25 Must-Try Foods to Hunt Down on Your Next Eastern European Adventure
Farzana Fattah Farzana is a student at Singapore Management University who’s currently wondering what on earth she’s doing with her life. When not nerding out over the latest superhero movie or scrolling through memes on Tumblr, she is almost definitely researching random places across the globe and daydreaming about the next holiday destination. She is inspired by the variety of cultures in the world and hopes to travel to at least fifty countries in her lifetime to experience most of them.
Every foodie’s dream is to sample the most delectable cuisines around the world, what more in one of the planet’s most exotic destinations – Eastern Europe? Plus point: Travel in this region is also much more affordable compared to that in Western and Central Europe!
Also read: Top Secret Destinations in Eastern Europe That Are Absolutely Stunning
Still not sure why a trip to Eastern Europe should be on your bucket list? Join us on a food-hunt and let these 25 must-try foods change your mind!
[DEAL ALERT] Lufthansa is giving you SGD65 off your next flight. Yes, I’m completely serious! Just click on this link, fill out the form, and the voucher code will be emailed directly to your inbox. It’s that simple! Redeem your voucher between July 4, 2016 to Dec 31, 2016, and travel between now right up to end of the year. What are you waiting for? Get your personal discount voucher now!
1. Štrukli (Cheese pastry) – Croatia
Image credit: Seanpu1
The Štrukli is an extremely popular dish in the Zagreb region of Croatia, and I’m sure you can understand why. One look and you can tell that it’s chock full of soft and melty goodness. Oh, what I wouldn’t do to sink my teeth into this cheesy, creamy pastry!
Dreaming about Štrukli now? Make your foodie dreams a reality with a trip to Zagreb right now! Hurry, before the tickets are all gone!
2. Peka (Baked Meat and Vegetables) – Croatia
Image credit: sailn1
Peka is found in the Dalmatia region, which if you don’t know, is home to everybody’s favourite Croatian cities: Split and Dubrovnik! But before you run around the streets of the Old City and living your Game of Thrones fantasies, spare some time savouring this delicious little dish. If you think your home-cooked food was good, wait ‘til the baked mixture of spices, meat, vegetables and olive oil strikes your senses. You won’t know what hit you!
Want to see the wonders of Croatia? Lufthansa’s got your back with direct flights to Split and Dubrovnik! Check them out over here and enjoy!
3. Apfelstrudel (Apple strudel) – Austria
Image credit: Traumrune
Ah, the old, classic apple strudel. I’m sure we’ve all tried the different variations of it scattered around town, but let me tell you this: nothing – and I repeat, nothing – can beat how the Austrians do it. Paper-thin crusts, crumbly breadcrumbs, tart apples, all eaten together with thick cream at the side… oh I’m sorry, did I make you drool? Here’s a tissue!
Before you get to sink your teeth into this, you gotta book your flight to Austria first! Get your seats on a flight to Vienna, Innsbruck or Graz now!
4. Palačinky (Pancakes) – Czech Republic
Think French crepes, but lighter and sweeter. That’s right, you’ve got yourselves a palačinky! They look as dainty as royalty, but one bite and you will find out that they’re packed with flavours. This little beauty can be eaten with a bunch of other goodies, mainly fruits, sauces and ice-cream, so just pick whatever suits your fancy! What a way to make the whole experience sweeter!
No trip to Eastern Europe is complete without visiting the fairytale city of Prague. Fly to this picturesque city and make your dreams come true!
Also read: Bavarian Food That You Must Try
5. Wiener Schnitzel (Breaded and pan-fried veal cutlet) - Austria
Image credit: Kobako
Did you leave Austria without trying this? What a shame. I mean, this is the national dish of Austria! You can practically hear the crunch the moment your teeth hits the breaded crust – and of course, get ready for all that lovely flavours to burst out from the veal underneath! Yum-yum!
6. Goulash (Stew) – Czech Republic
Image credit: Rkolarsky
The goulash might not have originated from Czech Republic, but it holds a special place among all those Czech hearts. This is a staple in their lives, and it should definitely be yours when you’re in the Czech Republic too! This is a stew of meat and vegetables mixed with spices, and it’s usually served with bread at the side – you’re going to be begging for more after the first spoonful, because the flavours will just burst in your mouth! Absolutely perfect on a cold day.
7. Makowiec (Poppy seed roll) – Poland
Image credit: Alina Zienowicz
You’re not going to find this anywhere else. Poland’s the place to be if you want to savour this delicious poppy seed roll. You just know that it’s soft, moist and most importantly - sweet. Break out the tea, because this roll is just perfect for dipping!
Wishing you could feast on this roll? You’re in luck, because Lufthansa can fly you direct to Warsaw, Poznan, Gdansk and Krakow. Click here to choose and start planning your foodie trip today!
8. Ćevapčići (Skinless sausages) – Serbia
Image credit: Takeaway
That’s zhe-vap-chee-chee to you! This dish can be found scattered around the Balkans, but it’s best to head straight to Serbia for an authentic taste. After all, Ćevapčići is Serbia’s national dish. I don’t know about you, but I’m already imagining the crisp, juicy meat between my teeth! And when it’s served with flatbread and sides of feta cheese and sour cream? Goodbye friends, I’m packing for Serbia right now.
Think this is pretty? So is Vilnius. Time to get yourselves some tickets and head over there now!
14. Cepelinai (Potato and meat dumpling) – Lithuania
Image credit: Diliff
Missing the dumplings from home? Take yourself back with the Cepelinai! While it’s definitely not the same as Asian dumplings (don’t hate me), but sink your teeth through the grated potato skin and the tender ground meat filling and that softness, and I’m sure that will be enough to remind you of the dumplings from your local coffee shop.
15. Balandėliai (Cabbage roll) – Lithuania
Image credit: Bearas
You might hate your veggies, but I’m sure you’ll make an exception for all these Eastern European foods. They sure seem to love their cabbages, and you might just be declaring yourself a veggie enthusiast once you taste this! Alright, I exaggerate. But hear me out - this one’s different as the filling’s mixed with onions, rice and meat! And with that tomato sauce at the side, well, you’ll declare this the perfect appetiser soon enough.
16. Pierogi (Dumpling) – Poland
Image credit: alanagkelly
If you’re in Poland and you haven’t tried any pierogi, start questioning what you’re even there for. Seriously. This one comes in both sweet and savoury versions - think of the mashed potatoes, meat, and cheese that could ooze out of the savoury ones, or the berries mixing and releasing their sweet, tart flavour as soon as you bite into one. Is this yummy or is this yummy?!
17. Chicken Kiev – Ukraine
Image credit: Jason Lam
I’m a huge fan of garlic. And cheese. And chicken. You can probably imagine my reaction when I came across this! Your mouth will be down for some hardcore assaults from all these intense flavours, coming at you left, right, and centre - think of that ultimate combination along with the crunch from the breadcrumbs! If you haven’t been thinking of Ukraine yet, I’m sure this is enough to get you going.
Your foodie trip will not complete without a stop in Kiev. Hurry, grab your tickets before they’re all gone!
18. Deruny (Potato pancakes) – Ukraine
Image credit: Brücke-Osteuropa
Say goodbye to your diet with this one! Fried potatoes are a double-edged sword, because they’re loaded with calories but they’re oh. so. good. This one’s a classic Ukrainian dish mixed together with onions...and...and...I’m sorry, I was imagining the crunch I’d hear when I bite into it. A trip to the Ukraine, anyone?
19. Banitsa (Cheese pastry) – Bulgaria
Image credit: Merla ja Joonas
Have you ever bitten into bread while thinking that it’s going to be plain...only for you to find an unexpected filling and go hoooooly mother of all that’s good, did I just strike gold? That’s the Banitsa for you! Layers of pastry, egg, and pieces of white cheese embedded within its nook and crannies like a little secret...that’s enough to make your tastebuds sigh, no?
Taking a trip around the Balkans? Lucky for you, Lufthansa’s flying to Sofia. Make sure you get your tickets while it’s hot!
20. Papanasi (Fried pastry) – Romania
Image credit: Nitu Iulian
What? Just two little balls? This isn’t going to impress me in the sligh- oh. Oh. That’s when you break the pastry apart to find to find the sweet cheese nestled within, right? Make sure that some of that sauces goes into your mouthful as well, or you won’t get the full ride to foodie heaven!
Savour this delicious dessert by flying over to Romania! Lufthansa has direct flights to Bucharest, so it’s time to get going!
21. Cozonac (Sweet bread) – Romania
Image credit: Vvssmmaann
This sweetbread’s usually served during festive times but pfft! We don’t need festivities to feel festive. Nope, not an excuse to eat this bread. Not at all. All jokes aside, you’ll be in ride after that first bite. Think of all the fillings that you will find in your bread - cocoa powder, walnuts, hazelnuts, lemon rind. Yup, you’ll find that all in this bread. And yes, you’re welcome.
22. Moussaka (Eggplant or potato-based casserole) – Greece
Image credit: jules
Three letters: W. O. W. This casserole is going to pack so many punches that you’ll end up feeling like a wrestler that’s been KO-ed. All that ground meat layered together with silky bechamel sauce, flavourful eggplants, and cheese...mmm! *licks lips* Your Greek holiday won’t be complete without trying this dish out, trust me.
Get your hands on your very own moussaka with a trip to Athens or Thessaloniki now! Book your seats and get ready for a holiday of your lifetime.
Also read: Foods You Must Try in Greece
23. Taramasalata (Carp roe dip) – Greece
Image credit: Robert Kindermann
Alright, maybe you won’t have to completely throw that diet out of the window. This pretty little thing is made out of cured cod or carp coupled with the zing of the lemon juice and olive oil. If you’re visualising the soft creamy texture coating every inch of your mouth, it’s exactly the same over here. *holds your hand* It’s alright, we’re all in this together.
24. Tzatziki (Yogurt dip) – Greece
Image credit: Nikodem Nijaki
You might have heard about this in various health books, but trust me when I say that no one does the tzatziki better than the Greeks. Oh, what I wouldn’t do to savour this tart, creamy sauce! You just know it’s going to tickle every sense in your body. Make sure to eat it with vegetables, or…
25. Gyro (Meat sandwich) – Greece
Image credit: jeffreyw
...you could also eat it with the gyro! This is literally one of the things you’ve got to try when you’re in Greece. Feast your eyes on the tender, juicy meat that’s wrapped within the pita bread. As if that isn’t enough, that tzatziki sauce and vegetables will give you that zing that’s going to just complete your gastronomic Greek foodie experience. Yes, puh-lease!
Also read: Eastern Europe Should Be Your Next Travel Destination, And Here’s Why…
Well, if you haven’t thought of heading to Eastern Europe yet, I’m almost absolutely certain that this is enough motivation for you to pack your bags and go. Time to take that flight to gastronomic heaven!
Brought to you by Lufthansa.