There are many reasons to choose a river cruise. For the range of destinations, for the ease of travel and for the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. One reason you may not have thought of is for the culinary discovery that a river cruise can offer. You can discover the tastes, smells and textures of the cuisines of the world on a river cruise.
Enjoy Vienna’s cafe culture
Sail down the Danube river on a river cruise and you’ll stop off in Vienna, the stunning capital of Austria. Vienna is a city that loves cafes, desserts and good coffee. Visit the Cafe Landtmann, founded in 1873 and self-titled as the most elegant cafe in Vienna, to sample some sweet Austrian delights for yourself. Apfelstrudel is a traditional Viennese pastry which is filled with a soft apple filling. Have a piece served with your choice of whipped cream, ice cream or vanilla sauce.
Eat comfort food in Switzerland
Snowy scenes of log cabins, pine trees and faraway mountains are the first images that come to mind when someone mentions Switzerland. It’s no wonder, then, that Swiss food is all about comfort. Smooth chocolate and creamy cheese are the foods that Switzerland is best known for. There’s nothing better than coming in from the cold to be greeted by a hot bowl of cheese fondue. Try dipping cubes of crusty bread, cured meats and sliced apple for the taste of true comfort.
Mediterranean flavours of Provence
Take a river cruise through Burgundy and Provence to discover the Mediterranean flavours of Provence. Lyon is famous as France’s foodie capital and during your visit you should take the time to walk around the food market. Fresh apricots, a huge selection of cheeses, hot rotisserie chicken and much more are all available to buy. Walking around Lyon’s market will show you just how passionate people in France are about using fresh ingredients in the food they make.
Indulge in Amsterdam’s fried foods
Many of Amsterdam’s most delicious traditional foods are fried. On the savoury side, you can try bitterballen, a deep-fried meatball that makes for a perfect bar snack or choose a dish that will probably taste familiar – kibbeling. Kibbeling is deep-fried, battered chunks of white fish served with a delicious lemon and garlic mayonnaise sauce. For dessert, try Oilebollen. The name literally translates as ‘oil balls’ but don’t be put off! These delicious sweet treats are just like donuts and are usually eaten on New Year’s Eve, so tuck in if you get the chance.
Indulge your foodie side by choosing a European river cruise and sampling the culinary delights that Europe has to offer. To remember your favourites when you get home, pack a notebook and take a note of every meal or delicacy that you really enjoy. That way you can try and find a recipe to recreate when you return home after your holiday!
Kerri
February 27, 2017 at 5:54 pmOne of the aspects of river cruising that I always hear so much about is the variety of food on board. I think this is a great way of introducing some of the passengers to foods they may not have ever tried. The food of Provence would be my absolute favourite, but who wouldn’t want to sink their taste buds into Swiss fondue too.
Carmen Edelson
March 1, 2017 at 3:55 pmWe really enjoyed trying some of the different cuisines in each of our stops.
Jetsetter Jenn
February 28, 2017 at 2:44 pmI am a chef so food is my passion! If I go on any cruise… it needs to have good food! All of these places and dishes look enticing. Great post, thanks for sharing 🙂
Carmen Edelson
March 1, 2017 at 3:56 pmOur river cruise offered every night a great selection of choices to choose from their menu. We thought the food on the ship was excellent.
Melody Pittman
February 28, 2017 at 5:04 pmWow! What great pictures. That cheese fondue especially made me hungry 🙂 I love River Cruising and experiencing new places via them.
Carmen Edelson
March 1, 2017 at 3:57 pmLast year was our first time on a river cruise. We loved it! I want to go on one next year again.
Lyn @ aholeinmyshoe
March 5, 2017 at 12:24 amOoh Carmen those photos had my tastebuds excited remembering them all from our Rhine River cruise at the end of 2015. There is always wonderful food on a river cruise and the stops along the way, my favourite would have to be in Vienna.
Carmen Edelson
March 7, 2017 at 11:05 amSuch great meals! Vienna is definitely memorable.