This summer I visited five great cities in Europe that where a league of their own in delicious food, drink and local fun for the hearty tourist. Eating on a budget does not mean eating second grade food, on the contrary.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Amsterdams’ Historic Center offers one of the worlds most exclusive coffees, the Kopi Luwak. It is a must try coffee for every visitor to Amsterdam.
Because of strong Indonesian influence, Amsterdam enjoys a medly of dishes from the islands at the Rijsttafel or ‘rice table’ cafe.
At the Van Gogh Museum, there are food stalls every where on the museiemplein that include a variety of snacks and sandwiches.
Amsterdam offers many buffets of typical Dutch food that define the city and its’ inhabitants. Visitors should try as many of these tastes which range from sweet treats to salty frites.
The ever growing Surinamese population provides a wide variety of Surinamese food.
Paris, France.
The traditional boundaries between bar, club, restaurant and dance halls in Paris are diminishing, while hybrid spaces, better known for their multi-tasking venues such as the La Bellevillosie and the La Maroqoinerie house all the above under one roof.
While the Bistro continues to reign in Paris, it seeks to cater to the growing younger generation clientele, small space, limited menue and long shared tables. Among the more popular spots are the Hide, near Champs-Elysees, the Itineraires in Latin Quarter and the Le Gaigne in the Marais.
For an authentic Chinese treat, take Metro line 14 to the new Olymiades station, the heart of Chinatown. Wander the streets of Belleville where couscous restaurants jostle for space for Vietnam noodle joints. Ultra trendy spots along the Canal do l’ourcq and Arts et Metiers metro stations are also a great experience. The Au Bon Accuell, a haute cusine spot offers rather expensive, bistro style three course meals.
Rome, Italy.
Rome is blessed with an abundance of great street cafes offering wonderful snacks and lunches including vegetarian.
The Ciampini location flaunts outstanding view and atmosphere from the Pincio hills, while offering a wide selection of cafes and restaurants serving comfort food. Cafe Doria has a wide selection of teas, infusions and tisanes. The Barnum Cafe, decorated in circus motif is the perfect backdrop for local art exhibitions.
Side walk tables under the shade of a tree is a fun way to take in Rome hospitality. In winter, the cafe rooms get funky and atmospheric.
Brussels, Belgium.
Brussels is truly a mecca for chocolate lovers. Side walks are lined with vendors displaying their sweet goods with a passion.
The Rue des Bouchers, a cobbled street in Brussels flaunts the best seafood restaurants. Here one can enjoy mussels and fries along with the most popular vegetable, the endive, cooked in over 5o ways!
Beer is more than just a beverage in Brussels, it’s a culture, and with no shortage of home grown brews. Cafe Belga, equivalent to the pub in London, includes soups and snacks as part of its service.
Do please try the Belgian waffle near the famous site of Manneken Pis!
Frankfurt, Germany.
Frankfurt offers a rich and diverse assortment of foods and specialties. To walk into a bakery is to walk into a food lovers’ paradise. Bread is taken very seriously.
In frankfurt, do not wait to be seated, one could literally wait forever. Sometimes a server may deign to suggest a table, but they are usually too busy ignoring the customers already seated. Tipping is not the norm either.
As a visitor, do try local cusine. Kartaffelsalat (potato salad), and Gulaschsappe (goulash soup) are to die for, no matter where you order it.