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There's little point to traveling without doing plenty of tasting along the way. Be sure to try these classic meals on your next trip.

There's little point to traveling without doing plenty of tasting along the way. The next time you find yourself on the Continent, be sure to try these emblematic meals. (Before you get all worked up, we had to leave Italy and France off the list simply because, as the very best in international cuisine, it was too hard to pick just one dish worthy of mention in our all-too-abbreviated list.)

1. Haggis
Scotland
No matter how you feel about dining on sausage and the various internal organs of a sheep, you have to appreciate the fact that haggis is one of the few foods with its own praiseful poem. In the eighteenth century, Scottish poet and national icon, Robert Burns, penned the now well-known "Ode to a Haggis" in honor of the national dish of his bagpipe-loving, tartan-clad homeland. As you take your first bite, think of Burns' words, "Fair is your honest happy face / Great chieftain of the pudding race / Above them all you take your place / Stomach, tripe or guts / Well are worthy of a grace." And, should these lovely lyrics not help you choke some haggis down, try accompanying the meal with some whiskey – another favorite at Scottish repasts.

2. Cocido
Spain
Spain is another nation that came dangerously close to not making our list because the enormity of culinary options available in the Iberian nation makes choosing a favorite just so darn hard. With tapas from bacon-wrapped dates to tortillas (of the Spanish omelet variety) as well as paella and empanadas as customary offerings, just the mention of "Spain" can make our mouths water. We can't help but think it's the wondrous olive that sets the nation apart – 44 percent of the global supply comes from Spain. Our meal pick ends up being the national dish of cocido, a hearty soup full of meat, sausage and, often, chickpeas. Well, and a little olive oil for good measure.

3. Smorgasbord
Sweden
There are times when a craving is so specific and so acute, only one food will do. At other times, your palette is completely overwhelmed, and you want to gobble down anything and everything you can get your hands on. In those latter times, only a smorgasbord will do. Originating in Sweden, a smorgasbord is a table set with a variety of dishes, both hot and cold. You're likely to find meats from gravlax to meatballs and many, many cheeses at your disposal. Two centuries ago, a smorgasbord was stocked with smaller plates meant to serve as appetizers; but today, most Swedes make the smorgasbord a meal unto itself.

4. Fish and Chips
England
As any good Southerner can tell you, when faced with the need to create a tasty meal from limited resources, there's nothing like a deep fry to save dinner. As an island with a large working class and open waters, it's only natural that England would be known for fried fish and fried potatoes, otherwise known affectionately as fish and chips. In 2004, a professor in the United Kingdom claimed that the English actually borrowed fried fish from Jewish culinary traditions and borrowed chips from the French – but this did little to damper the English claim to the food. Nowadays, with chains like Harry Ramsden's, you can even get drive-thru fish and chips, should your visit to Stonehenge run long.

5. Fondue
Switzerland
Often times with great food, there's no need to tinker with a simple recipe that relies on the finest ingredients and basic preparation to create a yummy meal. Such is the case with fondue – a dish that involves little more than melted cheese and bread for dipping. (On many occasions, wine is added to the melted cheese for a richer flavor and texture.) While the Swiss gave us the concept of fondue, it was the French who gave the dish a name, as well as a Frenchman who brought the culinary tradition to the United States. So, while it might not be politically correct these days, we can at least say "Vive la France," when it comes to culinary customs.

6. Moussaka
Greece
As any fan of the gyro knows, citizens of Greece love their lamb. When you're looking for something a little more sophisticated than the classic pita-wrapped sandwich, consider some moussaka instead. As a baked pie or casserole involving eggplant and lamb with various sauces, and other vegetable additions depending on the recipe, moussaka is usually served as a meal within itself. Some recipes for the national dish of Greece even date back to the 13th century.

7. Goulash
Hungary
As with all the foods on this list, goulash was born from necessity and available resources. Cattle herders of old usually sacrificed a member of the herd to keep their bellies full on the long drive. Goulash, a meat-filled soup, could be prepared over an open fire on the range and feed all of the herders for many nights. Of course, goulash also includes the signature Hungarian spice, paprika, and a true goulash needs nothing more than its core ingredients of meat and vegetables to thicken the pot. You must never, ever add flour to a thin goulash should you consider yourself a true master of Hungarian cuisine.