12 Tasty Street Foods To Try in European Cities

The street food scene in Europe is diverse and rich, with recipes preserved and passed down for centuries; there is no better way for foodies to explore the cities’ cultural heritage.

Whether you sit to enjoy a meal fully or grab something to eat on the go, you will love the options available in European cities’ street food scene.

From savory crepes in France to spicy kebabs in Turkey, each country has unique specialties for each food lover. Read on for a selection of European street foods that are sure to mesmerize your taste buds.

Waffles – Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is renowned for its delectable waffles. This street food has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Crisp on the outside yet soft and fluffy inside, these treats are a must-try for any food enthusiast. They are made using all-purpose flour, butter, milk, eggs, sugar, and baking powder.

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Belgian waffles come in an array of toppings, from fresh berries and whipped cream to indulgent chocolate sauce and caramelized sugar. Whether enjoyed as a morning snack or a late-night treat, Brussels waffles will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Crepes – Paris

No visit to Paris is complete without sampling crepes that line the streets of the City of Lights. Thin and golden, French crepes are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether filled with savory ingredients like ham and cheese or sweet delights like Nutella and bananas, Parisian crepes offer a unique culinary experience.

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Pair your crepe with a steaming cup of espresso for the perfect Parisian breakfast, or savor it as a satisfying snack as you wander through the bustling lanes of Le Marais

Pretzels – Berlin

European Cities for Foodies Berlin, Germany — © schankz / Adobe Stock

Pretzels are a beloved snack in Germany, known for their distinctive twisted shape and salty flavor. Monks in the Middle Ages created them, and they are now a symbol of German culinary heritage. You’ll find two main types of pretzels: the Laugenbrezel and the Laugenstange. The Laugenbrezel is a traditional twisted pretzel, while the Laugenstange is a longer, stick-shaped pretzel perfect for on-the-go snacking.

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For the best pretzel experience, visit a local bakery or street vendors in food trucks or stalls.

Souvlaki – Athens

Souvlaki is one of the most beloved street foods in Athens. It features tender pieces of marinated meat (usually pork, chicken, or lamb) carefully grilled, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a smoky flavor. It is served with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tangy tzatziki sauce. Souvlaki can be enjoyed as a quick snack or a hearty meal—the choice is yours.

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For an authentic souvlaki experience, stop by Monastiraki Square. The lively neighborhood has several restaurants selling freshly grilled souvlaki and other tasty dishes.

Belgian Fries – Brussels

As you probably already know, despite their name, French fries trace their origin to Belgium, not France. Brussels is hands down the best place in Europe to enjoy fries, not because they are the area of origin, but because of the unique technique used in preparing them.

Belgian fries, or frites, are thick-cut and double-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

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Pairing the fries with traditional Belgian condiments elevates the experience to new heights. Mayonnaise, a beloved accompaniment in Belgium, is the preferred dipping sauce for fries. For the more adventurous palate, sampling Belgian fries with stoofvlees (beef stew) or moules-frites (mussels with fries) offers a tantalizing glimpse into the diverse flavors of Belgian cuisine.

Churros – Barcelona

Churros are a beloved Spanish dessert, often enjoyed as a sweet treat on the go. These deep-fried pastries are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and dusted with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

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Traditionally served with a steaming cup of thick hot chocolate for dipping, Spanish churros are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while exploring Barcelona’s lively markets and plazas. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a midday snack, or as a decadent dessert, each bite of churros is an immersion into the rich Catalan culinary inventions.

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Iskender Kebab – Istanbul

Iskender Kebab is a flavorful Turkish dish that originated in Bursa but gained immense popularity in Istanbul and beyond. This succulent dish features thinly sliced lamb or beef served over pieces of pide bread and generously topped with tomato sauce and melted butter.

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In Istanbul, Iskender Kebab can be found in numerous eateries, ranging from humble street vendors to upscale restaurants. One of the most famous places to enjoy this culinary delight is the historic district of Sultanahmet, where food vendors serve the dish in generous portions.

Pierogi – Poland

Pierogi, often referred to as the national dish of Poland, are delicious dumplings made with unleavened dough and filled with various savory or sweet fillings. Typical fillings include potatoes, cheese, meat, cabbage, and mushrooms.

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As one of Poland’s most iconic dishes, Pierogi provides a glimpse into the nation’s culinary traditions and serves as a gateway to understanding its history and customs. Whether boiled, fried, or baked, Pierogi never fails to satisfy, making it a beloved staple of Polish cuisine.

Paella – Valencia

Barcelona Paella — © gkrphoto / Adobe Stock

Paella’s roots go back to the 18th century when Valencian farmers and peasants crafted it using simple, locally sourced ingredients.

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Central to any Paella recipe is the rice. Spanish short-grain rice such as Bomba or Calasparra is used, as it absorbs flavors while retaining a satisfyingly firm texture. Flavors of saffron, paprika, and a medley of seafood or meat, such as shrimp, chicken, and chorizo, make the rice more tasty.

Bratwurst – Berlin

Bratwurst is a traditional German sausage that holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of locals and tourists. This street dish, revered for its simplicity yet bold flavors, consists of finely minced pork or beef seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices such as marjoram, nutmeg, and white pepper. The mixture is then stuffed into natural casings, resulting in plump, juicy sausages that burst with flavor when grilled to perfection.

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Whether served from food stalls on the historic streets of Mitte or enjoyed al fresco at beer gardens and outdoor festivals, Bratwurst epitomizes the spirit of Berlin’s bustling street food scene.

Banitsa – Sofia

Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough, eggs, and cheese, often seasoned with herbs and spices. This savory delight is rolled into a spiral shape, baked until golden brown, and served warm, usually dusted with powdered sugar.

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This iconic dish has been a staple in Bulgarian households and is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack throughout the day. Sampling Banitsa allows you to experience Bulgaria’s rich culinary heritage and connect with its proud culinary traditions.

When in Sofia, you can easily find Banista in the many food stalls across the city. However, your best bet would be on stalls lining Graf Ignatiev, Gladstone, and Shishman streets.

Bitterballen – Amsterdam

Bitterballen, a street dish from the 19th century, was originally made from leftover meat, such as beef or veal. It consists of a thick, deep-fried roux-based filling, typically containing minced beef or veal, beef broth, butter, flour, herbs, and spices.

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Bitterballen is typically served piping hot, straight from the fryer, with a side of tangy mustard for dipping. These delectable bites are best enjoyed with a cold glass of Dutch beer, making them the perfect snack for a leisurely afternoon spent socializing with friends or family.

The trendy Oud-West neighborhood offers a lot of Bitterballen options to try.