One of the best parts of experiencing the world is trying the foods and flavors that other countries are famous for. From the hearty carbs that have lured travelers to Italy for centuries, to the irresistible pastries Parisians have perfected, there is no shortage of spectacular provisions in Europe. Forget the calories (they don’t count on vacation anyway, right?!) and make sure to try these local specialties on your next stop in Europe!

BARCELONA: Small plates and sangria

Bombas – Mashed potato balls that are stuffed with pork, rolled in bread crumbs and fried. Usually served with aioli sauce or salsa brava
Paella – A rice-based dish with vegetables, shrimp, lobster tails, mussels and saffron seasoning, mixed together and cooked over an open fire
Pa amb Tomaquet – Toast topped with garlic and tomato and seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper
Sangria – A wine-based cocktail mixed with fruit

MADRID: Traditional meals with modern taste

Bocadillo de Calamares – A calamari squid sandwich served with tomato and paprika puree
Churros con Chocolate – Churros served with a bowl of melted chocolate
Patatas Bravas – Fried potatoes drizzled with spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli
Huevos Rotos con Jamon – Fried eggs with cured ham served over potatoes

ROME: Carbs, carbs and more carbs

Caccio e Pepe – Linguine pasta with pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper
Fritti – Deep-fried rice balls, often mixed with ragu and mozzarella
Carbonara – Pasta mixed with egg, cheese, pancetta and pepper. Peas are also commonly added to the dish
Gelato – A low-fat ice cream alternative

FLORENCE: Food that pairs well with Chianti

Schiacciata – Bread, similar to Focaccia, topped with olive oil and salt after baking
Bistecca alla Fiorentina – Fire-grilled Florentine steak intended to be shared between two or three people
Ribollita – A heavy soup made with bread and vegetables including carrots, beans, celery, potatoes and onions

VENICE: Carbs with a touch of seafood

Risi i Bisi – A thick soup with risotto and fresh peas
Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia – Spaghetti cooked with squid ink, pieces of squid, onions, tomatoes and wine
Baccalà Mantecato – Dried salted cod mixed with olive oil and served on crostini

LONDON: Culturally-inspired comfort food

Fish and chips – Usually fried cod with a hot side of french fries
Bangers and mash – Sausage and potatoes with gravy
Meat pie – Pies come in a variety – beef, chicken, lamb or vegetable – and are filled with gravy