A vacation on European cruises presents you with a lot of experiences- scenic coastlines, heritage cities, and dynamic culture. But if you are a food lover, then you must be eagerly awaiting the opportunity to indulge in some of the world’s most diverse and renowned cuisine.
From tasty Mediterranean to decadent Danube, each port of the cruise shall provide new opportunities to taste local fare. And we’ll take you through some of the musts in all the places you might be dropping anchor at on this cruise.
So tie on your apron and turn your sea voyage into an epicurean adventure.
Italy
The land of pasta and pizza will fill the dreams of every foodie
- Out of Rome streets comes pizza al taglio, which is made of fresh, local ingredients.
- You need to try cacio e pepe and the delicious pasta carbonara. You can enjoy it in a cafe or a top-shelf restaurant and have an espresso alongside.
- You will find traditional Italian Gelato in a neighborhood parlor rather than a tourist gimmick of bright colors used in the ice cream.
- Indulge in Venetian wine with cicchetti and arancini while in Sicily.
France
The moment you arrive berthed in Marseille, you are already in quintessential French cuisine territory.
- The highlight of this region is bouillabaisse, a thick fish stew, and Boeuf Bourguignon, an excellent beef stew.
- For lighter meals, enjoy Quiche Lorraine or Moules Marinières.
- If you are courageous, try Escargot or snails in parsley and butter.
- Head down to the cafes for croissants, pastries, filled crepes, lattes, etc.
- You should also taste the native wines, Marseille boasts famous rosés, whites of Cassis and reds of Bandol.
- If you get an opportunity to taste authentic, world-famous French wines like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, try them as well.
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Spain
European cruises will make a port of call in Barcelona, where Catalan culture is blended with Mediterranean cuisine.
- Food is characterized by the Spanish tapas culture- small plates where you are served small amounts of many different types of local cuisine.
- Try street favourites like patatas bravas, bocadillos, and churros con chocolate.
- Sips of vermouth are a necessity in the city as you relish local Catalan seafood like Suquet de Peix and Gambas al Ajillo.
- Spanish delicacies like Paella and Jamon Iberico are readily available.
- Indulge in local dishes, like Crema Catalana, Escalivada, Fideua, etc.
Greece
The vibrant Greek food, with homemade breads, fresh local raw materials, will win your heart.
- Start your meal with a Greek salad and fried cheese called saganaki.
- Then come the moussaka, spanakopita, and Aegean slow-cooked lamb.
- On the street, the essentials are gyros and souvlaki.
- For dessert, have the delicious baklava.
- Try out Greek wine and local spirits like Ouzo and Raki as well.
Austria
Being a nation with a rich culinary past, you will have a taste of different food and drinks in the city.
- Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte in Vienna are a must-try.
- You will discover favorite dishes like Knodel (dumpling), Apfelstrudel (pie), and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) anywhere.
- Austria has a huge beer culture, so tasting house specialty beers from taverns should be on your bucket list.
- Better-known wines like Riesling and Grüner, as well as Schnapps, are worth all the publicity, too.
Scandinavia
Those cold Scandinavian countries way up north have some unique flavors to share.
- Pickled herring is a Scandinavian favorite, and there are many types.
- Cured and smoked salmon are also very famous dishes, especially favored in Norway.
- Rich warm meat preparation in cold is always comforting. Get used to the game meats, like reindeer and elk, that are a common feature in stews, steaks. Surprising, perhaps, but when would you ever have such a chance again?
- You might have had some attempts at Swedish meatballs, but the genuine ones cannot be substituted.
- Scandinavian craft beers are a delight with meals.
- Akvavit, caraway-flavoured spirit, is a specialty drink you should give a try here.
Wherever you land while on the cruise, you will find a multitude of local food, drinks, and desserts. If the experiences get too overwhelming, you can always find familiar food on board. But give in to the experience and enjoy your fullest in this exceptional journey.
