Elle Magazine’s E-Magazine Reveals the Top 10 Most Popular European Dishes on Instagram (Les 10 Plats Européens les Plus Populaires sur Instagram). These culinary delights are ranked based on user favorites, sharing frequency, and other big data metrics. While labeled ‘European dishes,’ they encompass home-cooked meals, specialties, street food, and desserts.
Get ready for a gastronomic explosion – here comes a wave of foodie delights!
GNOCCHIS
Ranking at number ten is GNOCCHI, a delicacy hailing from Italy. Gnocchi, meaning ‘clouds’ in Italian, suggests a light and fluffy texture, but in reality, it’s Italian-style potato dumplings.
FONDUE
Hailing from the Swiss mountains, Fondue claims the ninth spot with 1,116,948 images. Fondue refers to cheese fondue, a Swiss delicacy. Visiting Switzerland without trying cheese fondue is akin to going to China without savoring Peking duck. Cheese fondue is a national dish in Switzerland, evolving from a rustic fare to a culinary delight. It involves dipping a small piece of bread onto a long fork and stirring it in the melted cheese.
PÂTES CARBONARA
Claiming the eighth spot is Pâtes carbonara, also hailing from Italy, with 1,165,609 shared images. In Italy, Pâtes carbonara is a survival dish for many. The preparation of baked pasta with cheese sauce is straightforward, making pasta, eggs, and cheese staples in everyone’s pantry.
BRIOCHE
Taking the seventh position is the Egg Butter Bread from Normandy, France. Brioche made its debut in 16th-century Normandy, with a history tracing back to the Middle Ages. Now, it comes in various types, from ‘Parisian Brioche’ (Brioche parisienne) to ‘Nanterre Brioche’ (Brioche Nanterre), ‘Vendée Brioche’ (Brioche Vendéenne) to ‘Metz Brioche’ (Brioche tressée de Metz). In short, it is highly beloved with a rich variety.
SCONES
Ranked sixth with 1,243,746 photos is the scone, originating from the United Kingdom, named after a historic Scottish stone—the Stone of Scone.
The scone, originating from Scotland, initially resembled today’s cakes, meant to be sliced. However, over time, it has reduced in size to that of a small bread. Initially eaten at breakfast, it gained popularity during afternoon tea. Its taste can be both sweet and savory, offering a diverse range of options.
FISH AND CHIPS
Speaking of European delicacies, how could the iconic British dish Fish and Chips not make the cut? With 1,350,046 shares, fish and chips claim the fifth spot.
The history of fish and chips dates back to the mid-19th century in England. Due to its convenience, speed, abundance, and affordability, it quickly became a ‘national snack,’ spreading across the entire UK and conquering all social classes.
PAELLA
Spanish seafood rice has been shared 2,413,645 times, ranking a solid fourth, which is totally expected because whether in terms of aesthetics or taste, Paëlla is undoubtedly a ‘top-tier’ dish.
Paëlla, originating from Spain and often referred to as ‘Spanish seafood rice,’ is better translated as ‘Spanish Grand Feast Rice.’ This is because Paella doesn’t necessarily have to include seafood; it can also feature chicken, beef, sausage, rabbit, asparagus, artichokes, onions, peas, carrots, and various other ingredients, depending on the fresh produce available locally. So, don’t think Paella is not authentic just because it lacks seafood!
LASAGNES
The representative dish from the culinary kingdom of Italy, the third-place contestant, Italian lasagna, has garnered an impressive 2,432,927 photos.
Italian lasagna, belonging to the category of Italian wide noodles, traditionally uses fresh egg lasagna, tomatoes, Bolognese beef ragu, cream, and cheese as its main ingredients. The recipe can be customized to suit preferences, creating variations such as chicken and mushroom lasagna or even a vegetarian version.
TIRAMISU
The third contender from the gastronomic kingdom of Italy, Italian-style lasagna, has secured an impressive third place with 2,432,927 photos.
Italian lasagna, falling into the category of Italian wide noodles, traditionally features fresh egg wide noodles, tomatoes, Bolognese tomato and beef ragu, cream, and cheese as its main ingredients. The recipe can be tailored to personal preferences, offering variations like chicken and mushroom flavor or even a vegetarian lasagna.
CRÊPES
This is one of the ‘only two’ French dishes on the list, but it firmly holds the first place, probably because of its simplicity and universal appeal.
Crepes were initially created to address food shortages but evolved over time from a regional delicacy to a national favorite, eventually gaining international popularity.
Today, you can find crepes everywhere on the streets of Paris. Enjoying a crepe with a cup of coffee on a chilly winter day is truly perfect!
