Hello there, sunshine! It is summer time in many parts of the world, and in the United States, Americans are firing up their grills. Burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob and sautéed vegetables are just a few of the mouth-watering foods we’re eating this time of year. Throw in ice cream or a slice of watermelon, and we’re in for a refreshing snack!
And while I do enjoy these warm summer days of burgers and sweet potato fries [ trying to be healthy here ], I’ve been reminiscing about all the delicious foods I’ve enjoyed abroad.
So here it is, my list of 10 delicious foods I still drool thinking about. Enjoy!
[ 1 ] : The Sacher Torte from Café Sacher
Where | Vienna, Austria
Why | Chocolate cake with apricot jam … Need I say more?
[ 2 ] : Pretzels
Where | Germany
Why | A soft, gigantic pretzel and a stein of beer makes for one delicious snack. Bonus points if you make it to Oktoberfest in Munich.
[ 3] : Cheese & Charcuterie Board from BA Wine Bar
Where | Lisbon, Portugal
Why | The staff at BA Wine Bar [ in the Bairro Alto neighborhood ] craft the most magnificent spread of cheese, meats, olives and bread. Couple that with a variety of Portuguese wines they help you pick, and you are in for one heck of a night.
[ 4 ] : Smoked Meat Sandwich from Schwartz’s Deli
Where | Montreal, Canada
Why | If you get it to go, I guarantee you won’t be able to wait five minutes. It’s that delicious. I drool about it. I dream about it.
[ 5 ] : Gnocchi from an In-Home Cooking Class
Where | Scala, Italy, on the Amalfi Coast
Why | A retired chef from Capri, helped us roll and cook gnocchi from scratch. What a meal. What an experience. And what great company!
Grazie to our lovely hosts, Nonno Carmine, Adriano and Ines!
[ 6 ] : Pastel de Nata
Where | Portugal
Why | Portugal makes it on the list twice because it’s JUST THAT GOOD. “Natas” are a Portuguese staple – a sweet, custard-filled dessert! For an original nata, head just outside of Lisbon to the town of Belém.
[ 7 ] : Bitterballen
Where | Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Why | How could you pass up this filthy delicious snack? Dough filled with a variety of different meats, rolled into a ball and coated with breadcrumbs are then deep-fried before serving.
You read it right – filthy delicious.
[ 8 ] : The DC Classic from a GCDC – Grilled Cheese Bar
Where | Washington, D.C.
Why | I know that D.C. isn’t abroad, but this grilled cheese is too good not to share! They successfully ensured that no future grilled cheese and tomato soup would compare. Pro tip: Pay $2 to add bacon.
[ 9 ] : Pierogi
Where | Poland
Why | Similar to bitterballen in the Netherlands, pierogi are Polish dumplings filled with different types of fillings. The fillings are endless. There are pierogi with beef, pierogi with cheese, pierogi with potatoes, pierogi with fried onions, pierogi with cabbage, pierogi with spinach and mushrooms. [ Writer’s note: Reread this in Bubba’s voice from Forrest Gump. ]
[ 10 ] : Fried Fish
Where | Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Why | The Croatian style of preparing seafood may be different than what you’re used to, but be open-minded and courageous. I am so glad I did because it was oh so yummy!
And there you have it! If you are salivating right now, I did my job!
Have you been to any of the countries and/or eaten any of the foods on my list? What would you add? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.