For lovers of European cuisine, few dining experiences are as rewarding as indulging in expertly crafted dishes that embody the essence of tradition, culture, and flavour. At VUE, a premier rooftop grill destination and wine bar in Singapore, grilling takes place at centre stage, offering diners a feast for their taste buds and breathtaking city skyline views. If you’re a connoisseur of fine food, this guide will introduce you to some of the must-try dishes from across Europe that will ignite your passion for authentic flavours and sophisticated dining. And once you become familiar with them, you’ll recognise the inspiration behind the cuisine at VUE.
The Quintessential Flavours of Europe
Europe is a melting pot of culinary traditions, with each region boasting iconic dishes reflecting its history, geography, and culture. From rich, indulgent comfort foods to lighter, flavour-packed specialties, there’s a dish for every palate.
1. French Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a traditional French seafood stew from the southern port city of Marseille. It combines the day's freshest catch with aromatic herbs, garlic, and saffron. This dish is a sensory experience—each spoonful is infused with the essence of the Mediterranean, making it a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.
Pro Tip: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to elevate the delicate flavours.
2. Spanish Paella
A celebration of community and flavour, paella is Spain’s culinary gift to the world. Originating from Valencia, this iconic dish has now evolved into a vibrant mix of saffron-infused rice, fresh seafood, tender chicken, and spicy chorizo. The beauty of paella lies in its versatility, with vegetarian and even vegan variations gaining popularity in recent years.
Did You Know? The key to an authentic paella is the socarrat, the crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan, which is achieved through careful cooking.
3. Italian Fiorentina Steak
For those who appreciate the art of grilling, the Italian bistecca alla Fiorentina is an unmissable dish. This thick-cut T-bone steak, native to Florence, is prepared with minimal seasoning to let the quality of the meat shine. Grilled over a charcoal or wood fire and served rare, this dish is a testament to simplicity and perfection.
Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with a bold red wine, such as Chianti Classico, to complement the steak's robust flavours.
4. Mangalica Pork Collar
Drawing from the refinement of French cuisine and the heartiness of British cooking styles, the Mangalica Pork Collar is a charming potpourri of cultures featuring the Hungarian breed of pig as the star of the show. It’s well known for its rich and flavourful meat, often balanced by a side serving of vegetables and a thin gravy to cut through the decadence. VUE presents a decadent Mangalica Pork Collar, served with Cailette de Cochon, smoked pumpkin purée, poached celery, and a vibrant double mustard cream for a well-rounded and indulgent meal.
Chef’s Tip: The sweet and nutty fragrance of parsnip, together with the slight crunch of carrots, adds a refreshing contrast to the otherwise heavy dish. Elderflower’s delicate floral notes further elevate the flavours, bringing a subtle, aromatic brightness that ties everything together.
Exploring Northern Europe’s Culinary Delights
4. Swedish Gravlax
Sweden’s contribution to European cuisine, gravlax, is a cured salmon dish that combines salt, sugar, and dill for a perfectly balanced flavour profile. Traditionally served with mustard sauce and rye bread, gravlax is a light yet indulgent starter that sets the stage for a memorable meal.
How It’s Made: Gravlax is typically cured over two to three days, allowing the flavours to develop fully. This slow process is key to achieving its signature taste.
5. German Sauerbraten
One of Germany’s most iconic dishes is sauerbraten, a pot roast with vinegar, spices, and wine marinated for several days before slow cooking. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish that pairs beautifully with potato dumplings or red cabbage.
Chef’s Tip: To replicate the authentic German experience, serve with a rich gravy from the marinating liquid.
6. Belgian Moules-Frites
A simple yet delightful dish, moules-frites combine fresh mussels cooked in white wine, garlic, and herbs with golden, crispy fries. It’s a favourite in Belgium and is known for its perfect balance of textures and flavours.
Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with a cold glass of Belgian wheat beer for an authentic experience.
The Art of Grilling in European Cuisine
Grilling is unique in European culinary traditions, with techniques and ingredients varying from region to region. Whether it’s the charcoal-grilled meats of the Mediterranean or the open-flame barbecues of Eastern Europe, the emphasis is always on enhancing natural flavours.
Why Grilling Matters
Grilling allows ingredients to retain their integrity while adding depth and smokiness to the flavour. This commitment to simplicity and authenticity is why European grilled dishes are so special.
Notable Grilled Dishes:
- Greek Souvlaki: Skewered and grilled to perfection, souvlaki is a quintessential street food highlighting the Mediterranean’s love for fresh, local ingredients.
- Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken: Marinated in a fiery piri piri sauce and grilled over an open flame, this dish is a must-try for spice lovers.
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak: This exotic and healthful fungi makes an interesting and satisfying alternative to the conventional steak. When grilled, its thick and chewy texture develops a savoury crust coating over a tender, juicy interior. At VUE, we reinvent the Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak with a Southern twist, imbued with the aroma of a special spice rub, cashew nut sauce, and complemented by Tuscan kale chips and mountain caviar.
Grilling also brings a sense of theatre to the dining table, with sizzling platters and the unmistakable aroma of smoke heightening the overall experience.
Europe’s Sweet Finale: Must-Try Desserts
No European dining experience is complete without indulging in the continent’s famed desserts. These sweet creations are as diverse as the cultures they come from, each telling its own story through flavours and techniques.
7. Austrian Sachertorte
Sachertorte is a rich chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam. It is a national treasure in Austria and is often served with unsweetened whipped cream. It is the perfect balance of sweetness and sophistication.
Cultural Note: The sachertorte was first created in 1832 for Prince Wenzel von Metternich, making it a dessert with a royal legacy.
8. Italian Tiramisu
Italy’s tiramisu is a timeless classic that combines layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream, cocoa, and a hint of liqueur. Light yet decadent, it’s the ideal way to end a meal.
Fun Fact: Tiramisu literally translates to “pick me up” in Italian.
9. French Crème Brûlée
This elegant dessert features a creamy custard base topped with caramelised sugar. The contrast between the crisp top and the silky custard makes crème brûlée a delight for the senses.
Chef’s Tip: Enjoy crème brûlée with a glass of dessert wine for a truly luxurious experience.
10. Mont Blanc
A dessert that sounds as expensive as it tastes but is surprisingly modest in its ingredients, the Mont Blanc originated in 19th-century Europe as a year-end favourite at Parisian pâtisseries. The name comes from the highest mountain in the Alps, and you can see why—the chestnut purée vermicelli is structured to resemble a mountain, with a dollop of whipped cream at its summit. Taste the pinnacle of extravagance with a truly elevated Mont Blanc at VUE, where we assemble it with Okinawa brown sugar meringue, blackcurrant gel, and chestnut ice cream.
Fun Fact: The origins of the Mont Blanc dessert remain shrouded in mystery. While some claim it was born in the culinary heart of Paris, others contend that its roots actually trace back to Italy.
Bringing the European Dining Experience to Singapore
For those who dream of exploring Europe through its culinary delights, VUE offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that celebrates the art of grilling with European-inspired dishes. Set against the stunning backdrop of Singapore’s skyline, VUE invites diners to savour iconic European flavours thoughtfully paired with an extensive selection of fine wines.
Whether you dig into a perfectly grilled steak or enjoy a delicate dessert with a view, VUE captures the essence of European dining in every bite.
Ready to embark on a gastronomic journey? Reserve your table at VUE today and experience the magic of European cuisine like never before.