Going on a foodie holiday? The 7 European hidden gems to visit for best alternative cuisine




Some of the best foods come from Europe: from Spanish tapas and Italian pizza, to Belgium waffles. While these are popular options, the continent also has some lesser-known spots where foodies can discover cheaper, more unusual food-focused experiences.Travel experts at Quotezone.co.uk highlighted seven cities that stand out for their unique cuisines, focusing on destinations you might not think to visit. Travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, Helen Rolph, said: “Enjoying local cuisine is a big part of travelling, discovering local specialities and unique flavours you wouldn’t get at home; it’s quickly becoming the focus of the holiday – with many travellers actively seeking out foodie tours and tastings as their main reason for travelling.Sweden enjoys ‘fika’ culture, which traditionally involves coffee and a cinnamon bun, called a kanelbulle | GETTY“Europe has so many delicacies; our list shines a light on just a handful of lesser-known foodie spots with delicious and affordable local dishes for those looking to avoid the crowds and try something a bit different.“It’s important for travellers with food allergies to ensure they have a clear understanding of what is in their food, as rules and regulations in other countries may not be as strict as in the UK. “It’s sensible to do research beforehand, check menus in advance, and make sure travel insurance covers any medical emergencies related to food allergies. Providers normally need travellers to declare any food allergies as pre-existing medical conditions before they travel.”PolandPoland is known for hearty, meat-heavy cuisine, but it also has a growing vegan and vegetarian food scene. For something a bit different, foodies can visit the capital, Warsaw, for a range of popular spots, with the experts recommending popular restaurants such as Vege Miasto and La Vegana.SerbiaSerbia is a hidden gem for finding high-quality meals at affordable prices. A mid-range meal for two costs around £15 per person — an average of £50 cheaper than a similar meal in the UK, the experts said.SwedenIn Sweden, slowing down for a drink and a snack is part of ‘fika’ culture, which means taking a pause to sit back and unwind throughout the day. It traditionally involves coffee and a cinnamon bun, called a kanelbulle, though other beverages and sweet treats are also popular.DenmarkDenmark has a great variety of sustainable meals with foraged foods that are local, seasonal and organic. Nørrebro, a vibrant neighbourhood in Copenhagen, is particularly known for its sustainable restaurants. Expect farm-to-table dining that could be worth visiting on your next foodie holiday. Germany has many options for foodies to enjoy | GETTYRepublic of IrelandEveryone knows Ireland for its drinks, such as Guinness and Whiskey, but it can be overlooked for its cuisine.It offers quality farm-fresh ingredients, such as award-winning local soups, stews, breads, dairy products and fresh fish. Notably famous for its soda bread, used in cooked breakfasts with bacon and eggs.HungaryAnother alternative food destination is Hungary. It has well-spiced, flavoursome cuisine, with a heavy use of paprika that gives many dishes their distinctive colour and warmth. Some of the most popular dishes include chicken paprikash and halászlé (a spicy fish soup). Expect slow-cooked stews, seasonal ingredients and bold flavours.GermanyGermany is already known for its food, with doner kebabs one of its biggest exports. There are many more popular options such as currywurst (sliced sausage topped with curry ketchup), bratwurst (a grilled sausage), kumpir (a baked potato filled with a variety of toppings) and a Berliner (a jam-filled doughnut).