Eastern Europe is proud of its traditional foods. Eastern European cuisine is rich and hearty, and each Eastern European countries have national dishes for travelers to enjoy. Eastern European traditional foods are one of the best parts of travel to Eastern Europe!
Russian traditional foods include warm and cold soups, like borshch, which can be made in numerous ways, but always incorporates beets. Cucumber and other vegetable salads, often flavored with dill, frequently accompany Russian meals. Dark breads, pickled vegetables, fish, caviar, and pirozhki are popular Russian traditional foods as well. If you travel to Russia, you'll be offered tea, coffee, mineral water, or even vodka to wash down any of the delicious foods you're served while there.
Poland's chefs are making a new name for Polish traditional foods. Many restaurants in Poland are offering new twists on old favorits, like Polish pierogi. Stuffed meats, hearty stews, sticky pastries, and regional fish dishes will also be found on Polish tables.
Hungary's traditional foods are most famously seasoned with paprika, and can sometimes come with a kick. Hungarian goulash is a dish enjoyed the world over, but Hungarians also love stuffed vegetables, fish dishes, and rich desserts. If you like sausage, Hungarian sausage makes a great hot or cold snack.
Bulgarians love salads, and fresh salads, as well as salads made with yogurt, accompany most meals. Large meat eaters, Bulgarians like spicy meat balls and meat patties, and will serve up tasty one-pot meat and vegetable dishes in traditional restaurants or at the traditional Bulgarian table. Desserts in Bulgaria often hearken from Turkey, but you can also find traditional Bulgarian desserts if you really wish to sample the full range of Bulgarian cuisine.
Romanian traditional foods are often well-seasoned with herbs. Salty fish dishes, vegetable soups, and casserole-like dishes can be found on Romanian menus. Crepes, danishes, and Mediterranean-inspired desserts finish off traditional Romanian meals.