One of the major motivations of westerners to travel is to try different foods. I am not sure if desis can fully relate to it since our taste buds are highly non-adaptable. It will not be an exaggeration if i say that most of us especially Gujjus or those coming from Hindi belt are staunch vegetarians. Besides, we are so used to flavor and spice in our food that it may be difficult for us to accept culinary philosophy of other cultures.
Europe is very different from U.S., U.K. or Australia when it comes to easy availability of desi food. If and where available, it is relatively expensive compared to the local stuff. Now, this is not a good news for a budget traveller. Therefore, you may have to survive on lot of continental stuff. Joints like McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, etc might be a premium delight in India but in Europe they are nothing more than glorified street stalls. The pricing of their stuff is the cheapest of all. You can get a cheeseburger for as low as 1 euro. Besides, there are lot of street-side shops selling Pizzas, Doner Kebabs, and other local delicacies.
If you are putting up at a Bed n Breakfast accommodation, make sure you stuff yourself during the breakfast so that you don't start feeling hungry after a couple of hours and travel without bothering about food. Bottled water is expensive but the climate will not make you feel thirsty. However, whenever you ask for bottled water, please mention explicitly that you want 'plain' water and not sparkling water. The water in the washrooms is drinkable but it is better to check. This is not the case in Greece, you are advised to have bottled water there. If you can't live without munching every couple of hours then better get some dry stuff from India itself - theplas, khakhras, namkeens, etc.
If you are fond of pizzas, better to have it from street-side stalls than look for some place like Pizza Hut or Domino's. There is no dearth of pizza outlets in entire Europe. For red meat and sea-food lovers Europe can offer you a wide variety of delicacies. Chicken-eaters may get disappointed as it may not be available at all restaurants. If you haven't had authentic chinese food in your life, then don't try it here as well. One thing should not miss is patisserie. There is no better place in the world for chocolates, pastries and muffins than Europe. Try the wide variety of cheese as well wherever you go.
If your taste-buds can adjust, Europe is a wholesome treat!!
Europe is very different from U.S., U.K. or Australia when it comes to easy availability of desi food. If and where available, it is relatively expensive compared to the local stuff. Now, this is not a good news for a budget traveller. Therefore, you may have to survive on lot of continental stuff. Joints like McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, etc might be a premium delight in India but in Europe they are nothing more than glorified street stalls. The pricing of their stuff is the cheapest of all. You can get a cheeseburger for as low as 1 euro. Besides, there are lot of street-side shops selling Pizzas, Doner Kebabs, and other local delicacies.
If you are putting up at a Bed n Breakfast accommodation, make sure you stuff yourself during the breakfast so that you don't start feeling hungry after a couple of hours and travel without bothering about food. Bottled water is expensive but the climate will not make you feel thirsty. However, whenever you ask for bottled water, please mention explicitly that you want 'plain' water and not sparkling water. The water in the washrooms is drinkable but it is better to check. This is not the case in Greece, you are advised to have bottled water there. If you can't live without munching every couple of hours then better get some dry stuff from India itself - theplas, khakhras, namkeens, etc.
If you are fond of pizzas, better to have it from street-side stalls than look for some place like Pizza Hut or Domino's. There is no dearth of pizza outlets in entire Europe. For red meat and sea-food lovers Europe can offer you a wide variety of delicacies. Chicken-eaters may get disappointed as it may not be available at all restaurants. If you haven't had authentic chinese food in your life, then don't try it here as well. One thing should not miss is patisserie. There is no better place in the world for chocolates, pastries and muffins than Europe. Try the wide variety of cheese as well wherever you go.
If your taste-buds can adjust, Europe is a wholesome treat!!
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