Iconic European
Street Food

European street food is a great way to experience a region’s local flavors. In bustling markets and quaint town squares, street vendors offer a slice of local life that can’t be found in restaurants. Each bite tells a story, revealing a region's culinary traditions, history, and creativity. Imagine savoring the aroma of freshly prepared dishes as you stroll through narrow alleys lined with centuries-old buildings, or taking a break on a park bench to enjoy a quick, delicious bite while watching the world go by.

These street foods often come with a rich heritage, passed down through generations and adapted over time. They reflect the diversity and innovation of European cultures, showcasing a variety of ingredients and preparation methods unique to each locale. From vibrant food festivals to everyday street corners, the variety of street food available across Europe offers an endless culinary adventure.

Whether you're exploring a vibrant metropolis or a charming village, street food is an integral part of the European travel experience. It provides not only a taste of the local cuisine but also an opportunity to engage with the community, observe local customs, and even exchange a few words with the vendors who take pride in their craft.

The Best Street Food in Austria

Apfelstrudel

Vienna is known the world over for its coffeehouses, and no sweet treat in Vienna is better savored with a coffee than Apfelstrudel. Café Landtmann don’t just know strudel; their bakers give daily displays making original Viennese strudel in Schonbrunn Palace, the royal Habsburg summer residence in Austria. Their dough is rolled daily and covered with local apples, buttery pastry, and rum-soaked raisins.

Wiener schnitzel

After a long day wandering Viennese streets, you’ve earned a hearty meal and a chilled local wine. Wiener schnitzel is the no-nonsense food you need when looking for what to eat in Vienna.

You’ll find a restaurant labeled “Home of the Schnitzel” in Figlmüller Baker Street, a few streets from St Stephen’s Cathedral. Figlmüller’s opened as a small wine tavern in 1905 and has served its iconic Schnitzel. Figlmüller’s secret is soft pork tenderloin rolled with a mallet before cooking for a deliciously thin and crispy bite.

Austria Vacations 

The Best Street Food in Belgium

Belgian Waffles

Restaurants worldwide offer attempts at a “Belgian Waffle." However, few can compare once you've tasted this iconic treat's crispy, fluffy dough and custardy flavor straight from the source - a friendly, local street vendor. Try one hot and topped with Nutella or whipped cream for the full (and true) Belgian Waffle experience.

Pommes Frites

Traditional Belgian fried potatoes are cooked twice, giving them an extra crunch and steaming hot interior. They are usually served with mayonnaise or aioli, but you can also try them with curried ketchup or vinegar.

Belgian Vacations

The Best Street Food in The Czech Republic

Trdelnik

Trdelnik is quickly a familiar sight for the locals of Prague. You may not have heard of a chimney cake, but this wrapped dough creation, named for its shape, is classic Czech street food and can be made in front of you. A sweet pastry treat, this rolled bread is served warm and often topped with cinnamon, sugar, and chopped nuts.

Czech Republic Vacations

The Best Street Food in Italy

Gelato

Gelato can be found anywhere in the world, but the Italians do it best. Combining milk, cream, sugar, and flavors, this icy treat is perfect on a sunny day. Options go far beyond simple chocolate and vanilla to rich caramels, inviting berries, and floral flavors. Why not try something completely new at one of Florence’s best gelaterias?

Crocche

For a more savory option, try this Southern Italian specialty. Crocche is made from mashed potatoes and bread crumbs mixed with egg and cheese and then fried to perfection.

Italy Vacations

The Best Street Food in Germany

Currywurst

Picking up a pretzel or bratwurst from a street food stand can be a quick and inexpensive way to experience a few local specialties. Pretty much a mainstay on the streets of Berlin, Currywurstn is a dish that features a pork bratwurst seasoned with curried ketchup. The sausage is usually served with a side of potato fries.

Doner Kebab

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, be sure to try a Doner Kebab. Also known as Donerbuden, this Turkish-inspired thinly sliced meat is similar to what Americans call a “gyro” and is served with lettuce, onion, cucumber, and tomatoes on flat pita bread. Kebabs are sold at food carts in every major German city and are so popular they outsell all other types of street food combined!

Germany Vacations

The Best Street Food in France

Crepe

You simply cannot go to France and miss the opportunity to try a fresh crepe. There are sweet breakfast-style options served with chocolate and fruits. There are also incredible savory choices like brie and mushroom or spinach and onion. Try one topped with ham and cheese, or be decadent with Nutella and custard.

Raspberry Bottereaux

Another sweet treat, these raspberry-filled pastry pockets are best hot from the pan. Often topped with powdered sugar, these are the perfect complement to your French latte.

France Vacations

The Best Street Food in Greece

Souvlaki

Often made with pork or lamb, souvlaki consists of small pieces of meat marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, then grilled on skewers. The meat is sometimes served on bread or in a fold-over sandwich with lettuce, tomato, onions, and a light sauce.

Koulouri

Widely known as a Turkish Bagel in the USA, Simit in Turkey, and Simit, Ka'ek in Jerusalem, these savory bread rings are a Greek favorite for a quick breakfast. Often dusted with salt, olive oil, and sesame seed, the ringed bread is usually plain or with jellies, cheeses, herbs, or vegetables depending on the region. You'll often see street vendors wearing hats of the ringed bread, if so, you'll typically buy them plain - right off their heads - and add your own acctremounts. 

Greece Vacations

The Best Street Food in Spain

Churros

The chances are that you have tried a version of these deep-fried donuts, popular worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to try them the way they were meant to be enjoyed: Served piping hot with a side of hot chocolate or dipping sauces on the streets of Spain.

Bocadillos

These tiny little sandwiches are made from baguette-style bread filled with savory, rustic foods like egg, cheese, ham, tuna, or potato. They’re often toasted and served crispy and warm.

Spanish Vacations