7 Unique European Foods You Should Try — and Where to Buy Them in the USA
European cuisine is rich, diverse, and full of surprises beyond croissants and pasta. From creamy dairy drinks to hearty grains and nostalgic sweets, there are foods that generations of Europeans grew up loving — and that many Americans are just beginning to discover.
And the best part? You can now get them delivered anywhere in the U.S. thanks to GastronomUSA.com, a specialty grocery store for authentic European products.
1. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk drink known for its slightly tangy flavor and creamy texture. Rich in probiotics, it's a digestive powerhouse and an everyday staple in many Eastern European homes. Drink it straight, blend into smoothies, or use it as a base for cold soups.
2. Ryazhenka
Less known in the West but beloved across Eastern Europe, ryazhenka is a baked fermented milk drink with a mild, slightly caramelized flavor. It’s thicker than kefir, naturally sweet, and perfect as a dessert or snack.Try it chilled for a refreshing, healthy treat!
3. Buckwheat Groats
Buckwheat is gluten-free, protein-rich, and packed with fiber and minerals. It’s commonly eaten in countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Poland — served as a side dish, breakfast porridge, or even in veggie patties. It has a distinct nutty taste that pairs well with mushrooms, butter, or eggs.
4. Kvass
A naturally fermented, mildly fizzy drink made from rye bread, kvass is the Slavic answer to soda — but way healthier. It has a deep, earthy flavor with a slight sweetness and is often enjoyed in summer as a refreshing beverage.
Also available in flavored options like honey or berries.
5. Pickled Vegetables
Think beyond basic pickles! In European cuisine, pickled veggies like gherkins, bell peppers, and tomatoes are staple appetizers. They’re tangy, crisp, and often seasoned with garlic, dill, or mustard seeds.
Perfect on a charcuterie board or alongside grilled meats.
6. Borodinsky Bread
This dark rye bread is unlike any other — dense, aromatic, and baked with coriander seeds. Borodinsky bread has a slightly sweet, malty flavor and is a symbol of Eastern European baking tradition. It’s amazing with butter, smoked fish, or savory spreads.
Delivered frozen to maintain freshness — just thaw and enjoy.
7. Zefir (Fruit Marshmallow)
Zefir is a light and airy fruit-based confection that looks like a marshmallow but has a uniquely soft texture and a much more delicate flavor. Made from apple purée and whipped egg whites, it's a low-fat dessert with old-world charm.
Available in classic vanilla and berry flavors.
Where to Buy These European Delicacies in the USA
You don’t have to hunt down local specialty shops — you can order all these hard-to-find European groceries online at GastronomUSA.com. We stock a curated selection of authentic products from countries like Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Armenia, and beyond, with fast shipping across the United States.
Taste Europe without leaving home.
Browse our store and bring the flavors you love (or are about to discover) right to your doorstep.