• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Food, Dining, & Drinks in Luxembourg

Culinary Influences

Despite being landlocked, Luxembourg has been blessed with great seafood including trout, pike, and crayfish in their rivers. They also have some wild game and multiple fresh fruits and vegetables. These items form the base of the local diet, but it has been substantially altered over time.

Due to the country's location and due to human migration, Luxembourg has encountered various people over time, but their current neighbors, Germany and France, have had the longest lasting impact on their cuisine. The Luxembourgers claim their food today combines the heartiness and generosity of German food with the finesse of French cuisine.

In very recent times, there have been numerous Portuguese, and to a lesser extent, Italian immigrants arriving to Luxembourg. These people have both brought their local foods to the country with few alterations, making both of these ethnic foods popular in Luxembourg City.

Staple Foods

Potato: this food is found in most dishes and is a true staple in the local diet

Regional Variations & Specialties

Judd mat Gaardebounen: the national dish, smoked pork collar with beans and potatoes

Dining Etiquette

Luxembourg has a fairly formal dining experience and it is expected to be met with a gift (chocolates are a good choice) for both a full meal or just for tea if you're invited into someone's home. This dining formality begins at the start with arriving on time (although many locals will arrive up to 15 minutes late for dinner) and being dressed well.

Despite the formal circumstances surrounding the meal itself, meals are intended for socialization so try to relax and enjoy the long meals with your present company. This can be difficult though since you are expected to stand until you're invited to sit down, you must maintain excellent posture, keep your hands visible and use your fork and knife to eat everything in the continental style (knife in the right hand, fork in the left). Other formal dining tendencies are also required, such as placing your fork and knife together when you're finished and eat all of the food you take.

As you eat, wine is commonly served as well. You may be offered red wine, white wine, or both with differing courses. No matter what you're served, don't raise your glass until your host does so and don't take your first sip until your host does.

Generally, a restaurant with a server will include a service charge with your bill and no additional tip is needed or expected.

Drinks

Luxembourg offers nearly every non-alcoholic drink on the market from milk, juice, and soft drinks to coffee and tea. However, none hold a special place in the hearts of the people because that is reserved for their alcoholic beverages.

There is a divide among the people between beer and wine; Luxembourg produces both in great quality. There are a few local breweries and for many, there is a passion in this drink that is commonly found in neighboring Belgium. However, the country also produces great wines, particularly Rieslings along the Moselle River, which borders Germany and is known for producing some of the world's best Rieslings. Foreign wines, beers, and hard liquors are also easily accessible.

Generally speaking, the tap water is safe to drink in Luxembourg, but check with locals for any particular regional differences. Also, many people may have troubles adjusting to the local tap water, as it will most certainly be different from what your system is used to.

This page was last updated: March, 2012