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Sampling local cuisine is often a holiday highlight.
But gourmet restaurant prices are not.
However, there is always the pleasure of exploring a foreign supermarket.
Whether you want to eat an authentic meal on a budget or find a quirky souvenir for a family member, your local supermarket probably has exactly what you’re looking for.
MailOnline speaks to travel experts to reveal Europe’s best brands and 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 offer of local products.”
“If you’re looking to savor authentic French cuisine, there’s no better destination than Carrefour,” says James Johnson, travel expert at Pure vacation.
Although Carrefour It also has convenience stores and supermarkets, these are the brand’s hypermarkets where you will find a complete range of products (there are 248 throughout France).
James recommends the chain’s “impressive array of local products, ranging from artisanal cheeses to fresh baguettes and gourmet chocolates.” He adds: ‘You won’t want to miss the opportunity to try the regional wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy!’
Meanwhile, Roisin Miller, travel blogger from roabouttownsays Carrefour has “excellent stationery.”
Spain
The Spanish Mercadona is “famous for its extensive catalog of Spanish olive oils, sausages and delicious Manchego cheese”
James loves Mercadonawhich has more than 1,600 stores in Spain.
It says: ‘Be sure to take the time to explore (their) rich selection of domestic products.
‘This supermarket is famous for its extensive catalog of Spanish olive oils, sausages and delicious Manchego cheese.
‘I recommend stocking up on traditional saffron to give your Spanish paella an extra kick!’
Portugal
Continente supermarkets ‘cover a diversity of local delicacies’
For the “best Portuguese delicacies”, James recommends visiting a Continent supermarket.
The brand has more than 360 stores throughout Portugal, including Madeira and the Azores.
James says: ‘It covers a diversity of local delicacies, including custard tarts (pastéis de nata), canned sardines and port wines.
‘The chain’s authentic piri-piri seasoning can’t be beat if you’re hoping to add a little flavor to your dishes!’
Germany
Penny Markt is highly recommended for buying 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 bountiiclaims that 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 and Haribo and Ritter chocolates”.
Current Ritter Chocolate flavors include Strawberry Yogurt and Dark Almond and Orange.
Italy
Eataly (pictured above) ‘features all the Italian essentials, like pasta, olive oils, and balsamic vinegar’
James says: “Italy Eataly The supermarket chain has some of the best Italian brands and products on the market.
‘These shops stock all the Italian essentials, like pasta, olive oils and balsamic vinegar, but you’ll also have the chance to enjoy authentic Italian ice cream from their signature ice cream shop!’
There are 13 Eataly stores in Italy, but if you don’t have a trip to Italy on the horizon, there is also one London branch.
Yiannis, for his part, recommends the ‘nice shops’ of Esselunga for “unique items like garlic-free 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
‘(He) AB Vasilopoulos “The supermarket chain is known for faithfully replicating local food,” says James. The chain has more than 500 stores throughout Greece.
James recommends the brand’s “Greek feta cheese, Kalamata olives and honey-based desserts.”
He adds: “You won’t want to miss the distinctly Greek style of their signature oregano!”