Everyone knows about the freshman 15 that comes with the first year of college. However, no one really mentions the study abroad struggle. With so many amazing countries and so many exotic cuisines, you're bound to need some extra gym time when you get back to the states. Every extra pound is worth each new taste though. Some of the items below are just a few of the must haves from an exquisite escargot to a take away Doner kebab. You haven't lived until you have tried these goods.
1. Pretzels and Beer
For pretzels and beer big enough to feed Hodor (sorry currently Game of Thrones obsessed) the Augustiner Brau tent at Oktoberfest in Munich Germany can hook you up.
2. Chocolatey Churro Heaven
If you find yourself in Barcelona, Spain there's no better way to take in the Sagrada Familia than with these delicious churros in hand. (You absolutely must splurge for the chocolate dip)
3. Guiness in everything
For all of you Guinness lovers there is no better place than beautiful Dublin, Ireland. To this day the country and the food remain one of my favorites. Traditional Irish Stew, some Guinness bread, and a nice tall glass of original Guinness is a right of passage... and probably a crime if not indulged in while there.
4. Hotpot
If you're not doing a typical European study abroad adventure.. this is a sneak peak into just a few of the amazing meals Asia has to offer. I had this particular dinner in Beijing, China but it can be found elsewhere. This doesn't just appease taste buds though, Hotpot dinners are great to have with a bunch of friends sitting around the table. There's not much more one needs than friends and good food!
5. Impartial favorite food recommendation
For most of the people that know my pelmeni obsession, I apologize. But this Russian dish is one of my absolute favorites. It is simple yet perfect. Here I was sampling some additional cuisine which were equally great- Borscht (the hype is well deserved) and Bliny (Russian crepe). Ever since first trying pelmeni in Moscow though, I've constantly had my eyes on the look out for it and I suggest you do the same.
6. If you call this a donut... unfriend me
Whether you want to try this in Prague, Czech Republic - a trdelnik, Budapest, Hungary- a kurtoskalac, or London, England- a Chimney Cake- you WILL NOT be disappointed. I had my first in Prague and several throughout my stay in Europe. These yummy cakes have also made there way to the states. You may have seen some facebook articles about ice cream filled donuts- this is a sad description that will not do your taste buds justice. Go to Prague, buy one, take picture, devour.
7. Potato Heaven
These little guys were heaven on a stick. In Germany I first tried it at Hechtfest in Dresden, my amazing home base for my European travels. They were called kartoffelspiesse - literally potato skewer- and were potato chips on steroids. If you see this and don't eat it you have failed.
8. Schnitzel
This is a must, especially if you find yourself in any city of Germany. 10/10 would recommend.
9. The Myth, The Legend.. Doner!
Americans have been wasting their time on late night Mcdonalds and Pizza. Some people get sad In and Out is only on the West Coast, but true sadness is knowing I can never wander in a Kebab shop late at night again for that post-night out Doner to hit the spot. Eat as many as you can for all those who are a world away from beautiful Doner
10. Cafe Louvre
Forget Breakfast at Tiffany's, Cafe Louvre's Raspberry Stew and Sour cream Pancakes are to die for. If you are ever in Prague (especially with the possibility of an Absinthe hangover) this should be your morning destination.
11. A Bavarian Love Affair
Another of my favorites, this Bavarian specialty is called Spatzle. I found it first at Oktoberfest in Munich but it can be found most places in Germany. This makes American Mac n Cheese look like a sin. This was a cheesy potato goodness that needs to be world wide.
12. Crepes on Crepes
Don't spend tons in a fancy restaurant or shop.. Find any crepe stand on the street and let your tastebuds enjoy the Magic while you enjoy the beauty of Paris, France.
13. Becoming a Waldorf
If you can't find a Chuck Bass to fly to Paris for your favorite Macaroons...the only choice is to enjoy a box to yourself under the sparkly lights of the Eiffel Tower.
14. Am I fancy yet..?
Escargot is actually very good. I was definitely concerned before the first bite, but when in France !
P.S apologies out to Gary the Snail and all fellow Spongebob lovers
15. You must eat alllllll the pasta
I had so many Pasta dishes when in Rome I can't quite recall what exactly this was. If you find yourself anywhere in beautiful Italy, slurp away and carb up. The more pasta the better!
16. Don't forget dessert!
Even with all of the carbs, one must never forget the most important meal of the day.. dessert! No better place to cool off with some sugary goodness than a double Gelato in Roma the land of the good stuff.
17. Food for the Fandom
Butter beer lives on in more than just the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Florida. If you find yourself in London, England and are a want-to-be wizard like myself, take a short trip up to the set of the movies. There you can find the real props used and see how the magic came to life. While there enjoy a nice butter beer and butter beer flavored ice cream- for the sweet tooth lovers.
18. The Brits know Pancakes
I still crave these pancakes for brunch nonstop. The Ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter were like dining on a fluffy cloud of hotcake goodness. Granger & Co in Notting Hill London, England, the Queue is well worth the buttery perfection.
19. The Classic
Fish and chips somehow tastes better in London than it does back home. Not sure if I hyped it up too much that it somehow made the flavor better but either way this is an absolute must if you find yourself in English Territory.
20. Hungarian Goulash
One of the heartiest meals I've eaten abroad and definitely one of my favorites. A perfect way to warm up your day in a chilly yet breathtaking Budapest.
21. The messiest thing I've ever eaten
Thus far I have never spilled a food so much as this. This beauty is called a Langos. It can be found in Budapest Hungary ( here seen in the Great Market Hall) and it is a build your own type of food. The Langos is the fried bread underneath and the toppings are up to your hearts greatest desire.
22. Deryne Bizstro- Budapest
Above is just your typical Shakshuka brunch dish. The restaurant however was an absolute must; it had these massive pastries and counter filled with all the sweets you could imagine. The breakfast was also very good- eggcellent Shakshuka.
23. Waffle Madness
The best place to get waffles is Amsterdam, Netherlands. The best place in Amsterdam has to be the Metropolitan Deli. It is a sweet tooth heaven with a waffle as loaded up as much as your hands can hold. The Dutch know what they're doing and I will never argue. Also, peep the stroop waffles in the back because that is a must have snack when you have devoured your waffley goodness.
Well, after writing this I've developed a strong home sickness for all my favorite foods of the world. I'm happy to have tried this many but plan to work my way around to even more. Here's to hoping the world's stomachs can be happy and full on the best foods around!
