Destinations worth travelling to… for the food!
Europe is home to some of the most flavoursome foodie paradises. Local ingredients, rich flavours and centuries old recipes all combine to create a magnificent menu. Europe’s gastronomic history and expertise has made it a popular destination choice for foodies around the world. However, which country, region or city is worth visiting just for the specialities?
At Economy Car Hire we have picked our top 5 delicious driving destinations that are guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds.
Bologna, Italy
Italy is renowned for its passion for food and its reputation for culinary success precedes it. It is home to classic restaurant favourites such as pizza and pasta but for a true taste of Italy head to the northern city of Bologna!
This old city has earned the nickname ‘La Grassa’, which means ‘the Fat One’. It is not only the birthplace of pasta but also holds one of the richest culinary traditions in Italy.
For a particularly flavoursome experience visit Bologna’s food markets. ‘Mercato di Mezzo’ and ‘Mercato delle Erbe’ are the biggest food markets in the region. Be sure to sample the mouth-watering cured meats and cheeses. ‘Mercato di Mezzo’ has occupied the same spot by Piazza Maggiore since Roman times.
Bologna’s Tortellini is a dish that will transport you to foodie heaven. The homemade pasta parcels are stuffed with a rich filling of pork, ham and mortadella sausage seasoned with parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Tortellini is traditionally served in a capon broth which will have you licking the bowl clean.
Etiquette tip! Bologna’s Ragu (better known as Bolognese sauce to you and me) will without doubt have you asking every restaurant for their recipe. In Bologna the most important rule is never serve Bolognese with spaghetti. Instead, you will be served the famous sauce on a bed of fresh homemade tagliatelle! Delizioso!
Catalonia, Spain
Much of Spain is characterised by its preference for light, fresh flavours. Most regions are usually well known for a few key ingredients that regularly feature in all their signature dishes. Nestled between the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees, Catalonia incorporates a unique blend of the best flavours and ingredients.
In true Spanish Style Catalonia favours Tapas style dishes. This is ideal for food fanatics as it means you can sample a little bit of everything on the menu! The most popular Catalonian Tapas Dish is Patatas Bravas. Bite sized morsels of deep fried potato rubbed in sea salt and drizzled in a spicy tomato sauce or aioli. More please!
Seafood Paella is a well-known favourite throughout Spain. Look out for the Catalan version, Fideuas! This is made with short noodles instead of rice and is nothing short of delicious.
‘Suquet de peix’ is another Catalan speciality worth visiting the region for. Despite being a simple fish stew made with potatoes, garlic, and tomato, it will still leave you ordering seconds.
Take a look at our recommendations for other delicious dishes to try in Spain!
Istria, Croatia
Croatia is our hidden gastronomic gem. Its culinary delights have gone relatively unnoticed on the foodie radar but when you look in the right place its menus are unrivalled.
In the northern peninsula of Istria sits a treasure trove of fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
The most notable Istrian ingredient is Ox meat. This high quality beef is equally highly valued and used to prepare gastronomic specialities like no other. Traditionally, it is cooked in thick gravy-like sauce called šugo and served with Gnocci, an Istrian pasta made from potatoes.
Another Istrian speciality is Maneštra. This thick boiled soup made of various vegetables and spiced cured sausage has been prepared by Istrian families since ancient times. However, despite its humble appearance it is still a dish fit for kings!
Lisbon, Portugal
You don’t have to travel far in Europe to discover world class cuisine and Portugal is no exception.
Bacalhau is the national dish and its key ingredient is salted cod. While there may only be a few ingredients in this dish, its simplicity does not detract from its full-bodied flavours!
For those that have a sweet tooth Portugal is your haven. Pasteis de nata, the speciality Portuguese pastry are a kind of custard tart, and can be found anywhere in Lisbon.
Heavy on cream, egg yolks and sugar and dusted in cinnamon and nutmeg, you would think they’d be too rich to indulge in regularly. However, Pasteis de nata are small in size so can be indulged in regularly without spoiling your appetite. Great news!
Burgundy, France
The region of Burgundy is both the heart of France geographically and the quintessential heart of French cuisine.
Burgundy is home to ‘true’ French cooking and as such provides an irresistibly rich menu. This is due in large part to two factors: the region’s famous heavy red wines and its possession of the one of the world’s finest breed of cattle.
Speciality dishes such as Boeuf Bourguignon and Coq au Vin are opulent meat stews. The meat is braised to melting tenderness for that ultimate melt in the mouth moment. While lashings of wine enrich the sauce, which is imbued with garlic, and seasoned with parsley, thyme, mushrooms and bacon.
Other speciality dishes include snails and frogs legs that are roasted and served in rich garlic infused oil.
One thing you can be certain about in Burgundy is that your taste buds will never encounter such luxurious treatment anywhere else.
So, if you are passionate about food don’t hesitate to book a trip to Europe! Forget travelling to far flung places for exotic flavours, these delicious destinations are right on your doorstep! Being a cuisine connoisseur has never been so easy!
For more ideas on fantastic foodie holidays check out our other flavoursome suggestions. If you have a favourite national dish or delicious destination, don’t hesitate to leave a comment and let us know. We always love to hear from you!
Written by Jessica Langlands from Economy Car Hire
