Eastern Europe traditionally was not a huge tourist destination due to the conflicts it’s seen over the years, but now the region is really coming into its own – and more tourists than ever before are visiting.
Travelling around Eastern Europe had always been high on my travel to do list, and last year I was lucky enough to have the chance to make it happen, and I have to say, I was blown away. It not only exceeded my expectations in terms of culture and things to do, but the food, the food….I could go on forever! The fact I flew home a few kilograms heavier should say it all – I ate, drank and then ate some more around the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Poland and Hungary and I loved every minute of it!
All the foodies out there who haven’t yet made the trip then I urge you to consider it for your next holiday – it’s one of the best value holidays I’ve ever been on, and my taste buds came home extremely satisfied – what more could you want?!
Here are the 5 treats you must try while in Eastern Europe:
Polish Potato Cakes
This was hands down my favorite part of Poland – and I absolutely fell in love with the country, so that’s saying something! Most restaurants serve them as a side dish and the great thing is they are different everywhere you g0 – some soft and gooey, some crunchy, and the best: A little bit of both!
A ‘X Beer 33’ In Prague
Beer lovers beware – the U Medvidku microbrewery in Prague is now producing the strongest beer in the world with a whopping 12.6% of alcohol! The perfect place to big up your drinking skills in front of your mates only to be found hovering over a toilet bowl with your tail between your legs later on in the night – cheers to that!
A Delicious Berlin Cocktail
Berlin is one of my favorite cities in the world, and the main reason for this is the quality and quantity of their cocktail bars. While in other cities you may search high and low for a great martini, in Berlin you are spoilt, with a great mixoligist virtually on every corner. A great excuse for a tipple if ever there was one!
Schnitzel And Spaetzle In Austria
If you love stodgy foods like me then Austria is where your foodie heart will find peace: crunchy-crumbed schnitzels and their accompanying dish, a hearty serve of buttered spaetzle – which is kind of like the German version of pasta. Perfect for soaking up gravy and washed down by a big glass of beer!
A Big Bowl Of Borscht In Budapest
Hearing the words ‘beetroot’ and ‘soup’ may not sound that enticing to some people, but trust me, it’s good! It’s served in hot or cold versions, but for me it was the warm version served with crusty bread on a cold Autumn day that hit the spot. The dish is quite widespread all over Eastern Europe, so your likely to come across many scrumptiuous versions in your travels.
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You must try some Bulz and sarmale in Romania too! 😉 Interesting recommendations though – and indeed good dishes and driks;).
I love Polish food. My mom is part Polish, so I am familiar with potato pancakes, as well as kielbasa, pierogi, and stuffed cabbage. Yum! I have yet to try borscht. If I do, I think I would prefer it hot. Great post; it definitely got me hungry! 🙂
Yum! I love Pierogi too! You must get some delicious things cooked for you! Glad you liked the post : )
Thanks Lori! Ill definitely look for out some Bulz to try!
X beer 33 is not the strongest beer in the world, Brewdog’s End of History is the strongest at 55% ABV. 12.5% isn’t even that uncommon, there are several other beers in that range alone, and a few much higher.
Yum … I totally agree on the Spaetzle. My husband’s German so his family taught me how to make them, YUM. Great for winter – hmm perhaps I should put them on the menu again soon.
Hi J, thanks for the tip – their website made this claim, so Ill edit this!
looks soo yummie!!
I was just going to say the same thing.
Austria isn’t eastern europe.
Is the potato cake the same as potato blini?
They are quite different to a blini – more like a rosti or potato pancake with lots of salt and crunchy bits! Thanks for stopping by!
Surprised goulash didn’t make it to the list. Delicious in both Hungary and the Czech Republic. Also Hungarian deserts are second to none.
Hi Todd – I agree, Goulash is great! Haven’t tried the desserts though – next time!
Mixologist. Do they exist outside NYs hipster city limits?