Txakoli is a traditional, lightly sparkling, and refreshing white wine from the Basque Country, made from local grape varieties. It is characterized by high acidity, low alcohol content, and fresh notes of citrus and green apples. Traditionally served chilled, it is poured in a distinctive manner from a height into wide glasses. Txakoli pairs excellently with local Basque specialties.
Pintxo Gilda is the most famous pintxo of all. It is named after the film character Gilda, with the combination of anchovies, spicy peppers, and olives symbolizing her complex personality and sensuality. Gilda is traditionally served as part of "la hora del vermut," a social and gastronomic tradition where people gather before lunch for a glass of vermouth and various tapas. For me, pintxo Gilda is a must-try when visiting the Basque Country.
Idiazabal is a traditional Basque cheese with a protected designation of origin, produced for centuries from unpasteurized milk of Latxa and Carranzana sheep. This hard cheese is made in both smoked and unsmoked varieties, and it ages for a minimum of two months. The specific diet of sheep grazing on the mountain pastures of the Basque Country, along with the local conditions, give the cheese its distinctive flavor.
Coffee is an integral part of daily life in Spain. Local cafés offer a wide range of coffee drinks, from traditional espresso (café solo) to refreshing iced coffee (café con hielo). Spaniards typically enjoy coffee several times a day, often with milk (café con leche, café cortado). Although Spain is not as renowned for its coffee culture as Italy, it certainly has much to offer coffee lovers.
Hostinec na Výtoni is a newly opened restaurant specializing in perfect duck dishes prepared by slow grilling over charcoal in a unique Josper grill. The local duck boasts an unmistakable smoky flavor and crispy skin reminiscent of expertly rendered pork cracklings.
Prague is a paradise for food lovers. Among my favorite lunch spots are Výčep, which offers Czech dishes perfected to the last detail, and Kuchyň, where you can enjoy not only excellent food but also a beautiful view of Prague. For fans of Italian cuisine, Dejvická 34 is a great choice, while Asian cuisine is well represented by the bistro Nhà hai hành or Taro. For a luxurious experience, Field restaurant is guaranteed to impress. If you're looking for an affordable lunch in Prague, you’ll find it at canteens like Havelská koruna or Pohotovka.
The Vršovice-based Chinese restaurant Hua Long Zhai specializes in Chinese dumplings filled with pork, beef, chicken, or tofu. Portions are large, the price is reasonable, and unlimited fresh green tea is offered for free with your meal. Although the restaurant's interior is not the most modern, this is more than made up for by the incredibly charismatic owner and chef in one, a former successful kung-fu athlete.
My favorite food souvenir from Spain is undoubtedly dried ham. Jamón Ibérico and Jamón Serrano are classic favorites, beloved for their tenderness and distinctive flavor. Chorizo, the traditional Spanish sausage, delights with its spiciness and rich red color. I also regularly bring back a variety of cheeses, such as Basque Idiazabal. And I never miss out on Spanish anchovies.
The burnt cheesecake from La Viña Restaurant in San Sebastian is considered the best in the world. The owner spent years experimenting with the recipe before creating the famous dessert in 1990. The cake has no crust and contains only five ingredients, baking quickly at a high temperature. Due to its media popularity, it has become one of the top gastronomic destinations for visitors to the Basque Country.
