① France - French Baguette
This type of bread has a distinctive shape, being long and narrow. Its surface is golden and crispy, while the interior is soft and has fine honeycomb-like air pockets. The ingredients used in its production are simple, mainly consisting of flour, water, yeast, and salt. However, the production process is very meticulous, requiring a long fermentation period and specific baking techniques. When freshly baked, the French Baguette emits a rich aroma of wheat. When you take a bite, the crispy exterior contrasts sharply with the soft interior, making it an indispensable part of the French diet. It is often paired with cheese, jam, or used to make sandwiches.
② Italy - Pizza
As a globally renowned delicacy, Italian pizza has a long history. It is based on a fermented round dough, topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various ingredients such as sausages, ham, vegetables, etc., and then baked in an oven. Different regions have different characteristics for their pizza. For example, the pizza from Naples emphasizes the original flavor of the ingredients, with a thinner crust and bulging edges. The taste of pizza is rich, with a crispy crust, the cheese melting and releasing a fragrant aroma, and the flavors of various ingredients blend together, making it deeply loved by people.
③ Spain - Paella
This classic dish originated from Valencia, with short-grain rice dyed golden yellow using saffron as the base. It is topped with fresh shrimp, mussels, squid, etc., and sprinkled with green beans and lemon slices. The crispy crust has a nutty aroma, and the rice absorbs the freshness and sweetness of the seafood as well as the unique aroma of saffron. Every bite is a taste of the Mediterranean. The local people usually add chicken or rabbit meat in their home cooking, but the seafood version is always a favorite among tourists.
④ Germany - Bratwurst with Sauerkraut
The Germans' love for sausages is deeply ingrained in their DNA. And Bratwurst is the most common "hitmaker" on the streets. The grilled pork sausages, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with the sweet and sour fermented sauerkraut that cleanses the palate, and topped with yellow mustard sauce, are perfectly enjoyed when stuffed into a hard bread. The people of Munich will tell you that eating it with beer is the essence of the experience.
⑤ United Kingdom - Fish and Chips
This national snack is regarded as the symbol of British culinary culture. Fresh white fish fillets are coated with beer batter and fried until golden and crispy. Accompanied by thick fried potatoes, sprinkled with sea salt and vinegar, and wrapped in newspaper for a more retro taste, it offers a unique experience. The tender fish meat and soft potatoes, simple yet satisfying, are popular choices for British people's weekend dinners or bar snacks.
⑥ Portugal - Portuguese Egg Tart (Pastel de Nata)
This sweet creation originated from the Jeronimo Monastery in Lisbon. The crust is as thin as a cicada's wing, with layers of flaky texture. The filling is a creamy egg and milk mixture, and the surface is baked to a caramel color, with a hint of nutty aroma. When freshly baked, sprinkle with cinnamon powder. Savoring it hot, the crust crumbles, and the filling is sweet and rich. Pairing it with a cup of espresso is a classic combination for Portuguese afternoon tea.
⑦ Swiss Cheese Fondue
On cold winter days, the Swiss love to gather together and enjoy cheese fondue. Various cheeses such as Emmental and Gruyère are chopped up, mixed with white wine and garlic, and cooked until thick and smooth. Bread pieces are picked up with a long fork and eaten with it. The cheese has a rich aroma, with a hint of wine and garlic. In some regions, cherry wine is added to enhance the unique flavor, making it an excellent choice to warm the body and soul.
⑧ Belgian Waffle
Belgian waffles are divided into Brussels waffles and Liège waffles. The former has larger grids and a lighter texture, while the latter is thicker and contains pearl sugar particles. Usually, chocolate sauce, cream, or fresh fruits, ice cream and other ingredients are poured or placed on the waffles. They are sweet, soft and chewy, with a rich taste. They are very popular as both breakfast and dessert.
