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Food in Germany is known for being hearty and heavy on meat, potatoes, and carbs.
But you can find lighter dishes for all dietary preferences throughout the country, not just in large cities like Berlin. This is especially true in northern cities such as Hamburg, where you’ll find lighter seafood versions of traditional dishes.
So, even though you’ve probably had some great German food, nothing compares to authentic food when you’re here.
NOW LET’S WORK UP AN APPETITE! HERE ARE THE BEST FOODS TO TRY IN GERMANY!
Bratwurst with Sauerkraut
Bratwurst with Sauerkraut
Few German foods are as iconic as bratwurst with sauerkraut. This is a simple dish with fantastic flavors that was meant to be eaten with beer.
Bratwurst is a type of German sausage most commonly made from pork, though you can find veal and beef bratwursts as well. The sausage is pan-fried and cooked in beer, and sauerkraut is fermented thinly cut cabbage.
Many Germans add toppings to their bratwursts other than sauerkraut, so you should be able to ask bars or restaurants for additional condiments if you want them.
Schnitzel
A schnitzel is a thin slice of meat that’s breaded and fried. You can have veal, pork, chicken, mutton, beef, or turkey schnitzel. I loved this method of cooking meat, so I tried lots of versions of this dish while I was in Germany.
Schnitzel is served with a sauce and sides – usually potatos and mixed vegetables.
Apfelstrudel
Apfelstrudel
Apfelstrudel, or apple strudel, is usually associated with Austria. But the Germans made this flaky pastry their own by adding raisins and nuts. If you visit Germany in November or December, you’ll find apfelstrudel on every corner in every Christmas market.
But this isn’t just a seasonal treat. Bakeries make these pastries all year along, especially in Bavaria, where apfelstrudel is most popular.
Pork knuckle
A German pork knuckle, also called a schweinshaxe, is wrapped in a salty and roasted-crisp skin that’s usually served with potatoes and beer. This is the quintessential meal of Oktoberfest, but you’ll find it on dinner menus year-round.
Black Forest Cake
Also known as black forest gâteau, black forest cake is arguably Germany’s most famous dessert. The iconic look and flavors of a black forest cake make it a decadent sweet you should definitely treat yourself to when you’re here.
Black Forest cake has multiple layers of chocolate sponge, with whipped cream and cherries between every layer and on top. This dessert is on every menu in the Black Forest region, but it’s also prevalent in the rest of the country.
Fischbrotchen
Fischbrotchen
A fischbrötchen is a sandwich made with fresh fish, onions, pickles, remoulade, and creamy horseradish, ketchup, or cocktail sauce. This dish is most commonly found in Northern Germany, where fresh seafood is more readily available.
This is a hearty but surprisingly light meal that I loved for lunches.
Currywurst
Currywurst
This is the best fast food you’ll have in Germany! Currywurst is steamed and fried pork sausage cut into bite-sized chunks and covered with curry ketchup or curry tomato paste that’s served with fries.
Kasespatzle
Kasespatzle
Käsespätzle is alternating layers of spätzle (fresh pasta made with eggs) and cheese topped with fried onions and baked to perfection. You can usually choose one of these sides for your käsespätzle: green salad, potato salad, or apple sauce. I always opted for a green salad to lighten the meal.
Pretzels
Pretzels originated in Germany, and they have been perfected here! This warm salty snack is great for eating on-the-go while you’re exploring a city.
Fun Fact: In the 1600s, Swiss royal couples used a pretzel in their wedding ceremonies to seal the bond of matrimony, and this custom is the origin of the phrase “tying the knot.”
Rote Grutze
This is a sweet fruit dish most commonly found in Northern Germany. It translates to “red porridge with cream” because it’s potato starch mixed with berries, black cherries, and sugar. This is usually a dessert, but I liked having it for breakfast.
Bonus: Local Beers
No trip to Germany would be complete without trying some local brews. I recommend doing a pub crawl in at least one of the cities you visit!
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What do you think are the best foods in Germany? Tell me in the comments below so we can “dish” about our favorite meals!
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This article on the best foods in Germany is not a sponsored post. And, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about best foods in Germany are affiliate links. And, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
