Inevitably in your travels, you're going to need to eat. And as you may have already guessed, where you are may decide what ends up on your plate.
Of course, you may be like me and have not only planned on this contingency, but hoped for it. About half the reason I've gone to some places was the promise of food. But for those of you who enter a foreign country more for landmarks than lunch, here are a few thoughts and hints on eating as a backpacker.
Let's start with the big one: Don't be penny-wise and dollar-foolish. Sure, it may be tempting to go for PB&J every day or eat pasta at night in your hostel to save some cash, but what's the point? A significant amount of a foreign culture is the food. You've already paid for a flight and hostel ...Why not go for the full experience for a few extra bucks?
See how real Italian pizza differs from New York pizzeria style. Experience quality beer in Germany or Belgium and discover that beer can actually be enjoyable and not just a punishment for losing a game of Beirut. Order a dish that you cannot pronounce in Marrakech and be delighted to eat something you would never even think of having at home - I overcame my pigeon phobia thanks to a pigeon pie.
If you find yourself traveling in cold weather, try the wonder that is mulled wine. This delightful beverage is a staple of European outdoor markets, and deservedly so. It's delicious and warms you up like nothing else. And due to outdoor drinking laws in the States, it's something you can only fully appreciate during your time abroad.
With that said, you don't have to spend like a sultan every day. There's nothing wrong with doing the pasta or sandwich route a few times if your wallet is thinning. Especially if you're in a city like Paris or, even worse, Copenhagen, where any meal you eat out will cost a pretty penny. After shelling out 25 bucks on an average entrée in Denmark, I was fine cooking with my friend for most of my trip.
You can even discover some interesting things about a place from its supermarkets. While by no means gourmet, French frozen food is significantly better than American frozen food. As one of my friends said, the French would just not settle for anything too sub-par going in their mouths. And two portions of them can easily make a meal that will only set you back about four Euros.
You may also be surprised as certain myths fall apart. As good as French food is, my time abroad has taught me that the French are jacks-of-all-trades, but aces of none when it comes to food. The Italians have better wine, the Dutch have better pastries, and honestly, I give best cheese to the English.
Finally, there's one more thing you'll notice about food in Europe, whether you're in Galway, Vienna or Helsingor: Kebab is everywhere. And rightfully so. While not exactly indigenous to most cities you'll find it in, definitely have some along your travels. The Europeans have quickly realized that this cheap and greasy food sold into the wee hours of the night is a brilliant thing. Now, if only we could get a few kebab places back in Medford or Somerville, I would be a very happy columnist come September.
Devin Toohey is a junior majoring in classics. He can be reached at Devin.Toohey@tufts.edu.
