We’re just weeks away from our first Ambassadors of Music experiences of the summer and the countdown is on! You’ve packed, you’ve planned, you’ve daydreamed – but have you made a list of the foods you absolutely have to try on tour?
We love American food (we’re based in Chicago; food is a big deal here!) but snacking on local foods in incredible destinations is one of our favorite parts of traveling. And this summer is the perfect opportunity for you to test-drive those international tastebuds. Here’s a country-by-country breakdown of just a few of the possibilities:
England
- Fish and chips – Fish = battered and fried cod or similar whitefish. Chips = thick-cut french fries. This British staple is delicious, crispy and easy to find.
- Sticky toffee pudding – So this isn’t what any American would call a pudding, but it is a wonderfully sweet treat you should try to track down. This light sponge cake is baked with finely chopped dates then smothered in a rich toffee sauce. The Brits will argue whether this should be topped with ice cream, custard or clotted cream – we’ll take it however it’s served.
- Scotch egg –Try this boiled egg, wrapped in sausage, rolled in breadcrumbs and fried and see for yourself. While they sound Scottish, they’re a decidedly British invention.
France
- Croissants – You haven’t had a croissant until you’ve had a fresh, Parisian croissant. While a simple, plain croissant is life-changing, the filled options – chocolate, almond paste, jam or hazelnut spread – are incredible.
- Crepes – A warm crepe – made, filled and wrapped right in front of you – is a thing of beauty. Street vendors will add sugar and lemon, jam, strawberries or hazelnut spread before wrapping them up and sending you on your way.
- Jambon-beurre – French for “ham-butter,” this humble sandwich is so much more than it seems. A fresh sliced baguette is the foundation, then spread with salted French butter and lined with thin slices of ham.
Switzerland
- Fondue – Warm, melted cheese, often infused with wine or garlic and always served over an open flame, is a Swiss treasure. Skewer country bread, fruit or vegetables, then dunk to your heart’s delight.
- Rosti – Considered the national dish of Switzerland, this potato pancake is not quite a latke and certainly not a hashbrown. Finely grated potato is shaped into pancake and pan-fried, then served alone or alongside a hearty breakfast or dinner.
- Swiss chocolate – The chocolate in Switzerland will blow you away – and melt in your mouth. Swiss chocolate has more milk than other chocolates, making it creamier, dreamier and not to be missed.
Germany
- Bratwurst – You may have had a grilled brat at a cookout or barbecue, but a traditional German bratwurst is bucket-list worthy for sure. You’ll find them sold by street vendors, in restaurants and beer halls, wrapped in a bun with lots of mustard or on a plate with sauerkraut and kartoffelsalat (potato salad).
- Krapfen (Berliner Donuts) – These yummy yeasted donuts will always make our list. Filled with jam, fried gently and dusted with powdered sugar, krapfen are delicious for breakfast or as a snack as you wander.
- Brezeln (Pretzels) – You can find these bigger-than-your-face soft pretzels just about anywhere in Germany. Soft, chewy and sprinkled with salt (or cinnamon sugar, if you prefer!), these are the best pretzels of your life. Top with spicy mustard, eat them plain or go wild with a cheese-covered twister.
Austria
- Schnitzel – Don’t leave Austria without trying a plate of schnitzel, a pounded-thin, breaded and fried cut of meat, most often served with potatoes, sour cream and onions. You’ll find this on the menu in street food stalls and in most Austrian restaurants.
- Apfelstrudel – Track down this spiced apple pastry if you want to know what Austria tastes like. Flaky, crusty and filled with cinnamon, sugar and raisins, these smell like heaven and taste even better.
- Käsespätzle – Spätzle are short, crinkly egg noodles found in many German and Austrian dishes. When you add shredded cheese to these hot little noodles, you get the ultimate Austrian comfort food – *almost* a cousin of macaroni and cheese.
If you need a snack after reading this post, we’re right there with you – Europe is going to be delicious, right? We hope our foodie bucket-list inspired you to make your own and we can’t wait to see what you liked best!