When temperatures drop in the fall, there’s nothing better than enjoying a hot bowl of soup, an indulgent dessert, or a hearty bowl of pasta with a glass of wine. The fall season in Europe offers some of the most delicious cuisine that will quickly warm you up on a chilly day. Germany, France, and Italy all have incredible comfort food options. These dishes will make you want to curl up with a blanket by the fireplace! Here are the best foods to eat in Europe this fall…
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Germany
What to Eat: Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, Pork Schnitzel, Potato and Beer Soup, Beer Braised Brisket
When you think of German cuisine, you typically think of traditional options such as sausages and meat, which is exactly the type of ideal comfort food to eat during the colder months. Oktoberfest in Germany kicks off the fall season and is where many traditional German dishes come from. Amazing German delicacies such as schnitzel and potatoes are hearty and perfect for cold fall evenings! Germans are known for their potato (kartoffel) dishes, with potato and beer soup being one of the most loved. If you’re going to eat sauerkraut, it’s best to have it in the Fall. Sauerkraut is more frequently eaten in the Fall/Winter months because the fermentation process makes it full of vitamins A, C, K, protein, and iron. Pile it on top of a bratwurst for a (semi) healthy meal! Be sure to wash down your delicious meal with a refreshing German beer such as Pils or Hefeweizen.
Italy
What to Eat: Roasted Chestnuts, Risotto Con Funghi Porcini, Pasta Al Tartufo, Vegetable Minestrone
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Italy. With the cooler temperatures brings harvest season, which means delicious, fresh, and seasonal food. Restaurants in Italy change their menus depending on what is in season, and in the Fall, that means things like tartufo (truffles), chestnuts, and funghi porcini (porcini mushrooms). Although you can get roasted chestnuts from street vendors all year long, nothing is as good as fresh, in season chestnuts in Autumn and Winter. Truffles and porcini mushrooms are also in abundance in the Fall, and are usually found in rich, delectable pastas. There’s nothing quite like a hot plate of pasta to fill you up on a freezing day! The first cold day of the year is also typically when Italians start making minestrone, which is a traditional soup filled with seasonal vegetables. Minestrone is just what the doctor ordered for windy, chilly autumn days.
Avoya Insider Tip: Fall is harvest season for olives, as well. This season is when local olive farmers pick their olives and press them to make extra virgin olive oil. Be sure and do an olive oil tasting while you’re there!
France
What to Eat: Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, Soupe à l’oignon, Cassoulet
France is known for its rich dishes, delicious sweets, and decadent pastries. There’s no better time to indulge in some French comfort food than in the Fall. Classic boeuf bourguignon is always a great meal to warm up with—it’s pretty much the ultimate French comfort food. It is a stew of tender beef braised in red wine (traditionally Burgundy) and is a true ‘stick to your ribs’ kind of meal. Coq au Vin is another incredible Fall dish that is similar to boeuf bourguignon, but with chicken instead of beef. It’s a dish that’s perfect for pairing with a glass of red wine on a cold evening. French cuisine also involves many types of soups, including soupe à l’oignon (onion soup), and cassoulet (bean soup). Both of these hearty soups were made to slurp in the Fall!
Are you feeling hungry yet? All of these delicious dishes will surely cure any of your Fall food cravings. There are so many reasons to travel to Europe during Autumn, and the delicious, cozy food is just one more to add to the list.
If you’re interested in heading to Europe in the Fall, a cruise is the best way to go. You’ll get to taste the cuisine of many different countries, all without having to unpack your bags! Search for your favorite Europe cruise itinerary below:
