Eating Deliciously and Inexpensively: Where to Do It in Europe 0 9

Food is one of the most important aspects of any trip. However, it is not necessary for a vacation filled with culinary discoveries to cost a fortune. According to recent statistics, there are plenty of places in Europe where dinner for two can be quite modestly priced.

If you have not yet decided on a destination for your next trip, it might be worth paying attention to the prices in local restaurants. After all, even the cheapest plane ticket won’t save you from disappointment if food expenses turn out to be exorbitantly high.

A recent study conducted by the ferry company Ferrygogo assessed the price range for food in various European countries. It turned out that a three-course meal for two can cost anywhere from 20 euros to 160! The difference is impressive, isn’t it?

Most Affordable Countries

North Macedonia tops the list of the most budget-friendly destinations. Here, dinner for two will cost around 24 euros. Be sure to visit local taverns around Lake Ohrid to experience the unique atmosphere.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will also delight with its democratic prices – about 31 euros for dinner. Inexpensive restaurants can be found in the historical centers of cities.

Serbia, with its lively cities and riverside cafes, offers affordable and tasty food. The average bill for dinner for two will be around 38 euros. Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Albania offer a roughly similar price level – about 41 euros.

Slovakia, Portugal, Montenegro, and Poland are slightly more expensive – about 45 euros for dinner. In Spain, Greece, and Italy, prices are noticeably higher: the average bill for dinner can reach 50–70 euros.

Cities with Affordable Cuisine

Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is a great place to get acquainted with Balkan cuisine. Here you can visit local markets, sit in cafes by the river, and enjoy the rich history of the city. Dinner will cost about 29 euros.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is famous for its Ottoman heritage and coffee culture. Here you can try traditional Bosnian coffee and other local delicacies. The average bill for dinner is about 33 euros.

Funchal, located on the Portuguese island of Madeira, offers affordable food and fresh sea air. Dinner for two will cost around 40 euros. Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, will also please with inexpensive restaurants and a lively city center.

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, combines history and modern life. Here you can try traditional Bulgarian dishes and enjoy the atmosphere of this ancient city. The average bill for dinner is about 46 euros.

Krakow and Gdansk, located in Poland, offer cultural events and affordable food prices. Dinner for two will cost about 47 euros. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is known for its riverside cafes and vibrant nightlife. The average bill for dinner is about 48 euros.

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage and inexpensive food. Dinner for two will cost about 49 euros. Thessaloniki and Heraklion, located in Greece, offer the opportunity to enjoy the sea and traditional taverns. The average bill for dinner is about 50 euros.

Catania, located on the Italian island of Sicily, offers affordable dining options with a view of Mount Etna. Dinner for two will cost about 50 euros.

For those planning budget city tours in Europe, these cities offer both interesting cultural events and a variety of affordable dining options.

Culinary Diversity: What to Try

We have also prepared a detailed guide to national dishes that are a must-try in these countries.

North Macedonia:

• Tavče gravče: A traditional Macedonian dish of beans baked in a clay pot with onions, peppers, and spices.

• Ohrid trout: A fish that lives only in Lake Ohrid. It is grilled, fried, or smoked.

• Macedonian pie: Puff pastry filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.

Bosnia and Herzegovina:

• Ćevapi: Grilled sausages made from minced meat, served with flatbread, onions, and ajvar (vegetable caviar).

• Burek: Puff pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach.

• Bosanski lonac: Meat stew with vegetables, cooked in a clay pot.

Serbia:

• Pljeskavica: A large flat patty made from minced meat, served with flatbread, onions, and various toppings.

• Ćevapi: (similar to Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Bulgaria:

• Shopska salad: A salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated cheese.

• Banitsa: A pie made of puff pastry filled with cheese, eggs, and yogurt.

• Kebapche: Grilled sausages made from minced meat, served with onions and flatbread.

Czech Republic:

• Vepřo knedlo zelo: Roasted pork knee, served with mustard, horseradish, and bread.

• Trdelník: Sweet pastry made from yeast dough, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.

• Svíčková na smetaně: Beef in creamy sauce, served with dumplings and cranberry sauce.

Romania:

• Sarmale: Cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat.

• Mici: Grilled sausages made from a mixture of beef, pork, and lamb mince with spices.

Albania:

• Tavë kosi: Baked lamb meat with yogurt and rice.

• Fergese: A dish made of peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and spices.

• Burek: (similar to Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Slovakia:

• Bryndzové halušky: Dumplings made from potato dough with bryndza cheese and bacon.

• Kapustnica: Soup made from sauerkraut with smoked meats.

• Tatranský čaj: A hot drink made from tea, alcohol, and honey.

Portugal:

• Pastel de nata: A pastry made from puff pastry with custard.

• Francesinha: A sandwich with several types of meat, covered with tomato sauce and melted cheese.

• Caldo verde: A soup made from potatoes, cabbage, and chorizo.

Montenegro:

• Janjetina ispod saca: Lamb meat baked under a metal lid covered with coals.

• Ćevapi: (similar to Bosnia and Herzegovina)

• Kačamak: A dish made from cornmeal, cheese, and potatoes.

Poland:

• Pierogi: Dumplings with various fillings: potatoes, cheese, meat, cabbage, and mushrooms.

• Żurek: A soup based on rye sourdough with sausage and egg.

• Bigos: Stewed cabbage with meat, sausage, and mushrooms.