Best Central European Foods
Slavonski kulen is the best-known delicacy of eastern Croatian cuisine. It is a cured sausage made from prime cuts of pork combined with carefully selected spices including red paprika and garlic. Kulen has a strong smoky flavor with the aromas of paprika and pepper.
Slavonian type of kulen must be produced using the meat of pigs that have been raised in Slavonia. Only the premium cuts of pork are used in the making of this sausage and every step of the production process is kept separated from that of all other sausages.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Kulen
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Pączki are traditional Polish doughnuts are made from yeast-leavened dough that's rich in eggs, sugar, milk, and fats. A touch of spirit, such as rum, is often added to the dough for pączki to prevent the absorption of oil during frying. They are darker and larger than their Austrian cousin krapfen and often ball-like in shape rather than round.
Traditional fillings are plum preserve and rose jam. They are placed at the center of the dough and then wrapped around it to make a ball-like shape. Pączki are much more than just a tasty treat; they hold cultural significance in Poland and among Polish communities worldwide.
Sernik is a cheesecake from Poland, stemming from old Christian and Jewish traditions. It is made with eggs, sugar, and twaróg - a type of curd cheese that has been used in desserts for hundreds of years. It is believed that sernik originated in the 17th century, when King Jan III Sobieski brought the recipe with him after his victory against the Turks at the Battle of Vienna.
Today, there are many varieties of sernik, some baked, some unbaked, but it is usually made on a layer of crumbly cake. Often times raisins, chocolate sauce, or fruits are also added to sernik, and one of the most popular varieties of the dessert has a sponge cake as its base and is covered with jelly and fruit on top.
MOST ICONIC Sernik
View moreAlso known as the Emperor's mess, this Austrian dessert can be described as a fluffy, lightly caramelized, scrambled pancake. Legend has it that kaiserschmarrn was the favorite dessert of Kaiser Franz Joseph I, after whom it was named.
The dish is traditionally served either with zwetschkenröster (plum compote) or with a big spoonful of apple, pear, or berry preserve. Lavishly dusted with icing sugar, kaiserschmarrn is the perfect comfort food, indeed fit for an emperor and easily one of the best desserts Austria has to offer.
Apart from the beloved, old-fashioned kaiserschmarrn, depending on the filling, some of the modern takes on this Austrian classic include apfelschmarrn (apples), kirschschmarrn (cherries), mirabellenschmarrn (mirabelle plums), nußschmarrn (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts) and sauerrahmschmarrn (sour cream).
MOST ICONIC Kaiserschmarrn
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Originating from the historical region of Red Ruthenia, these soft, crescent-shaped dumplings are filled with a combination of potatoes and cheese, which is occasionally modified with various seasonings or fried onions. Pierogi ruskie are usually boiled and shortly fried until they develop a crispy texture.
The dumplings are often served sprinkled with cracklings, crispy fried onions, or bacon, and can be enjoyed as a hearty appetizer or as a main course. In Ukraine, the pierogis are called varenyky, and they are so popular that there is even a monument celebrating varenyky in the city of Cherkasy.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Pierogi
MOST ICONIC Pierogi Ruskie
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
This delicious German sweet pastry is traditionally served with a cup of coffee on the side. Initially made only in the Hamburg area, it is now also available in other German cities. The original recipe for these little pastries includes flour, butter, milk, yeast, and sugar, with a filling consisting of sugar and cinnamon.
However, raisins, chocolate, or pumpkin seeds may also be added. The dough is folded multiple times and glazed with butter, developing a sticky coating and rich flavor in the process. The name of this dish is possibly related to the French, who had occupied Hamburg during Napoleon's rule.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
In the American, English and German systems of primal beef cuts, the brisket (or rinderbrust) is a cut that comes from the breast or lower chest of the cow. The brisket is one of the nine primal cuts of beef and is particularly known for its size and for having a significant amount of connective tissue.
This cut consists of two different muscles: the pectoralis major, known as the "flat," and the pectoralis minor, or the "point." The flat is leaner, while the point has more fat and marbling. Because of the high amount of connective tissue, brisket needs to be cooked slowly, over low heat, to allow the collagen in the meat to break down and become tender.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
In the American, French, German, Brazilian, and Korean systems of primal beef cuts, the tenderloin is a cut from the loin, which is located towards the back of the cow, nestled under the ribs, next to the backbone. It spans two primal cuts: the short loin and the sirloin.
The tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of beef as it comes from a muscle that doesn't get much exercise. It is also one of the most highly prized and correspondingly expensive cuts of beef, due to its tenderness and flavor. Given the tenderness of this cut, the tenderloin is often cooked quickly over high heat, with methods such as grilling or broiling.
These rustic, crispy potato pancakes belong to the traditional Slovak cuisine. They consist of a thick batter made with grated potatoes, eggs, flour, and a variety of spices. Pan-fried for a short period of time until golden-brown in color, these filling snacks are usually enjoyed as the main course accompanied by various milk products, or as a side dish that is typically served alongside hearty Slovak stews.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Also known as vdolek, pecák or lopaták, Valašský frgál is a traditionally made, round-shaped sweet cake with toppings, produced in the Moravian Wallachia region in the south-eastern part of the Czech Republic.
The cake has a diameter of about 30 centimetres and is golden in color when fully baked. On the surface, there is a crumble that can be additionally sprinkled with sugar, cinnamon, and gingerbread crumbs, or drizzled with butter. Nearly half of the finished product (42-48%) consists of the topping, which can be made from dried pears (the most popular variety), jam, fruits, curd cheese, poppy seeds, walnuts, cabbage, kohlrabi, or carrots.
Best Central European Food Producers
is a Swiss specialist in raw milk cheese, dedicated to the craft of creating exceptional cheese with a rich, Alpine flavor. Based in Switzerland, the company is known for its high-quality cheeses that combine traditional methods with innovative aging techniques.
Affineur Walo works closely with nature to produce cheeses that reflect the authenticity and purity of Swiss dairy. Their products highlight their commitment to sustainable practices, using raw milk from cows that graze on rich, natural pastures. Each cheese from Affineur Walo is a unique creation, designed to offer a diverse range of textures and flavors, from creamy to firm, often with a characteristic aromatic finish.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Walo Von Mühlenen Cheeses
Metzgerei Obermaier is a family-owned butcher shop and artisanal producer of premium meat products based in Pliening, near Munich. With a long-standing tradition and dedication to quality, this butcher shop offers a wide range of fresh meats, traditional sausages, and cured delicacies crafted using authentic recipes.
Every product is made from carefully selected locally sourced meat, blended with special spice mixes, and aged under controlled conditions to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The modern production facility integrates all processing stages, from slaughtering to final preparation, strictly adhering to European quality and hygiene standards.
BEST Metzgerei Obermaier Meat Products
Fromagerie L'Amuse is a renowned and respected cheese shop based in the Netherlands, with locations in Amsterdam and IJmuiden. L'Amuse was founded in 1989 by Betty Koster, a top cheese expert, specialist, and educator. Over the years, L'Amuse has built a reputation as one of the leading destinations for fine cheeses in the Netherlands.
The shop specializes in Dutch cheeses as well as carefully selected international varieties. L'Amuse offers a wide range of cheeses, including both hard and soft cheeses, goat's and cow's milk cheeses, as well as some rare and exotic types. L'Amuse also offers professional cheese tastings, where participants can learn about different types of cheeses, their history, production methods, and how to pair them with wines and other accompaniments.
BEST Fromagerie L'Amuse Cheeses
Beemster is a cheese producer based in the Netherlands, known for its premium Dutch cheeses that are made from milk sourced from local farms. The company, named after the polder Beemster in North Holland, was founded in 1901. Beemster cheeses are characterized by their rich flavors and creamy textures, achieved through traditional methods and aging processes.
Their range includes varieties such as Gouda, aged Gouda, and flavored cheeses. The brand is committed to sustainable practices, including animal welfare and environmental protection.
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2016, 2014, 2012

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
BEST Beemster Cheeses
Hatecke is a family-run butcher shop with a long-standing tradition, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps in the canton of Graubünden. Their philosophy is built on a fusion of artisanal craftsmanship, exceptional meat quality, and a commitment to sustainability.
Hatecke is renowned for its meticulous selection of meat, sourced exclusively from local farms and wild game from the pristine Alpine environment. Their offerings include premium cured meats such as Bündnerfleisch, a traditionally air-dried beef specialty from the region, Salsiz dry sausages, and exclusive cuts of venison and other game meats.
BEST Hatecke Meat Products
Güntensperger Käse is a family-owned Swiss cheese producer with over 130 years of tradition, located in the Bütschwil, Switzerland. Known for its dedication to quality, the company blends time-honored recipes with innovative methods. They offer a wide range of award-winning cheeses, produced from the finest milk sourced from local small farms.
Their commitment to animal welfare and sustainable practices ensures top-quality products. Güntensperger Käse’s selection includes both classic and modern creations, with products available worldwide and in their factory store. Their expertise in the craft is reflected in the consistently high standards of their cheeses, backed by modern aging techniques and regular quality control.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Güntensperger Käse Cheeses
Fromagerie Moléson is a renowned Swiss dairy located in Orsonnens, in the Fribourg canton, producing a wide range of traditional and innovative dairy products. It was founded with the mission to preserve and enhance Swiss dairy traditions while providing high-quality products that meet modern standards.
Fromagerie Moléson offers a broad assortment of premium dairy products that cater to various tastes and consumer needs. In addition to producing highly valued dairy products, Fromagerie Moléson is also involved in retail through its Crèmerie du Gibloux, where customers can enjoy a rich selection of fresh products.
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2018, 2014
BEST Fromagerie Moléson Cheeses
Frierss is a renowned Austrian family business with over 120 years of experience in producing high-quality charcuterie and meat products. Based in Carinthia, the company has been dedicated to craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation since its founding in 1898.
Frierss is known for its exceptional selection of premium sausages, hams, and salamis, all made using carefully selected ingredients and time-honored recipes. Their commitment to quality is reflected in their use of the finest regional meats, natural spices, and meticulous production methods that enhance the authentic flavors of their specialties.
BEST Frierss Meat Products
Hofmetzgerei Friedrich Hack is a family-run butcher shop located in the Hohenlohe region of Germany, renowned for the exceptional quality of its meat products, crafted according to traditional recipes. With generations of expertise, this butcher shop relies on time-honored meat processing methods that preserve authentic flavors, without the use of artificial additives, flavor enhancers, gluten, or lactose.
Their philosophy is rooted in responsibility toward nature and animals, ensuring that all their products come exclusively from ethically raised livestock. Their pork comes from free-range farms, cattle graze on the pastures of Hohenlohe, while poultry and turkeys are raised freely on Bentz Farm.
BEST Hofmetzgerei Hack Meat Products
Macelleria Zanetti is a family-owned butcher shop from Poschiavo, which has been producing and selling high-quality fresh meat and meat specialties from the Valposchiavo region for over a century. Their tradition of artisanal meat processing combines expertise, experience, and a commitment to natural ingredients, resulting in premium products with an authentic taste.
For generations, the Zanetti family has carefully preserved and refined their recipes, adapting them to modern standards while staying true to tradition. Their selection includes Puschlaver, Bündner, and Italian meat specialties, with the renowned Mortadella di Poschiavo standing out, alongside a wide variety of cured delicacies.
BEST Macelleria Zanetti Meat Products
Best Central European Food Products
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022, 2021

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
Jura Mountain cheese is a product created by Walo von Mühlenen, a company renowned for its expertise in aging and refining cheeses. The cheese is made from cow's milk and reflects the rich traditions of Swiss cheesemaking. It is aged to develop a complex flavor profile, with creamy and nutty undertones and a smooth texture.
The aging process takes place in specialized facilities to ensure the cheese attains its characteristic depth of flavor and unique aroma.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
Roter Teufel Extra is a distinctive and highly regarded hard cheese produced by Güntensperger Käse in Switzerland. This cheese is known for its intense aroma, which results from a long aging process and high-quality ingredients. Roter Teufel Extra is very intense and spicy, with a rich, creamy texture.
Over time, as it ages, its flavor becomes more pronounced and stronger. It is a cheese for those who enjoy stronger, spicier varieties. The cheese is firm and dense, but it has a slightly crumbly structure, which is characteristic of longer-aged cheeses.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2022
Haussalami by Metzgerei Obermaier is a traditional German dry-cured salami, handcrafted by the renowned Bavarian butcher Metzgerei Obermaier. Known for their dedication to quality and artisanal methods, Obermaier produces Haussalami using carefully selected pork and a blend of natural spices.
The salami is slow-aged and air-dried, resulting in a firm texture, deep red color, and a rich, savory flavor with subtle smoky and spicy notes. This salami is emblematic of Bavarian charcuterie culture - perfect for slicing thin and enjoying on rustic bread, part of a charcuterie board, or paired with beer or dry white wine.
L'Amuse Signature Gouda is a premium artisanal Gouda cheese from the Netherlands, crafted with care by Fromagerie L'Amuse. This specific variation is recognized for its high quality and distinct characteristics, which make it a standout within the Gouda family.
L'Amuse Signature Gouda is made from pasteurized cow's milk sourced from farms in the northern Netherlands. It is carefully aged for approximately two years. This aging process also contributes to its rich amber color and complex flavor profile. The aroma of L'Amuse Signature Gouda is quite pronounced.
Le Poya au lait du pays de Fribourg is a cheese made by Affineur Walo von Muhlenen, a renowned cheese affineur with a long-standing tradition in cheese aging and refinement. This product is known for its exceptional quality, attributed to the rich milk sourced from the region of Fribourg in Switzerland.
Affineur Walo von Muhlenen is distinguished for upholding Swiss cheese-making traditions and producing cheeses with distinct flavors and textures that reflect the terroir of the area.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2019






TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Central European Foods” list until April 13, 2025, 72,964 ratings were recorded, of which 57,103 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.