Popular Food in Europe to Avoid Eating
Fine dining and delicious cuisine can be found throughout Europe, especially if you're interested in trying the specialties offered by any given region. However, there are also plenty of dishes to pass up while traveling abroad. Which meals and restaurant settings should you avoid on your adventures through Europe? Here are ten examples of food in Europe to avoid eating.
1. Blood Sausage
You can get blood sausage just about anywhere, including the U.S. Every country in Europe seems to have its own version of this dish. However, if you have yet to try blood sausage for yourself, this acquired taste may not be worth exploring while you're traveling. Chances are likely you'll have the best blood sausage of your life in Europe, but that doesn’t mean it’s particularly good to begin with.
2. Organ Meat
It's common to find organ meat on the menu throughout Europe, but the preparation of these cuts may leave a lot to be desired. Just like blood sausage, organ meat can be an acquired taste and the risk of trying it may be greater than it's worth. For many people, foie gras in France is a must-try, but it's important to know your own limits and preferences so that you don't wind up with a disappointing dinner.
3. Hotel Restaurants
While there’s nothing wrong with wanting a bit of room service on vacation, the average hotel restaurant or buffet in Europe may not provide the tastiest options. Even in a locale that boasts a specialty dish (fish and chips in London, for example), ordering this dish from your hotel has the potential to disappoint. More often than not, the food is subpar, especially compared to what you can find just outside your hotel door!
4. Street Food (in Tourist Areas)
Depending on where you are, European street food can have a divisive reputation. However, street food around the world has come a long way over the past decade, typically offering tourists and locals cheap, delicious eats. Make sure to do your research and find the best spots for whatever cuisine you're interested in trying. A dead giveaway when it comes to bad street food is just how many tourists are around. Look for vendors surrounded by locals only!
5. Raw or Undercooked Meat
This is another dish where knowing your own limits and comfort is important. Consuming undercooked or raw seafood and meat isn't always a bad thing, especially if you're interested in trying the local fare. However, the chances of foodborne illnesses are much higher in undercooked dishes. This is a risk you may not want to take if you've just begun your trip.
6. Out of Season Cuisine
Food standards in Europe are very different from food standards in the U.S., especially in certain countries and regions. Seasonality is important in European cuisine and something that you should certainly take advantage of during your travels. Dishes or produce that seem out of season are best avoided, as these menu items may be prepared from frozen or are otherwise less fresh compared to Europe’s preference for seasonal veggies and fish dishes.
7. U.S. Chain Restaurants
Speaking of differing food standards, most experienced travelers recommend avoiding U.S. chain restaurants when in Europe. It feels a bit silly to consume fast food in some of the best culinary places in the world. These chains also prepare menu items differently because of food quality standards and restrictions.
8. Soft, Pungent Cheese
You should absolutely eat cheese in Europe, as certain regions will offer you some of the best dairy and cheese in the world. However, soft cheeses are more likely to carry bacteria and foodborne illnesses compared to hard cheeses. Likewise, some cheese in Europe is particularly strong and pungent, which could disrupt your meal if you aren't prepared for it.
9. Sushi
For the most part, sushi in Europe can be incredibly disappointing and overpriced. If you do enough research and find where the locals get their nigiri and rolls, it may be worth a try, especially if you have a craving. However, there are likely plenty of other dishes and cuisines that satisfy and come at a lower price. Save the sushi dinner for your trip to Japan!
10. Eclectic Ingredients
Ultimately, it's up to you to weigh the pros and cons when it comes to trying new ingredients, dishes and cuisines while traveling through Europe. Some of these dishes are regional and will be the best-tasting versions you’ll ever have should you take the risk. However, the chances of having a poor dining experience when trying a brand-new-to-you ingredient are high. Pick your battles, and perhaps skip the frog legs if you’re concerned about whether or not they’ll hit the spot.
Worried you may get sick while traveling? Make sure you purchase travel insurance before taking off.