One of the reasons I wanted to study in Europe so badly is that as a kid, I lived for a couple years outside of Munich, Germany. I was young enough that I don’t remember most of my time there, but sometimes I will have random feelings of nostalgia…. usually in grocery stores. This post will explore nostalgia through the lense of popular Central European snacks.
These are called “Milch Schnitte.” This is a great snack for when you need something sweet but aren’t in the mood to eat an entire piece of cake. They look like an American ice cream sandwich, but get kept in the refrigerator. The inside is a frosting, flavored with honey and made with whipped cream and cream cheese. This gets sandwiched between two thin pieces of chocolate cake. And you can buy them in packs of 5 for just a couple euro.
Pombars are great. These are air puffed potato chips shaped like little bears. They taste similar to pop chips in the US (but bear shaped) and they come in different flavors. Potato chips that melt in your mouth.
It is Easter season, and the Milka company produces these chocolate eggs that come in their own little egg carton. They are filled with either hazelnut or chocolate cream and come with a spoon so you can cut open the chocolate shell and scoop out the inside. So fun.
Speaking of chocolate, anything made by Kinder is going directly into my shopping basket. You can get some kinder products in the US, but there are so many more options in Austria.
In the U.S., we would call this a “pudding.” The Zott Monte brand is something I distinctly remember from living in Munich, so I bought these on a gut feeling. The flavor is chocolate hazelnut (the best). I have learned I have an affinity for hazelnut flavor, and this is a great dessert.
So, kid me really liked chocolate and chips, I guess. But who can blame me?
One of the fun things about studying abroad is discovering all the unique and delicious snacks that you can’t try in your home country. Getting to know your local grocery store is something that takes a little time. Things might not look the same or be organized in the same way as they are at home. It’s a great opportunity to follow your instincts and try new things.
Isabella Daltoso
My name is Isabella Daltoso, and I am a senior at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). I am a vocal performance major and a dance minor. I love all things music and opera, and I am so happy to be spending my spring semester in Vienna as part of the IES Vienna Music Program. I love to write and am a consultant at the PLU Writing Center. I have also been a newswriter for PLU’s Marketing and Communications department. When I am not singing, studying, or writing, I love to spend time with my friends and family, especially my younger siblings.
