Tasting the local cuisine is usually a holiday highlight.
But prices for gourmet restaurants are not.
However, there is always the joy of exploring a foreign supermarket.
Whether you want to eat an authentic meal without breaking the bank or find a quirky souvenir for a family member, the local supermarket probably has exactly what you’re looking for.
MailOnline speaks to travel experts to reveal Europe’s best brands and the unique products worth seeking out…
France
MailOnline speaks to travel experts to reveal the best foreign supermarkets. In France it is Carrefour, where there are 248 hypermarkets with an ‘impressive range of local products’
“If you’re looking for authentic French cuisine, there’s no better destination than Carrefour,” says James Johnson, travel expert at Pure Holidays.
Although Carrefour also has convenience stores and supermarkets, these are the brand’s hypermarkets where you will find a full range of products – and there are 248 across France.
James recommends the chain’s ‘impressive array of local produce, ranging from artisan cheeses to fresh baguettes and gourmet chocolates.’ He adds: ‘You don’t want to miss the opportunity to taste local Bordeaux and Burgundy wines!’
Meanwhile, Roisin Miller, travel blogger at robabouttownsays Carrefour has ‘excellent stationery’.
Spain
Spain’s Mercadona is ‘celebrated for its vast catalog of Spanish olive oils, cured meats and delicious Manchego cheese’
James loves Mercadonawhich has more than 1,600 stores in Spain.
He says: ‘Make sure you take the time to explore (its) rich selection of national products.
‘This supermarket is celebrated for its large catalog of Spanish olive oils, cured meats and delicious Manchego cheese.
‘I recommend adding traditional saffron to add an extra kick to your Spanish paella!’
Portugal
Continente supermarkets ‘include a variety of local delicacies’
For the ‘best Portuguese delicacies’, James recommends a Continent supermarket.
The brand has more than 360 stores across Portugal, including in Madeira and the Azores.
James says: ‘It includes a range of local delicacies including pastéis de nata, tinned sardines and port wines.
‘The chain’s authentic piri-piri seasonings are second to none if you’re hoping to add some flavor to your dishes!’
Germany
Penny Markt is highly recommended for picking up Ritter chocolate
While both brands are now ubiquitous in Europe, Germany is the original home of Lidl and Aldi.
Yiannis Zourmpanos, consumer trends analyst at Bountysays both are worth visiting in Germany for their ‘variety and low prices’.
Meanwhile, Roisin recommends Penny Marketwhich she says has an ‘excellent range of currywurst sauces, Haribo and Ritter chocolates’.
Current flavors of Ritter chocolate include strawberry yogurt and dark almond and orange.
Italy
Eataly (pictured above) ‘boasts all your Italian essentials, such as pasta, olive oils and balsamic vinegar’
James says, ‘Italy’s Eataly supermarket chain has some of the best Italian brands and products on the market.
‘These shops boast all your Italian essentials, such as pasta, olive oils and balsamic vinegar, but you’ll also have the opportunity to treat yourself to real Italian gelato from their dedicated gelatoes!’
There are 13 Eataly stores in Italy, but if you don’t have a trip to Italy on the horizon, there’s also a branch in London.
Yiannis meanwhile recommends the ‘beautiful shops’ of Esselunga for ‘unique items like no-garlic pesto and local wines’. There are more than 180 Esselunga stores in Italy.
Greece
AB Vasilopoulos supermarkets in Greece sell feta cheese, olives and honey-based desserts
‘(The) AB Vasilopoulos supermarket chain is known for its accurate replication of local prices,’ says James. The chain has more than 500 stores across Greece.
James recommends the brand’s ‘Greek feta cheese, Kalamata olives and honey-based desserts’.
He adds: ‘You don’t want to miss the distinct Greek flair of their signature oregano!’
