My Favorite Desserts Around the World

As I mentioned in my last post about the best meals I’ve had abroad, food is a big reason why I love to travel. I sometimes think my stomach is the true trip planner, prioritizing the eats over the sights. Those who know me in the slightest know that desserts reign supreme in my life. If you looked at my daily diet, it's like I have an IV drip of liquid sugar round the clock with all the sweets I consume. A day without chocolate is dangerous to those around me and I would classify ice cream as being my favorite meal (yes, you haters, ice cream IS a meal).

So it’s no surprise that I’ve had my fair share – and then some – of sugary goodness throughout my travels. I figured I would take a moment and list out my favorite desserts I’ve had abroad. This feels like a parent trying to pick a favorite child since I don’t think I’ve ever met a sweet I haven’t loved. Alas, here’s a roundup of my current favorites – all international, since I can’t even begin to complete this task taking the confections in the United States into consideration.

5.) TIE – Trdelníks from Good Food Café in Prague

Of course I start out with a tie. If you make the trip to Prague (which you should – see my trip plan HERE), you need to get in on this traditional spit-cake goodness. This is a cone-shaped pastry sprinkled in sugar and cooked over a fire. The closest thing I can compare it to is a really amazing sugar donut with a slightly crispier outside. Takes yours to the next level by getting it smothered in chocolate or with a scoop of ice cream. I sampled these babies every chance I could and found the Good Food Café had my favorite.

5.) TIE – Apple Pie from Winkel 43 in Amsterdam

While Amsterdam will always produce visions of stroopwafels, the apple “pie” can’t be missed, especially from Winkel 43. I put the quotes around “pie” because it’s really like a cake: a crumbly, sweet crust, packed with apples, and just a touch of spice. It’s served with a generous dollop of whipped cream and is a perfect mid-day snack. Unfortunately, I didn’t snap a picture of this – too busy wolfing it down – so I’ll leave you with this photo I jacked from their website.

Credit: Winkel 43

4.) Gelato from Bella Gelateria in Vancouver

You’d think the world’s best gelato would come from Italy. Well this little shop in Vancouver has managed to take top marks at international competitions, indicating it’s a world-class contender. While it’s undergone a change in management from the last time I visited, certified gelato masters have purchased the business and continue to put out fresh, small-batch gelato. Feel free to sample whatever you’d like here, but you won’t be able to see the gelato until you order it. Boasting recipes with only natural ingredients, they don’t display the gelato as it’s devoid of the artificial colors that usually draw you in. Flavors change often, but the year-round akbar mashti (featuring pistachios, rosewater, and saffron) was one of my favorites.

Credit: Bella Gelateria

3.) Berthillon Glacier in Paris, France

Ice cream is my love language, so this world famous ice creamery was love at first sight (taste?). Often considered the best in the world, they churn out creamy and unforgettable flavors. They also offer sorbets for those who go dairy-free that are equally remarkable. Make sure you visit the flagship shop (near Notre Dame) in Île Saint-Louis rather than a reseller and get a few scoops. The tiramisu ice cream and whiskey cacao sorbet are winners in my book.

Credit: Berthillon

2.) Lukumades from LUKUMADES in Athens

Lukumades are traditional Greek donuts – small round pillows of crispy, fried dough. This little shop in Athens serves up a build-your-own concept, made right to order in front of your eyes. You can opt for a traditional honey-glazed batch or go crazy with an ice cream sundae-like creation. This was an instant winner when I discovered they will smother these sweet treats with melted Bueno bars (basically my favorite European Kinder chocolate bar). You’ll find lukumades all over Greece but this shop is the place to go for the best sugar coma.

1.) Eclairs in Paris, France

I honestly can’t even give you a specific place to go in Paris for an éclair. They are that amazing just about everywhere you go. The first time we had one of these traditional French pastries it was like heaven. Scout out a local patisserie near wherever you are and make a habit to stop for one every chance you get. Some shops are more renowned than others – think L’Éclair de Génie or Stohrer – but we enjoyed these confections even at little shops we stumbled upon randomly. Pro tip: pick some up early in the day; eclairs are best eaten immediately when the choux dough is still crisp.

Credit: L'Eclair de Génie

Man, I’m craving something sweet just writing this post. I hope to keep this fairly updated as I continue my travels and try new treats along the way. What’s your favorite dessert? Which one do you want to try out first?

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