German cuisine is renowned for its rich culinary heritage and diverse range of traditional German dishes. While sausages, sauerkraut, and potatoes are commonly associated with German food, the country offers a plethora of mouthwatering options beyond these classics.
Whether you love meat dishes or you have a big sweet tooth, there is a delightful and traditional German food dish to suit every palate. It is worth knowing about classic German food before you visit German restaurants on your travels so you can think about what you want to try the most.
Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the traditional German foods you must try when you get a chance.
Bratwurst (Grilled Sausage)
Bratwurst is a traditional German food that has gained worldwide popularity. Originating from Nürnberg, it is a pork sausage available in over 40 delicious varieties.
Bratwurst is often enjoyed at barbecues or served as street food, where it is commonly paired with bread and mustard.
As a versatile dish, these traditional German sausages can also be accompanied by side dishes like sauerkraut, German potato salad, or fried potatoes.
The flavorful combination of tender pork and aromatic spices makes bratwurst a must-try when exploring traditional German food.
Currywurst (Pork Sausage with Curry Sauce)
Currywurst is a traditional German dish that holds a special place as an iconic German street food.
This steamed pork sausage, invented by Herta Heuwer in Berlin, is traditionally served with a unique ketchup curry sauce. The story goes that Heuwer obtained ketchup and curry powder from British soldiers after World War II.
Currywurst quickly gained popularity, and now around 800 million are consumed annually. The tasty dish even has its own museum in Berlin.
Saumagen (Sow’s Stomach)
Saumagen, a common German food, is a unique dish made from the stomach of a pig. The stomach is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of pork, carrots, potatoes, onions, nutmeg, white pepper, and marjoram.
This stuffed stomach is then roasted or fried until it becomes tender and delicious.
Saumagen is particularly popular in the Palatinate region of Germany and is often served alongside sauerkraut, creating a delightful combination of flavors.
Despite its unconventional ingredients, Saumagen showcases the creativity and rich culinary heritage of German food, offering a truly distinctive dining experience for adventurous food lovers.
Spätzle (German Egg Dumpling)
Spätzle, a traditional German food, is a type of egg noodle that adds a delightful touch to many dishes. Made by combining flour, eggs, salt, and sometimes fizzy water, the dough is then boiled or grated into small pieces.
It is commonly served as a side dish alongside meat dishes, showcasing its versatility. Vegetarians also enjoy Spätzle as a main meal option.
For cheese lovers, there is a cheesy variant called Käsespätzle, reminiscent of American mac and cheese. With its fluffy texture and delicious taste, Spätzle is a beloved component of German cuisine that adds a comforting element to any plate.
Bratkartoffeln (German Fried Potatoes)
Bratkartoffeln, also known as German Fries, is a delicious traditional German side dish made from fried sliced potatoes. The potatoes are cooked until they turn golden and crispy, offering a satisfying texture.
To enhance the flavors, various spices, and extras like bacon and onions are often added. Bratkartoffeln can be enjoyed as a versatile accompaniment to different main dishes, adding a savory element to the meal.
Whether served alongside sausages, meats or as part of a hearty breakfast, Bratkartoffeln is a flavorful and comforting addition to traditional German food.
Kartoffelknödel (Potato Dumplings)
Kartoffelknödel, also known as potato dumplings, is a classic German dish that adds a hearty touch to meals.
Made with cooked and mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs, these dumplings are shaped into balls and boiled until they become soft and tender.
Kartoffelknödel is often served with savory sauces or gravy, complementing meat dishes perfectly. However, they can also be enjoyed in a unique way – with a sweet twist.
Some variations of potato dumplings include a surprise filling of whipped cream, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This unexpected touch adds a touch of indulgence to this beloved German comfort food.
Sauerbraten (German pot roast)
Sauerbraten, a popular German food, is a flavorful pot roast that holds a special place in German cuisine.
This tender and succulent meat dish is prepared by marinating beef or venison in a mixture of vinegar, herbs, and spices for several days. The marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat.
Once marinated, the meat is slow-cooked until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Sauerbraten is typically served with boiled or mashed potatoes and accompanied by red cabbage and a rich sauce.
This aromatic and satisfying dish showcases the art of slow cooking and is a true delight for meat lovers.
Maultaschen (Meat Dumplings)
Maultaschen, a type of German dumpling, is a delightful culinary creation that deserves recognition. These large stuffed dumplings are made from an egg-based dough and filled with a mixture of minced meat, bacon, onions, spinach, and breadcrumbs.
Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, Maultaschen is boiled to perfection and can be served with a creamy sauce or pan-fried with butter.
These flavorful dumplings have a rich history and are often enjoyed as a main meal. Legend has it that monks used Maultaschen to discreetly eat meat during fasting periods, adding a touch of intrigue to this beloved German dish.
Berliner Eisbein (Simmered Pig Knuckles)
Berliner Eisbein, a popular German food, is a cured pork knuckle or ham hock that showcases the country’s love for hearty and flavorful meats.
The pork is simmered in a flavorful stock infused with juniper berries, onions, garlic, and German beer. Beer is a big part of German culture, particularly wheat beer.
This slow cooking process results in tender and succulent meat that easily falls off the bone.
Berliner Eisbein is often served with sauerkraut and pea purée, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
The name “Eisbein” refers to the bone running through the meat, which was historically used as a blade for ice skaters, adding a touch of history to this delectable German dish.
Spaghettieis (Spaghetti Ice Cream)
Spaghettieis, a fun and unique dessert, is a beloved treat in Germany. It is not your typical pasta dish but rather a creative ice cream creation. Spaghettieis is made by extruding vanilla ice cream through a press to resemble spaghetti noodles.
The “noodles” are then topped with strawberry sauce to mimic tomato sauce and grated white chocolate to resemble Parmesan cheese.
The result is a delightful dessert that looks like a plate of spaghetti but tastes like a sweet vanilla dream. Spaghettieis is a playful and delicious dessert that brings joy to both kids and adults alike.
Rouladen (Rolled Beef or Veal)
Rouladen, a cherished German dish, showcases the art of rolling and stuffing meat. Thin slices of beef or veal are filled with a flavorful mixture of bacon, mustard, pickles, and onions.
The rolls are then cooked until tender and infused with a unique blend of flavors. Rouladen pairs perfectly with classic German sides like red cabbage and, of course, mashed potatoes.
The creamy and buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting and delicious accompaniment to the rich and savory Rouladen.
This combination of tender meat rolls and creamy mashed potatoes creates a satisfying and hearty German meal.
Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)
Kartoffelpuffer, also known as potato pancakes, is a beloved German dish enjoyed throughout the year.
These fried pancakes are made from grated potatoes mixed with onions, flour, and eggs. The mixture is then shaped into patties and cooked until crispy and golden brown.
Kartoffelpuffer is often served with a variety of toppings, with one popular option being applesauce. The sweet and tangy apple sauce perfectly complements the savory potato pancakes, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.
Whether enjoyed as a snack or a side dish, Kartoffelpuffer with applesauce is a delicious and comforting treat to enjoy with friends.
FAQs on Traditional German Food
Let’s look at some frequently asked questions about traditional German food.
What are traditional German foods?
Traditional German foods include a variety of sausages such as bratwurst and currywurst, which are widely popular in Germany. Other traditional dishes include saumagen (stuffed pig’s stomach), spätzle (egg noodles), and rouladen (rolled beef or veal). These hearty and flavorful foods reflect the rich culinary heritage of Germany.
What are the top 5 German foods?
The top five traditional German foods that you must try are bratwurst, currywurst, saumagen, spätzle, and sauerbraten.
Bratwurst, with over 40 varieties, is the most popular German food and is often served with side dishes like sauerkraut and potato salad. Currywurst, a pork sausage with a ketchup curry sauce, is an iconic German fast food.
Saumagen, made with pig’s stomach, and spätzle, egg noodles, are two more examples of beloved traditional German food.
Sauerbraten, a slow-cooked marinated beef or venison, is considered a national food and is often served with potatoes or spätzle and enjoyed with a German beer.
What do Germans traditionally eat for lunch?
Germans traditionally enjoy a variety of dishes for lunch. Popular choices include schnitzel, a breaded and fried meat cutlet served with different sauces, such as Jägerschnitzel or rahmschnitzel.
Other traditional lunch options include Leberkäse, a crusty meatloaf served with bread or as a main dish with potato salad, and Maultaschen, stuffed dumplings boiled and served with a creamy sauce.
Additionally, Germans may opt for lighter options like sausages, such as bratwurst or currywurst, which are often consumed as street food.
What is a typical breakfast in Germany?
A typical breakfast in Germany often consists of a variety of items. Some popular choices include bread rolls (Brötchen) with butter, cold cuts, cheese, and spreads like Nutella or jam.
Cereal with milk or yogurt, muesli, and boiled eggs are also common. In addition, Germans enjoy pairing their breakfast with coffee, tea, or fruit juices for a refreshing start to the day.
Summing Up Delicious Delights: Exploring Foods in German Culture
Traditional German cuisine is a treasure trove of delicious flavors and culinary delights. From the sizzling bratwurst to the comforting spätzle, each dish tells a story and carries the essence of German culture.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Berlin or enjoying the coziness of a Bavarian village, the diverse range of traditional German cuisine will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
So, embrace the culinary heritage of Germany and embark on a culinary adventure, discovering the authentic German food and delights that this remarkable country has to offer.