold your alcohol down, you can check out their dumplings (knedlíky) and some of their stews.  People have told me that Czech food is comfort food.  And maybe it is.  I just don’t remember much of anything from my trip to Prague. Except for the beer and a very scary Russian man at the bar… Tomato & Wine Europe Tomato Europe, or southern European cuisine. Yessss.  The Mediterranean diet is as yummy as it is healthy (in moderation!). It’s also made for slow eating among friends and family. I’ve spent a good amount of time in France, Spain, and Italy. Our family is currently living in Portugal.  If you’re looking for fun, sun, and yum, Tomato Europe is your jam. Ze French: Oui, oui, mais ouias… Apéro: A French Pre-Drinks with Cheese,