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02/01/2024 | 2 MINUTES READ

Meals From Europe I Wish I Could Bring Back to the States

Jason H.

University of Tampa | Seville

On the plane home from my four-month journey abroad, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my experience and all the memories. And I couldn’t help but to think of all the amazing food that I ate. I was already a foodie, but Europe transformed me into a big food critic. I live to eat and tried new foods any chance I had. The only downside is now I know these foods exist and are out of my reach. So, here are some foods that I wish I could bring back from Europe.

Paella with shrimp and clams.

Paella

A Spanish classic, but so good. If seafood is your jam, then this will be one of your favorites. Everything is made super fresh with immense flavors. I was fortunate enough to eat paella homemade from my host family which meant…unlimited refills!

Two milkshakes and a hot chocolate on a cafe table.

Kinder Bueno-Flavored ANYTHING 

If you have a sweet tooth like me, then this will be your go-to dessert flavor. Kinder Bueno milkshakes, ice cream, cookies, cakes, drinks—there’s so much to be offered, and I cannot get enough of it.

Two milkshakes and a hot chocolate on a cafe table.
Three croquettes topped with cured ham, served on a black slate platter.

Croquetas

In my professional opinion (of ordering them virtually everywhere), Muralla 13 in Sevilla, Spain, has the best croquettes known to man. My only complaint is that you cannot order them by the bucket. Call me dramatic but the first bite did bring me to tears it was so good. Another classic of Spain, there is nothing quite like it.

A plate of Portuguese Migas, a traditional dish, garnished with fresh herbs, tomato, and onion. A simple yet delicious meal in a Portuguese restaurant.

Bacalao from Lisbon

Bacalao, “cod fish,” is served in almost an unlimited number of ways. Bacalao con nata was my absolute favorite. Dining locally at the small shops instead of the fancy restaurants was the best way to go.

A plate of Portuguese Migas, a traditional dish, garnished with fresh herbs, tomato, and onion. A simple yet delicious meal in a Portuguese restaurant.
A plate of ravioli in red sauce with green pesto, sitting on a wooden restaurant table.

Pasta from Italy

Nothing beats the pasta from Italy. I could eat it every meal of the day. It practically melts in your mouth and doesn’t even need cheese—which is saying a lot from me. The Barilla pasta I make at home is no longer the same, especially carbonara.

A young adult enjoying a pizza with mushrooms and burrata at an Italian restaurant.

Mamm e Pompei Pizza from Italy

Different from any other pizza I have tried in my life, the sauce mixed with meat was game-changing. I ate it on a cold night in Turin, Italy, and it fixed every problem I have ever had.

A young adult enjoying a pizza with mushrooms and burrata at an Italian restaurant.
Hand holding a chocolate croissant on a Madrid street

The BREAD

I am not sure what Europe’s secret is when it comes to their bread, but it is life-changing. Especially the croissants. A nice warm croissant and coffee is the best way to start the day. I wish they had the same type of cafes in the United States, but my bank account is grateful we don’t.

Exploring Europe definitely brought more flavors to my pallet, but sadly I’m not a better cook. I am a little disappointed I’ve been placed back in the States with this conundrum. Unfortunately, DoorDash has not been a solution to this drastic problem, but this just gives me one more reason to return to Europe.

Jason H.

Tags

  • Food