For many travellers, the true flavour of a holiday is found not just in restaurants, but in the aisles of local supermarkets and specialist shops. A group of seasoned travel writers have shared their essential European foodie hauls, revealing the edible souvenirs they make a beeline for on every trip.
Belgian Delights: From Honey Cakes to Historic Coffee
One writer's love affair with Belgian snacks began during the amateur Tour of Flanders cycle race. The feed stations were stocked with Meli honey waffles and honey cake, creating a lasting craving. Now, a visit to Ghent isn't complete without a supermarket stop to stock up on these sweet treats.
The next essential port of call is the historic Tierenteyn-Verlent mustard shop on the Groentenmarkt. Housed in a 19th-century interior resembling an apothecary, the shop fills the air with the aromas of spices and herbs used in mustards made fresh daily in wooden vats.
A short walk leads to Mokabon on Donkersteeg, a cafe frozen in 1950s style with a beautiful wooden bar and red walls. At the front, they sell coffee beans roasted on-site since the late 1930s, packaged in distinctive yellow and red paper bags.
French Flair: Artful Aisles and Tinned Treasures
French supermarkets are celebrated for their style, with artfully arranged shelves that are a "siren call to drool." The Bonne Maman jam section offers distinctly Gallic flavours like mirabelle, quince, and greengage. The dairy aisle presents a delicious challenge, with a vast array of fromages blancs, crèmes fraîches, and countless regional cheeses.
Beyond the wine, the real treasures for one connoisseur are the tins and terrines: terrine de sanglier (wild boar), terrine de lapin (rabbit), and confit de canard. The snack aisle yields unique finds like Lay's paysanne tapenade crisps, buttery galettes au beurre biscuits, and Haribo Pik Dragibus sweets.
Italian Indulgences and Irish Alternatives
Italian supermarkets are an Aladdin's cave for those with a sweet tooth. One writer stocks up on huge bags of individually wrapped fruit jellies, particularly the Dufour Big Frut range, and never leaves without several boxes of the iconic Baci chocolates with their love notes inside. Savoury staples like olive oil, pasta, and porcini mushrooms are also essential, alongside the refreshing, low-alcohol Birra Moretti Limone.
In Ireland, while Barry's Tea and Tayto crisps are classic souvenirs, experts suggest digging deeper. Recommendations include magnificent farmhouse cheeses like Boyne Valley Bán goat's cheese from Sheridans, Harry's Nut Butter, and White Mausu's peanut rāyu. For a twist, try Blanco Niño tortilla chips made in Tipperary, and seek out premium smoked fish from producers like the Woodcock Smokery in Skibbereen.
German Bakery Bliss and a Sustainable System
For those missing Germany, the heart of the supermarket is often the in-store bakery at chains like Edeka and Rewe. The smell of freshly baked Brötchen (bread rolls) in myriad varieties is quintessentially homely. Regional specialities shine at the deli counters, from Bavarian pretzels with white sausage to northern German fish rolls.
The confectionery aisle offers Ritter Sport chocolate and Katjes' vegan gummy bears. However, many expats miss the efficient Pfand deposit system, where returning bottles and cans to the supermarket earns up to 25 cents each, ensuring widespread recycling.
Ultimately, these curated shopping lists prove that some of the most memorable and authentic tastes of a European holiday are those you can pack in your suitcase and savour long after you return home.
