Tasting the local cuisine is usually a holiday highlight.
But gourmet restaurant prices aren’t.
However, there’s 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 hunting for…
France
MailOnline speaks to travel experts to reveal the best foreign supermarkets. In France, that’s Carrefour, where there are 248 hypermarkets with an ‘impressive array of local products’
‘If you’re looking to savour genuine 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, it’s the brand’s hypermarkets where you’ll find a full range of products – and there are 248 across France.
James recommends the chain’s ‘impressive array of local products, ranging from artisan cheeses to fresh baguettes and gourmet chocolates.’ He adds: ‘You don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to sample regional Bordeaux and Burgundy wines!’
Meanwhile, Roisin Miller, travel blogger at roabouttown, says Carrefour has ‘excellent stationery’.
Spain
Spanish Mercadona is ‘celebrated for its vast catalogue of Spanish olive oils, cured meats and delightful Manchego cheese’
James loves Mercadona, which 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 vast catalogue of Spanish olive oils, cured meats and delightful Manchego cheese.
‘I recommend stocking up on traditional saffron to add an extra kick to your Spanish paella!’
Portugal
Continente supermarkets ‘encompass a diversity of local delights’
For the ‘finest Portuguese delicacies’, James recommends visiting a Continente supermarket.
The brand has more than 360 stores across Portugal, including in Madeira and the Azores.
James says: ‘It encompasses a diversity of local delights, including custard tarts (pastéis de nata), tinned sardines and port wines.
‘The chain’s authentic piri-piri seasoning is second to none if you’re hoping to add some zest to your dishes!’
Germany
Penny Markt comes highly recommended for picking up Ritter chocolates
While both brands are now ubiquitous across Europe, Germany is the original home of Lidl and Aldi.
Yiannis Zourmpanos, consumer trends analyst at Bountii, says both are worth visiting in Germany for their ‘variety and low prices’.
Meanwhile, Roisin recommends Penny Markt, which she says has an ‘excellent range of currywurst sauces, Haribo and Ritter chocolates’.
Current flavours of Ritter chocolate include strawberry yoghurt and dark almond and orange.
Italy
Eataly (pictured above) ‘boasts all of your Italian essentials, like 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 of your Italian essentials, like pasta, olive oils and balsamic vinegar, but you’ll also have the opportunity to treat yourself to authentic Italian gelato from their dedicated gelateria!’
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 stores’ 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 renowned for its accurate replication of local fare,’ 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 out on the distinctly Greek flair of their signature oregano!’
