Gastronomic Getaways: Discovering the Cosmopolitan Flavours of Western Europe

**Guest post

European cuisine comprises traditional, globally acclaimed delicacies from the continent’s coastlines to its frigid northernmost nations. Additionally, there are more and more ventures into innovative gastronomic landscapes everywhere—from Britain, Spain, and Greece to the Nordic countries. 

Foodie travellers can discover delicious and extravagant food sailing through Europe’s best shores, and experience the delights of each nation’s signature meals, ranging from stews, sandwiches, and desserts to countless combinations. You will discover dozens of mouthwatering local meals available everywhere, from French bistros to Irish pubs. Our top 5 cosmopolitan flavours of Western Europe are listed below.

1. Châteaubriand

For those who aren’t familiar with its roots, the term “Châteaubriand” refers to both a beef cut and a way of cooking broad cuts of tenderloin. Francois René Vicomte de Châteaubriand was a French writer, politician, and statesman. Montmireil first made the steak for him in 1822.

In France, Châteaubriand is typically served with a sauce, most frequently Béarnaise or a classic red wine sauce. Small chateau potatoes or grilled newly harvested potatoes are usually provided on the side with the steak. 

1. Jamón ibérico de bellota

The flesh required to make such an exquisite type of Iberian ham originates from acorn-fed Iberian swine that is either 50% or 75% genuine, which means they have cross-bred with other breeds of pigs, such as the Duroc. Iberian bellota ham manufacturing is restricted to certain zones, namely the Dehesa de Extremadura, Salamanca, Huelva, and Valle de Los Pedroches in Spain and Barrancos in Portugal.

1. Belgian Waffles

Compared to their American counterparts, Belgian waffles are prepared with a milder batter and have bigger squares and deeper holes. This means they can sustain more toppings. The Belgian waffles have two leading variants, Brussels waffles and Liège waffles where the first type is comparatively lighter & has deeper pockets, and the latter is chewier and sweeter. These lip-smacking waffles made in Belgium are also eaten as a dessert or for breakfast, topped with whipped cream, syrup, and confetti.  

1. Poffertjes

This gastronomic delight originated when Catholic priests were attempting to create a more delicious version of Communion bread, resulting in Poffertjes, the best sweet dish in the Netherlands. Gourmet variants of these pancakes are garnished with Gouda cheese, although confectioner’s sugar, melted butter, syrup, or the Dutch liqueur advocaat are other options, too!

1. Pastel de nata

A classic egg custard dish from Portugal recognised internationally is called pastel de nata. It is said that the savoury component should neither have any aromas of lemon or vanilla nor be exceedingly sweet for the most incredible outcome. These tarts are best served with a hot beverage and a sprinkle of cinnamon. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, Catholic nuns and monks at Santa Maria de Belém, Lisbon, prepared this indulgence.

These assortments of exquisite regional flavors around Western Europe could lead to uncontrollable dribbling, salivating, nibbling, or other food-related indulgences. Hopefully, these 5 gastronomic delicacies will pique your interest, and you should try them whenever you travel to these countries!

**Collaborative post