7 European Flavours Worth Adding to Your List

1. Goulash – Hungary

No European flavour list is complete without mentioning Hungary's national dish: goulash. This rich, paprika-laden beef stew originates from the Great Hungarian Plain and dates back to the 9th century. Made with tender beef, root vegetables, and a generous dose of Hungarian sweet or hot paprika, it embodies comfort food at its finest. If you’re traveling in Hungary, especially in the capital, an atmospheric Hungarian restaurant Budapesthas to offer is the perfect opportunity to experience goulash in its most authentic form.

2. Raclette – Switzerland

Cheese lovers, rejoice. Raclette is more than just a dish—it's an experience. Originating in the Alpine regions of Switzerland, raclette involves melting a large wheel of cheese and scraping it over boiled potatoes, pickles, and dried meats. It's the ultimate après-ski meal but can be enjoyed year-round. The dish embodies the essence of Swiss communal dining and is ideal for those who want their meal accompanied by a side of Alpine tradition.

3. Pintxos – Basque Country, Spain

Smaller than tapas but bursting with flavour, pintxos are a Northern Spanish specialty that showcases the creativity of Basque chefs. Typically served atop a slice of bread and fastened with a toothpick, these bite-sized morsels can range from marinated anchovies and olives to gourmet creations with foie gras or prawns. A bar crawl through San Sebastián sampling pintxos might just be one of the most flavour-packed evenings you can have in Europe.

4. Cepelinai – Lithuania

This lesser-known Baltic dish deserves more international attention. Cepelinai are large, potato-based dumplings filled with pork or cottage cheese and served with sour cream and bacon sauce. Hearty and filling, they're a staple of Lithuanian comfort food. The name "cepelinai" comes from their zeppelin-like shape, and these dumplings perfectly represent Lithuania's humble yet flavourful culinary heritage.

5. Moules-frites – Belgium

Belgium's love affair with mussels and fries is world-renowned. Moules-frites combines steamed mussels (often cooked in white wine, shallots, and parsley) with a generous portion of crispy Belgian fries. Whether enjoyed in a seaside town or a bustling Brussels bistro, this dish is a testament to simple ingredients elevated to gourmet status. Pair it with a Belgian beer, and you're in culinary heaven.

6. Kanelbullar – Sweden

These Swedish cinnamon rolls are much more than just pastries. Kanelbullar are central to the Swedish tradition of "fika"—a social coffee break that often involves something sweet. Unlike the American-style cinnamon rolls drenched in icing, kanelbullar are less sugary and more spiced, with hints of cardamom and pearl sugar sprinkled on top. They're a perfect mid-afternoon treat and a flavour that encapsulates Scandinavian warmth and hospitality.

7. Arancini – Sicily, Italy

Originating in Sicily, arancini are golden, deep-fried rice balls traditionally stuffed with ragù (a meat sauce), mozzarella, and peas. Coated in breadcrumbs and perfectly crisp on the outside, arancini offers a rich, savoury bite that’s both filling and full of flavour. Today, you'll find regional variations throughout Italy—with different fillings like spinach, mushrooms, or even pistachios—each one a unique twist on a comforting classic. Arancini are a perfect example of how humble ingredients like rice and cheese can be transformed into something extraordinary with a bit of culinary imagination.

So next time you're exploring Europe—or even just a well-stocked international grocery store—keep your tastebuds open to the extraordinary. And if you find yourself in Hungary's capital, don't miss the chance to step into a Hungarian restaurant Budapest has for a truly authentic experience. You might discover that your new favourite dish has been hiding in plain sight all along.