- Spaghetti Bolognese in Roma? Italians would say no
- Enjoy drinking like a local from as little as €2
Al Dente? More like Al Don’t-e.
One of the highlights of a holiday is getting to try the local cuisine, and with summer fast approaching, now is the perfect time to learn what the locals actually eat.
To ensure you have an authentic culinary experience, travel experts at eShores have revealed five popular food items locals tend to avoid – and what to try instead.
Italy: Spaghetti Bolognese? Not for Italians!
An Italian would typically forgo Spaghetti Bolognese for Ragu’ alla Bolognese, translating to ‘ragu from Bologna’. Ragu refers to the sauce which is meat-based, and traditionally richer and heartier. Instead of spaghetti, tagliatelle is used as it holds the sauce better. When in Rome, as the saying goes…
Spain: Less Sangria, more Tinto De Verano
If you’re looking to wet your whistle, opt for a Tinto de Verano (meaning red wine of summer), instead of a sangria. The refreshing drink is a combination of red wine and lemon soda and is served over ice with a lemon slice and is typically favoured by locals. Perfect for enjoying in the sun on a rooftop bar or in a restaurant for as little as €2-3. Salud!
Top tip: mixed paella was created just for tourists, for the real deal, try a Valencian paella, which includes rabbit and chicken.
France: If you like your steak well-done, just don’t order it
The French take their steak very seriously, and if you ask for it cooked ‘well done’ you may get a funny look from your waiter. The locals prefer to eat their steak rare (saignant) or medium rare (à point) paired with frites and a bordelaise sauce (so hold off on the ketchup!). Make sure to keep a look out for set menus where you can enjoy 3 courses from anywhere between €15 and €30, making them great value for money.
Spoiler alert: frogs’ legs and snails are very rarely eaten by locals. While considered a national delicacy, typically you’ll only ever find these served in rural areas or in traditional restaurants.
Greece: Lettuce with your Greek salad? Think again
What could be more refreshing on a summer’s day than a Greek salad?
While you may be used to this being served in restaurants in the UK, the traditional Greek version is a little different. This dish doesn’t include lettuce or heavy dressing, so if you spot a place selling a Greek salad with lettuce then it isn’t the real deal. A reasonable Greek salad costs between €5 and €10, anything more expensive is a tourist trap.
Portugal: Chicken with hot sauce is NOT piri-piri chicken
If you’re looking for some spice, try frango assado com piri-piri (roasted chicken with piri-piri). This is usually bought by locals from takeout spots or grill houses and served with fries and a light salad. If a menu shows the dish smothered in hot sauce, it isn’t authentic.
Tips to find authentic restaurants:
- Try walking 5 or 10 minutes out of the town centre. Sometimes the best places are down a side alley and seem very unassuming, but these are some of the best places for food!
- Stick to places where the menu is short and where they focus on good quality, fresh, seasonal items.
- Look for restaurants on Google and TripAdvisor with high ratings and reviews written in the local language.
If you’re ready to start planning your next culinary adventure, check out the eShores blog where you can find the top 10 foodie destinations around the world to get your tastebuds tingling.
