European Snack and Lunch Ideas

One of the best things about Europe is the delicious food! Great food comes in all shapes and sizes, so if you are up for a little lesson in DIY, you can enjoy some of the best Europe has to offer by buying a few simple ingredients at the local market. It will save you money in the long run, and might even be good for you.

When traveling, it’s fun to experience the local way of life. Whether it’s finding a secluded beach that only locals know about, eating at a hidden gem of a cafe, or finding the perfect place for a night cap, you shouldn’t need a cheeseburger from the Hard Rock Cafe to feel comforted. In fact, you might be surprised to learn, that much of the food you will find in Europe does not come from large factory farms, but from smaller local operations. This is one large difference between American and European culture, and you might not realize just what you’re missing out on. Finding affordable, healthy, and delicious local food is something that’s easy to do, and you don’t need to be a chef to throw together a baguette with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese.

First thing you need to do is head to the local market. If you’re not sure where it is, just ask someone! People may have different ideas about where you should go, but in Europe it’s very common for there to be food markets in the main squares. Pick up some essentials, starting with bread. Ask bakers what their best sellers are. Chances are there’s a darn good reason they sell so many. Once you have your breads, grab some of your favorite produce. From there, get some soft spreadable cheese (like a Brie) so you don’t have to worry about slicing big blocks of hard cheese later. You might be able to find sliced meats, but really, you don’t want an American deli sandwich, you want something unique. There’s generally enough “on-the-go” meat (Donner kebabs, currywurst etc.) to keep most carnivores satisfied, and light lunches will give you more energy for walking around. Don’t forget to pick up some olive oil to go with your bread and veggies. When the time comes for your perfect picnic lunch, head to the nearest green area. Every major city in Europe has some kind of green park or botanical garden where you can relax and enjoy your little break. Don’t forget to bring something to drink. Something made from grapes perhaps?

Enjoy your picnic with friends and family. They will be impressed at just how together you are and it will make up for the shenanigans you’re sure to get into as the evening approaches. Be sure not to forget to go out to eat. No one’s saying you should make all your meals from scratch. In fact, you owe it to yourself to go out and see what the local restaurants are serving, and experience the local flavor. In the meantime, save money by making some quick snacks that are both tasty and portable.