It’s not just the sun, sea and sightseeing that make a family holiday memorable. Great-tasting food can be the icing on the cake. Worried about picky palates? These traditional treats are sure to open the minds and mouths of even the fussiest eaters.

WARNING: may cause tummy rumbles...

Fritule

Croatia

If you’re in need of a sugar hit, biting into these fried, sugar-sprinkled dough balls will deliver the goods. You can find them flavoured with a range of nuts, spices and fruits, so try them all and pick your preference.

Empanadas

Spain

There’s no denying  Spain’s top-tier status when it comes to crave-worthy cuisine, and empanadas are hard to beat for pure munching pleasure. These fried pockets of crescent-shaped pastry are baked until bronzed and stuffed with healthy-but-hearty fillings.

Supplì

Italy

Crispy yet gooey, fried yet flavourful, supplì take the snacking crown. These risotto balls filled with beef ragù have charmed travellers for well over a century. Cheap, delicious and easy to gorge on –the go? These are bound to become your child’s new fave.

Banitsa

Bulgaria

Banitsa is a Bulgarian classic – a flaky cheese pastry served either warm or cold. It’s traditionally eaten for breakfast, but we reckon it’s delicious any time of day. You can get variations on the classic recipe, with spinach, egg, meat or cabbage added to the filling.

Gyros

Greece

This humble pita is crammed to bursting with a mouth-watering mix of slow-roasted meats and charred veg, drenched in a creamy tzatziki sauce. It makes for a tasty takeaway, but you’ll want to grab some napkins before you dive in, as it can get a bit messy!

Beef stifado

Cyprus

Rich, beefy and made from a tomato-based sauce, this Cypriot stew is a pot of pure joy. It’s one of the country’s most wholesome meals and goes down best at dinnertime, in a family-run taverna for added atmosphere.