Belgium: ‘The scent of spices in mustard shops draws me in’

My passion for Belgian treats began during a ride in the amateur Tour of Flanders. The refreshment stops were packed with Meli honey waffles and honey cake. I devoured so many that I felt their absence deeply once they were gone, especially after finishing the demanding 167-mile cycling route.

Now, every time I return to Ghent, my first stop is a supermarket to replenish my stock of those sweet delicacies. Once that mission is complete, I make my way to the Tierenteyn-Verlent mustard shop in the Groentenmarkt. The shop’s old-world 19th-century charm and the rich scent of freshly prepared mustard, made daily with herbs and spices in wooden barrels, draw me back each time.

Just a short walk away is Mokabon on Donkersteeg, a café that looks like a snapshot from the 1950s. The interior features a classic wooden bar, red-toned walls, and tiny round tables. At the front, a small counter sells the café’s own coffee beans – roasted on-site since the 1930s – neatly packed in vintage-style yellow and red bags.

And on my first trip, I didn’t just bring home food – I also left Belgium with a new bike. Andy Pietrasik

France: ‘A well-stocked shelf can be hard to ignore’

The central bargain aisle in my neighborhood store pales when compared to the treasures in French supermarkets. I once walked out of a hypermarché with six large saucissons purely because each came with a bonus steak knife. After a while, even my dog lost interest in the endless supply of sausage.

There’s something about French presentation – even in supermarkets, every product sits in perfect alignment, beckoning you to slow down and admire. It’s almost an art form.

The Bonne Maman jams are a case in point, offering flavors like intense mirabelle, quince, fig, and greengage. Then there's the overwhelming dairy section – identifying the different types of fromage blanc or crème fraîche is an advanced skill. And the cheeses? They span regions from Normandy to Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in countless varieties.

Beyond the cheese aisle, it’s the tins and gourmet pâtés that catch my eye: wild boar terrine, rabbit terrine, Sunday pâté with duck liver, cassoulet packed with duck and Toulouse sausage – and the comfort of confit de canard. Before checking out, I always pass through the snack aisle for Lay’s with tapenade flavor (available only in France), delicate butter biscuits, and tangy Haribo Pik Dragibus. AP

Italy: ‘Sugary jellies and zesty beer are my weakness’

As a kid, I only traveled abroad twice, each time to visit family in Italy. That’s when I discovered my love for Italian sweets. Italy has a sweet tooth, and every shop – from big-name stores to little grocers – overflows with candy. My favorites are fruit jellies, especially those from Dufour’s Big Frut collection, available in generous, individually wrapped bags.

Another essential buy is Baci chocolates. These “little kisses,” with their hazelnut chocolate centers topped with a whole nut and wrapped with a love note, are both charming and delicious. But word to the wise – don’t buy them at the airport where they cost much more. Instead, shop at discount stores like Prix or bigger chains like Coop and Conad.

If you’re driving back from Italy, don’t miss the opportunity to load your car with staples: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta and dried porcini mushrooms. But always make room for a few bottles of Birra Moretti Limone. While limoncello doesn’t travel well, this citrus-infused beer – a low-alcohol blend of lager and Sicilian lemon juice – is refreshingly tasty. It pairs perfectly with those sugary jellies. Max Benato

Ireland: ‘Forget Taytos – try tortilla chips from Tipperary’

Whether you're visiting family or just touring Ireland, there’s a tradition of packing your bag with Barry’s tea and Tayto crisps before flying out. It’s almost a rite of passage – travelers often aren’t seen at the airport without those essentials.

These may be iconic, but there’s so much more worth discovering in Irish supermarkets. Start with farmhouse cheeses like Gubbeen and Durrus, but seek out the standout Boyne Valley Bán, a remarkable hard goat’s cheese available through outlets like Sheridans, which has locations around the country.

Look for a jar of Harry’s Nut Butter – the paprika one with the funky label – or White Mausu’s spicy peanut rāyu. Both are frequently found in delis and supermarkets like SuperValu, which supports local producers.

As controversial as it may sound, I’d pass on Taytos and go for Blanco Niño tortilla chips. They originate from Tipperary – hardly a taco hotspot – but bring a serious crunch and flavor. And before leaving, grab some smoked fish. Burren Smokehouse sells widely, but the real gem is Sally Barnes’s Woodcock Smokery – a bit harder to find, but absolutely worth it. Killian Fox

Germany: ‘I always make a stop at the bakery and deli’

One of the things I truly miss when away from Germany is its unbeatable bakeries. Most larger supermarket chains like Edeka and Rewe (slightly pricier than Aldi or Lidl) have in-house bakeries offering fresh pastries, rolls, and pretzels every day.

There’s nothing like the smell of warm Brötchen – those classic German bread rolls that come in a variety of forms, from seeded to sourdough or soft pretzel. Just grab a few and fill them with meat, cheese, or spreads from the deli counter for an easy, satisfying meal.

Germany’s regional diversity shows up in its food too. Down in Bavaria, you can enjoy a pretzel with Weisswurst and sweet mustard. In northern areas, try a fish sandwich with pickled herring or crispy fried fish. And for those with a sweet tooth, nothing beats Hamburg’s buttery Franzbrötchen cinnamon roll.

In the candy aisle, I stock up on Ritter Sport bars and vegan sweets from Katjes, a pioneer in plant-based confectionery. But the one feature I miss the most is the bottle return deposit system – Pfand. You bring bottles and cans back to the store and receive a small refund, often up to 25 cents per item. It’s efficient and makes throwing away recyclables feel all wrong. Anna Ehlebracht