Europe

Bavarian cream, or crème bavaroise, is a custard enriched with whipped cream and solidified with gelatin. Garnished with sweet sauce and fruits, this delicacy can be prepared in many flavors like coffee, fruit, chocolate etc.  Although the origins of Bavarian cream are quite unclear, It is believed to belong to both Germany and France. It …

Casu Marzu is a traditional Sardinian sheep milk cheese that comprises of living insect larvae (commonly known as maggots). It is considered to be one of the most unusual dishes in the world. Beginning with the creation of Pecorino cheese, Casu Marzu is prepared by exceeding the typical process of fermentation until the cheese is …

La Dame Blanche is a sweet Belgian dessert prepared with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and a warm melted chocolate sauce. The chocolate sauce is prepared using chocolate, cream and butter. La Dame Blanche is similar to the famous American sundae or the Coupe Dänemark in Germany and Switzerland. History & Cultural Significance La Dame …

Bulgaria is a country in South East Europe, uniquely positioned to benefit from the influences of the Mediterranean, Turkey and Eastern Europe. With a long coastline on the Black Sea, Bulgaria is known for its beaches, ski resorts and its traditional folk music and dances. Of course, with such a rich variety of influences, Bulgaria …

Pommes Frites is a Belgian dish prepared using Bintje potatoes and is most often served as a side dish or snack. It is famously known throughout the world as French fries. Also known as Pataten or Frieten in Belgium, pommes frites are prepared by slicing the potatoes lengthways and then deep-frying them in ox or …

Belonging to the Belgian cuisine, Jambon d’Ardenne is a cured meat product. This cured meat is made in the Wallonian provinces of Luxembourg, Liege and Namur. In order to prepare Jambon d’Ardenne, the ham is dry-salted first and left to rest for 14 days before being immersed into brine. Immersion of ham into the brine …

Czech Republic is a country nestled in the heart of Europe, neighboring Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia. Previously known as Bohemia, the Czech Republic is known for its historic castles, its bustling capital Prague, its beer and of course its cuisine. Most Popular Czech Dishes Czech cuisine has much in common with Eastern European gastronomy, …

Bublanina is a Czech soft cake made of eggs, sugar, butter, flour, and different kinds of fruits including cherries, blueberries, strawberries, apricots and fragrant plums and pears. The word “Bublanina” derives from the Czech word meaning bubble. It is possibly because the batter bubbles up around the fruit which is how the dessert got its …

Blutwurst are a type of German sausage prepared from pigs blood, milk (sometimes with the addition of cream), fat, onions, salt, pepper, nutmeg, marjoram and cinnamon. The specific ingredients of the dish can vary from region to region. The main characteristic of this Blutwurst is its signature reddish color. Blood sausage is a common ingredient …

Hungarian food has a lot of similarities with other Eastern European countries in that meat, potatoes, vegetables, cheeses, soups and stews are common staples. With a climate that sometimes necessitates keeping warm, especially in the winter, hearty meals of meat, veg and potatoes have become a tradition. Most Popular Hungarian Dishes Hungarian food can be …

Albania is situated in the Western part of the Balkans with a coastline on the Mediterranean sea. Bordering Greece and being of such close proximity to Italy, it is no wonder that Albanian cuisine is inspired by traditional Mediterranean flavors and those of neighboring Balkan states. Most Popular Albanian Dishes Individual regions within Albania each …

Bombardino is an Italian alcoholic cocktail which is typically prepared with egg liqueur, cream and whiskey (or rum or brandy). It is among the most popular winter cocktails in the world.  Thanks to the warm temperature at which it is served and the alcohol content, the bombardino is a great relief on cold winter days. …

Presskopf is a German sausage that is cooked in a broth containing various animal parts and internal organs. Pork meat, heart, blood, muscle meat, rinds and calf or pork head meat are common ingredients. This sets up into gelatin and is often called aspic (jelly like consistency) or terrine. It is usually flavored with onion, …

Rigo Jancsi, also known as the Hungarian Chocolate Mousse Cake, is a cube-shaped, two-layered chocolate pastry named after late gypsy violinist Rigo Jancsi.  As with all the other pastries, it requires skills along with various ingredients for its preparation. However, the savory scrumptious taste serves as the most perfect outcome one could ask for. History …

Pisto Manchego is a classic Spanish dish prepared from garden vegetables with tomato and pepper as its base. Owing to its similarity with its French counterpart, the dish is also famously known as the Manchego ratatouille. The Pisto does not require a lot of oil in its preparation, making it a very healthy and low-calorie …

Finland is known to be the happiest country in the world. Because of that, it is a growing travel destination in the Nordic region as many people are drawn to both the landscapes and the exquisite Finnish cuisine. Most Popular Finishes Dishes Other than being the happiest country, Finns are also known for being passionate …

Hallongrotta is a traditional Swedish butter cookie with a hole on top filled with raspberry jam. These sweet pastries are a popular holiday treat throughout Sweden, best paired with coffee, tea or simply eaten on their own. Origin & Cultural Significance The Swedish term Hallongrotta, hallongrottor in its plural form, means raspberry cave. It was …

Makowiec (or poppy seed roll) is a Polish dessert made of a yeast dough that is rolled over with a poppy seed filling containing ground poppy seed, butter, sugar, honey, raisins and walnuts. Makowiec is traditionally served during the Christmas season but is also enjoyed by many all year round. Origin & Cultural Significance Makowiec …