I don’t think many people will argue against the idea that trying the different kinds of local food is a big part of the travelling experience. Hence, I’ve composed a short list and explanation of some of the interesting, exotic foods I’ve tried in Europe:
France – Escargot (Snails)
One of France’s most recognised dishes next to croissants and frog legs; I was particularly hesitant trying this one yet it was on the top of the list as a French dish that I had to try in Paris. I hate insects and bugs so the thought of eating one turned my stomach. I managed to persevere though, which may be due to the fact that the snail shells are inundated with butter and garlic, making the thought of eating them at least slightly more bearable.
I maned up and tried this with friends on one of our last nights in Paris. The only way I can describe it is this: I didn’t notice too much of the taste of the actual ‘snail’ itself, only the butter and garlic stuffing and a chewy, slimy blob that is the snail itself. I could also slightly notice what could only be described as the taste of ‘dirt’ in my mouth after chewing on these for a bit.
The snails also seem to be quite difficult to dig out of their shells using the special utensil we were given, so if you ever find yourself in a Parisian café and are having difficultie, just use a normal spoon to take them out.
Recommendation: Try it, just so you can tell your friends that you’ve tried snail in France. Don’t expect miracles.
Scotland – Haggis, Neeps (turnips) and Tatties (potatoes)
Haggis is traditionally made from sheep heart, liver and lungs minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt, mixed with stock, then encased and cooked in a sheep’s stomach. Some of you may be thinking “Ewwww, sheep stomach”, but actually I found the traditional Scottish dish to be one of tastiest I’ve had in Europe.
My friends and I were in a very traditional-looking Scottish restaurant in Edinburgh when we tried this dish. I was told by the waiter who served it that sheep stomachs are no longer used in the preparation of the Haggis in restaurants as the food safety laws enacted by the European Union prevent their use and that in his many years of working at the club, only two people who tried Haggis didn’t like it. I liked it so much that I ordered it several times during my stay in Scotland.
Recommendation: Definitely try it, again another one to tell your friends about.
Hungary – Lángos
Lángos is essentially a piece of dough that is deep fried with very large amounts of oil, usually sold in tuck shops and fast food restaurants across Hungary. I was told by my tour guide in Budapest that the best Lángos was found in a dirty looking shop next to a metro station. So after my tour I went straight there and ordered Lángos with the most fattening topping I could find.
Lángos tastes good enough, especially with the cheese, sour cream and salami that I had as topping. I was told by the tour guide that it was good ‘going out’ food because it filled you up quickly and stopped you from getting too drunk or hungry on your nights out and I certainly endorse that statement. However, the oil leaked all over my hands and clothes, essentially making me look like I had dipped myself in the vat of oil it was cooked in. Finally, even though I am a thin guy with a very quick metabolism, I still felt that I put on a pound or two after eating just one piece of Lángos.
Recommendation: Good ‘going out’ food, try it unless you’re on a diet. In that case avoid like the plague.
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