Valentine’s Treats from Around the World

On Valentine’s Day, it is quite common for couples to give chocolates as gifts to a point that chocolates have become ubiquitous symbols of love and affection. But as established as chocolate’s standing is as a “Valentine’s staple” is, it is not the only

Here’s a roundup of interesting dishes and treats that make up what can be called a roster of Valentine’s treats from around the world.

Belgium’s Waffles

Chocolates are, by far, the most popular Valentine’s Day treat in Belgium. However, there is an “alternative treat” that also holds a special place in the country’s roster of Valentine’s specials in Belgian Waffles. Traditionally made with sweet yeast dough as base, Belgian waffles tend to be thicker and are often topped with crystalized sugar, which gives them a chewier and denser quality that makes them quite scrumptious and delectable.

Italy’s Baci Perugina

In Italy, there are several festivals that hold affinities with the “day for lovebirds”. One of the most well-known would be “La Festa degli Innamorati” or “The Day of Lovers” when a chocolate special made by the “Baci Perugina” brand is quite popular.

Essentially little chocolate kisses that come with love notes, there are Valentine’s specials other than “Baci Perugina” too.

These include “Penne all’ Arrabbiata” (basically, penne pasta with tomato sauce, garlic and red peppers), Osso Buco (which is braised beef with vegetables and broth with white wine) and Spaghetti Alla Carbonara (pasta with egg, cheese and pork).

Great Britain’s Oysters Argentina’s Empanadas

Widely viewed as the capital of romance in South America, Valentine’s Day is taken quite seriously in Argentina to a point that it is celebrated as “Valentine’s Week”, which typically ends with a day celebrating friendships.

Though this is a relatively new development, there are different dishes that’re associated with Argentina’s celebration of love and romance, and these include a hash brown-type dish prepared with cheese, eggs, potatoes and vegetables called “revuelto gramajo”, a “blood sausage” made with pork, rice and fat called “morcilla” and a fried flour pastry made with beef fillings called “empanadas”.

Oysters – specifically Pacific Oysters – are widely popular as Valentine’s treats in Great Britain. Though chocolate still plays a special role in its list of endearing Valentine’s treats, Pacific Oysters are largely viewed as aperitifs to chocolate that’s partaken with gusto. Pacific Oysters are basically farmed oysters, which means that they’re available all year round.