Taste Your Way through Europe: 15 Crave-Worthy Street Foods

Street food is more than just a quick bite; it’s a cultural experience that connects us to the heart of a city. In fact, a recent study revealed that street food accounts for the majority of daily food consumption in some European cities.¹

This vibrant culinary scene offers a tantalizing array of flavors, from the spicy kick of Berlin’s currywurst to the hearty francesinha sandwiches of Porto. Embark on the ultimate European street food crawl as we explore 15 iconic dishes are a must-try on your next trip.

1. Currywurst

What is it? Grilled sausage sliced and seasoned with curry ketchup, often served with fries.
Where to eat it? Curry 36 or Konnopke’s Imbiss in Berlin, Germany.

Currywurst, invented by Herta Heuwer in Berlin in 1949, quickly became a beloved street food staple. The secret to its addictive flavor lies in the perfect balance of spices and sauces. Heuwer even patented her special sauce recipe under the name “Chillup” in 1951.

2. Francesinha Sandwich

What is it? A meaty sandwich topped with melted cheese and a spicy tomato-beer sauce.
Where to eat it? Cafe Santiago or Lado B in Porto, Portugal.

This indulgent sandwich was created by Daniel Silva in the 1950s, inspired by the French Croque Monsieur. (ref) Silva adapted the recipe using traditional Portuguese ingredients, and the francesinha has since become a symbol of Porto’s cuisine.

3. Belgian Waffles

What is it? Light, rectangular waffles with deep pockets, often topped with fruit or chocolate.
Where to eat it? The Smallest Waffle Shop In the World in Antwerp, Belgium.

Belgian waffles made their debut at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair and were introduced to the United States by Walter Cleyman in 1962. These crisp, yet fluffy treats are now enjoyed by sweet tooths around the globe.

4. Gelato

What is it? A denser, richer Italian version of ice cream in various flavors.
Where to eat it? Gelateria La Carraia in Florence or Gelateria del Teatro in Rome, Italy.

Gelato’s origins can be traced back to the 16th century when Bernardo Buontalenti, a Florentine artist, delighted the court of Caterina dei Medici with his creamy frozen dessert. Today, it remains a refreshing treat on hot Italian afternoons.

5. Fish & Chips

What is it? Battered and fried fish served with french fries, often seasoned with salt and vinegar.
Where to eat it? The Golden Hind in Margate or Trenchers in Whitstable, England.

The origins of this British classic are hotly debated, with both Lancashire and London claiming to be the birthplace of fish and chips. (ref) Regardless of its roots, the dish became a staple during World War II when it was one of the few foods not subject to rationing.

6. Churros

What is it? A fried dough pastry dusted with sugar and often served with hot chocolate for dipping.
Where to eat it? Churrería San Ginés in Madrid or Xurreria Manuel San Román in Barcelona, Spain.

Churros have a long and fascinating history, with some theories suggesting they were introduced to Europe by Portuguese explorers who encountered a similar treat in China. Today, they’re a beloved snack across Spain and Latin America.

7. Pizza al Taglio

What is it? Rectangular pizza sold by weight, with a variety of toppings.
Where to eat it? Pizzarium Bonci or Antico Forno Roscioli in Rome, Italy.

Pizza al taglio was invented in Rome in the late 1950s and quickly gained popularity as an on-the-go meal. Its rectangular shape allows for easy customization and portion control, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

8. Crêpes

What is it? Thin, delicate pancakes filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
Where to eat it? Breizh Café or Crêperie Josselin in Paris, France.

The history of crêpes dates back to 13th century Brittany, where a housewife accidentally dribbled thin porridge onto a hot surface, creating the first crêpe. Now, these versatile treats are enjoyed across France and beyond.

9. Souvlaki

What is it? Skewered and grilled meat (pork, chicken, beef, or lamb) served with pita bread, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce.
Where to eat it? Kostas in Athens or Kalamaki Kolonaki in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Souvlaki has ancient roots, with references to meat skewers found in works by Aristotle and Homer. (ref) Today, it remains a quintessential Greek street food, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

10. Trdelník

What is it? A cylindrical pastry coated in sugar and often filled with ice cream or Nutella.
Where to eat it? Good Food Coffee and Bakery or Krusta in Prague, Czech Republic.

Trdelník, also known as “chimney cake,” originated in Transylvania and has become a popular street food in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Its unique shape and sweet, caramelized exterior make it a must-try treat.

11. Burek

What is it? A flaky, filled pastry made with phyllo dough and various fillings like meat, cheese, or spinach.
Where to eat it? Pekara Edin or Buregdžinica Bosna in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Burek has Ottoman roots and is enjoyed across the Balkans, with each country putting its own spin on the savory pastry. In Bosnia, it’s often served with yogurt and is a staple breakfast item.

12. Döner Kebab

What is it? Seasoned meat (usually lamb or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in a pita with vegetables and sauces.
Where to eat it? Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap or Rüyam Gemüse Kebab in Berlin, Germany.

Döner kebab was introduced to Germany by Turkish immigrants in the 1970s and has since become a beloved street food staple. Berlin, in particular, is known for its high-quality döner, with endless variations to suit every taste.

13. Pani câ Meusa

What is it? A Sicilian sandwich filled with fried veal spleen and lung, ricotta cheese, and lemon.
Where to eat it? Rocky Basile or Nni Franco U’ Vastiddaru in Palermo, Italy.

This unique sandwich has humble beginnings as a cheap, filling meal for Palermo’s working class in the 1800s. Today, it’s a must-try for adventurous foodies seeking authentic Sicilian flavors. (ref)

14. Smørrebrød

What is it? An open-faced sandwich on rye bread, topped with various ingredients like fish, meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Where to eat it? Aamanns 1921 or Selma in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Smørrebrød has been a Danish lunchtime staple since the 19th century, with endless combinations of toppings to create a colorful and delicious meal. It’s often enjoyed with a cold beer or snaps (Danish aquavit).

15. Langos

What is it? A deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream, cheese, garlic, or other savory ingredients.
Where to eat it? Retro Büfé or Tomi Lángos in Budapest, Hungary.

Langos has been a part of Hungarian cuisine since the 16th century, when it was served as a breakfast dish. Today, it’s a popular street food and fair treat, loved for its crispy exterior and soft, doughy interior.

Source:
1.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342049974_Street_food_in_Eastern_Europe_a_perspective_from_an_urban_environment_in_Moldova