The Most Popular Food in Europe, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 13, 2024 06:38
Food enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads when trying to decide which European dish to try next. Ranking the top choices simplifies this decision by highlighting what others have enjoyed the most. This makes it not only easier for new travelers to pick a dish but also helps locals discover new favorites.
Our site lets you participate in shaping these rankings through your unique tastes and experiences. By voting on your favorite dishes, you contribute to a collective insight that helps guide others in their culinary adventures. Each vote brings a dish closer to being crowned the favorite, thus ensuring that the rankings reflect current trends and preferences.
What Is the Most Popular Food in Europe?
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161votesWhile pizza originated in Italy, it has become a beloved dish throughout Europe. It is versatile, delicious, and can be topped with a variety of ingredients.Pizza is a popular Italian dish that has become a staple in American cuisine. It typically consists of a round, flat dough base topped with various ingredients and baked in an oven. The toppings often include tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. The combination of these flavors creates a savory and satisfying meal enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Dough: A flattened round dough made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes olive oil.
- Toppings: A variety of ingredients can be used, including tomato sauce, cheese (often mozzarella), meats (such as pepperoni, sausage, or ham), vegetables (like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers), and herbs (such as basil or oregano).
- Baking: Typically baked in a hot oven, reaching temperatures around 475°F (245°C), for a short period of time (usually 10-15 minutes).
- Styles: There are various regional styles of pizza in America, with New York-style and Chicago-style being among the most famous. Each style has its own unique characteristics, such as the thickness of the crust, the proportion of toppings, and the cooking method.
- Versatility: Pizza can be customized to suit individual preferences, allowing for countless topping combinations and variations. This versatility contributes to its popularity and widespread appeal.
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239votesAnother Italian classic that has become a staple in European cuisine. From spaghetti to lasagna, pasta dishes are loved throughout the continent.Pasta is a versatile dish made from unleavened dough consisting of durum wheat flour, water, and sometimes eggs. It is typically shaped into various forms and sizes before being cooked by boiling or baking. Pasta is known for its comforting and satisfying qualities, making it a beloved food worldwide. It can be enjoyed plain, with sauces, or incorporated into other dishes.
- Ingredients: Durum wheat flour, water, and sometimes eggs
- Preparation: Boiling or baking
- Varieties: Spaghetti, penne, macaroni, fettuccine, linguine, lasagna, and more
- Shapes: Long, short, twisted, tubular, flat, or stuffed
- Texture: Ranges from tender to al dente
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317votesA French pastry that has become popular all over Europe. It is flaky, buttery, and perfect for breakfast or as a snack.Croissants are a renowned French pastry made of a delicate, flaky dough that is layered with butter and shaped into a crescent or crescent-like shape. They have a light and airy texture, with a buttery and slightly sweet flavor. Croissants are typically enjoyed as breakfast or as a treat with coffee or tea.
- Shape: Crescent or crescent-like shape
- Texture: Delicate, flaky, light, and airy
- Flavor: Buttery and slightly sweet
- Ingredients: Flour, butter, water, sugar, salt, yeast
- Preparation time: Several hours, including resting and chilling
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49votesSausages are popular throughout Europe, with each country having its own unique variations. They are perfect for grilling, frying, or boiling.Sausages are a popular pork product made from ground meat, typically pork, along with various spices, flavorings, and fillers. The mixture is often stuffed into a casing made from the intestines of animals. Sausages are commonly cooked by grilling, frying, or boiling, and they can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes or as standalone snacks.
- Meat Selection: Primarily made from ground pork, but can also contain beef, veal, or poultry.
- Casing: Traditionally encased in natural casings made from the intestines of animals but also available in artificial casings.
- Flavorings: Seasoned with a wide range of spices, herbs, and flavorings, such as salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, nutmeg, and more.
- Types: Various types of sausages exist worldwide, including bratwurst, chorizo, Italian, Polish, breakfast sausages, and many more.
- Preparation: Sausages can be fresh, smoked, or cured. Fresh sausages are usually cooked immediately, while smoked or cured sausages are preserved for longer shelf life.
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513votes
Andrew Dunn · CC BY-SA 2.0A British classic that has become popular all over Europe. It consists of fried fish and chips (french fries) and is often served with tartar sauce.Fish and Chips is a classic British dish consisting of fried fish fillets and chips (thick-cut fries). It is typically made with a white fish, such as cod or haddock, dipped in a batter made of flour and water or beer. The fish is then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The chips are also deep-fried until they have a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Fish and Chips is often served with salt and vinegar, as well as tartar sauce or ketchup for dipping. It is a popular take-away food and a staple of British cuisine.- Main Ingredients: White fish fillets, potatoes (for chips)
- Batter: Made with flour, water or beer
- Cooking Method: Deep-fried
- Serving Style: Take-away (often wrapped in newspaper)
- Condiments: Salt, vinegar, tartar sauce, ketchup
Fish and Chips in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular lunch in England
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular food in London
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular food in Perth
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular British dish
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular food in Niagara Falls
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular food in Northern Ireland
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65votesA Spanish rice dish that is packed with flavor. It includes saffron, vegetables, and often seafood or chicken.Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish that originated in the Valencia region. It is renowned for its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and enticing aroma. Paella is traditionally cooked in a shallow, wide pan known as a paellera, which allows for even heat distribution and the formation of a delicious crust at the bottom of the rice. The dish typically consists of short-grain rice cooked with a variety of ingredients, such as saffron, chicken, rabbit, seafood (including shrimp, clams, and mussels), and vegetables (such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and green beans). It is seasoned with spices like paprika and often garnished with lemon wedges. Paella is enjoyed as a communal dish, bringing people together to savor the flavors of Spain.
- Origin: Spain
- Type of rice: short-grain rice
- Cooking vessel: a wide, shallow pan called a paellera
- Key ingredients: saffron, chicken, rabbit, seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels), vegetables (bell peppers, tomatoes, green beans)
- Seasonings: spices like paprika
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711votesA German dish that has become popular throughout Europe. It consists of thin, breaded cutlets of meat that are fried until crispy.Schnitzel is a popular dish in Germany that consists of a breaded and fried piece of meat, typically made from pork or veal. The meat is first tenderized, then coated in flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs before being fried until golden brown. The result is a deliciously crispy and flavorful cutlet that is often served with a slice of lemon and accompanied by a side dish like potato salad or fries.
- Meat Type: Pork or veal
- Coating: Breadcrumbs
- Tenderizing: Yes
- Cooking Method: Fried
- Color: Golden brown
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87votesA Greek dish that is similar to lasagna but with layers of eggplant, meat, and tomato sauce. It is topped with a creamy bechamel sauce.Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish that consists of layered eggplant or potatoes, ground meat (usually lamb or beef), and a rich tomato sauce. It is then topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. It is often served as a main course and is considered one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Greek cuisine.
- Main ingredients: Eggplant or potatoes, ground meat, tomato sauce, and béchamel sauce
- Meat options: Usually lamb or beef, but sometimes pork or veal
- Spices and herbs: Commonly used spices include cinnamon, oregano, and nutmeg. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint are often added.
- Vegetarian variation: A vegetarian version can be made by substituting the meat with mushrooms or lentils.
- Regional variations: Different regions in Greece have their own variations of Moussaka. Some use different vegetables like zucchini or artichokes, while others may include additional ingredients like cheese or pine nuts.
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913votesA Hungarian stew that is hearty and flavorful. It includes beef, vegetables, and spices, and is often served with noodles or potatoes.Goulash is a traditional Hungarian dish that has become popular throughout Europe. It is a hearty stew made with tender chunks of beef or pork, cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of paprika and other spices. The dish is typically slow-cooked for several hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. Goulash is often served with bread or dumplings, which are perfect for soaking up the rich and flavorful sauce.
- Origin: Hungary
- Main Ingredients: Beef or pork, onions, garlic, paprika
- Flavor: Rich and savory
- Cooking Method: Slow-cooked stew
- Serving Style: With bread or dumplings
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105votesA Polish dumpling that is stuffed with potatoes, cheese, or meat. It is boiled and then often fried until crispy.Pierogi are a traditional dumpling dish in Europe, particularly popular in Poland and other Eastern European countries. They are made by wrapping unleavened dough around a savory or sweet filling, which is then boiled or fried. The dough, usually made from flour, water, and sometimes eggs or sour cream, is rolled out and cut into circles. The filling can vary, but commonly includes ingredients such as potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, meat, or fruit. Once filled and sealed, the pierogi are cooked until tender and served hot.
- Region: Eastern Europe
- Main Ingredients: Dough, potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, meat, fruit
- Cooking Methods: Boiling, frying
- Serving Temperature: Hot
- Shape: Usually semi-circular, but can also be triangular or rectangular
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Ranking factors for popular food
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Traditional and regional dishesConsider the various traditional and regional dishes that are significant to different European countries. These dishes often carry cultural importance and are cherished by locals and tourists alike.
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Popularity among localsAssess the popularity of certain dishes among local residents in various European countries. Foods that are widely consumed and frequently prepared by locals are likely to be considered popular.
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Tourism and global influenceLook at how much the dishes are associated with certain countries or regions and whether they are sought after by tourists or have global recognition.
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Frequency of consumptionAnalyze how often the dishes are consumed by people across Europe, including both locals and visitors. More frequent consumption could indicate higher popularity.
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AccessibilityConsider how accessible the dishes are in terms of being available in various restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors across Europe.
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Market demandInvestigate market trends to determine the demand for certain food items in Europe. A dish with a high market demand can be considered popular.
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Food festivals and eventsTake into account whether certain dishes are celebrated through food festivals or events. Popular dishes may have special events dedicated to them.
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Media coverageAnalyze media coverage, including food blogs, magazines, and TV programs that promote or discuss various European dishes. More media coverage often indicates a higher level of popularity.
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Taste preferencesConsider the general taste preferences of people in Europe. This could include preferences for flavors, spices, texture, and preparation techniques.
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Historical and cultural significanceFactor in the historical and cultural significance of certain dishes, as this could contribute to their popularity. Dishes that have a strong history or cultural association may be more popular among Europeans.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Europe. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1683 views
- 180 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular food in europe
Europe is home to a rich culinary heritage that has evolved over centuries. From hearty stews and sausages to artisanal cheeses and delectable pastries, the continent boasts a diverse range of cuisines that reflect its cultural and historical diversity. But what is the most popular food in Europe? Is it the classic Italian pizza, the French croissant, or the hearty German bratwurst? The answer may surprise you, as there are many regional variations in taste and preference. To get a better understanding of the most popular food in Europe, we've compiled data from our extensive poll database to give you a comprehensive overview of the continent's culinary preferences. So, let's take a closer look at what Europeans love to eat!
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