7 Best Foods To Try While Studying Abroad

By Elana Goodwin on February 7, 2016

Whether you’re studying abroad for a semester, a year, or a shorter term, you’ll want to make the most out of your experience by soaking in the culture and language of wherever you’re studying or traveling to.

Of course, an important part of any culture is the food. Here are some of the best and most popular foods around the globe that you’ll want to try if you’re studying in or able to travel to any of these places.

Photo Credit: walksofitaly.com

1. Gelato in Italy

I’ve personally eaten gelato in Italy and simply put, it’s delicious. However, not all gelatos are the same, so if you want to eat the best gelato, you’ll want to check out La Carraia or Vivoli in Florence, Gelateria I Carusoor or Come il Latte in Rome, or Gelateria Alaska in Venice.

Of course, if you’re not a gelato snob, you can stop at any place in Italy and indulge in this cool, tasty treat.

2. Paella in Spain

There are a couple different types of paella, ranging from the Valencian paella (the original recipe) to seafood paella, to mixed paella.

Valencian paella is made of white rice, green beans, meat, white beans, snails, and seasoning. Seafood paella replaces the meat with seafood and typically leaves out the beans and green veggies. Mixed paella is a cross between the two, that usually boasts some kind of meat-seafood combo with veggies and beans.

3. Crepes in France

If you’re a fan of the pancake, you’ll definitely want to binge on crepes. These thin pancakes are usually made of wheat flour and can be stuffed with all sorts of yummy things, from fruits to chocolate to Nutella and more.

The best crepes in France can be found at La Crepitante or Breizh Cafe in Paris, but when you’re craving a crepe, you can pretty much go to any French cafe and you’ll find yourself in paradise.

4. Belgian Waffles in Belgium

You’ve had waffles, sure — but have you had real Belgian waffles? You may think you have but that’s the American version of it; only in Belgium will you be able to experience the yumminess of their waffles, which are typically lighter and more crispy than ours (But just as, if not more, delicious!).

You can load up your waffles with powdered sugar, sauce, fruit, and more, so you may need to get two — or three.

Photo Credit: livingnorth.com/

5. Fish and Chips in England

This quintessential British food is a must-eat for travelers and students studying abroad. The dish is batter fried fish and fries (called chips by Brits) and you should wear loose clothes because you’ll want to binge on this delicious meal.

While in England, you’ll want to arrange a fish and chips tour for yourself so stop at Bonnie Gull, The Fish & Chip Shop, The Golden Hind, The Fish Club, and Poppies, to partake in some of the best fish and chips London has to offer.

6. Fondue in Switzerland

If you’re in Switzerland, you simply must dip (pun intended) your toe into their local cuisine. Fondue is a “do” and if you’re in Zurich, you’ll want to stop at Le Dezaley or Swiss Chuchi to nosh on some yummy cheese and/or chocolate fondue.

How it works is a big pot of melted, gooey, yummy cheese will be put in the middle of the table and kept on a low heat. You will then dip pieces of bread into the pot using a fondue fork, eat it, and try not to die of happiness.

7. Vlaamse Frites in Amsterdam

You’ll have a hard time going back to eating regular old french fries after you try these traditional Dutch fries that are covered in whatever sauce you choose. Typically, people will put mayonnaise on the fries, but most places will also offer garlic sauce, ranch dressing, feta cheese, gravy, tartar sauce, curry sauce, and ketchup, so you can choose whatever strikes your fancy.

The most popular place to get what are called the best frites is Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx, located in the city center. They can be crowded though, so you may also want to check out Par Hasard or Bar Boca’s for your dose of Vlaamse frites.

If you’re studying abroad currently or planning to in the future, you’ll want to take an empty stomach with you. Because these foods — and others you’ll find abroad — will make you not just eat to live, but live to eat.

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