Best German Food You Must Try on Your Next Trip
Germany has a surprising variety of traditional foods along with blended recipes influenced by foreign cultures. German food is one of my favorite cuisines in the world and is highly underrated. The options include tons of savory meat dishes, potatoes, and pretzels. We already know Oktoberfest reigns supreme as the best beer festival in the world, but German food definitely should not be overlooked. Here are some of the best and most iconic foods we tried while traveling across the country.
Traditional Bavarian German Food
Germany is split up into many different regions each with its own specialties and vastly different types of meals. The South of Germany known as Bavaria, will contain traditional German food like the pork dishes, pretzels, and beer. This region alone is worth visiting for the large quantity of amazing dishes. Keep in mind to try the regional dishes while in the area as it gets more difficult to find them up North. Try out a Bavarian food tour with the locals to find even more hidden gems!
Schnitzel
One of my personal favorites and possibly the most famous German food is the Schnitzel. This thin tenderized slab of meat is breaded and deep fried and tastes amazing. The Wiener schnitzel (veal) is the most popular, but other variations include pork, chicken, mutton, beef or turkey. The serving size is pretty big and you can find it at most restaurants.
Sauerbraten
Sauerbraten is a traditional roasted beef heavily marinated and served alongside red cabbage. It is renowned as Germany’s national dish and can be found in many authentic Bavarian restaurants.
Brezel
The world famous giant soft pretzels were also invented in southern Germany. You can find various pretzel flavors in bakeries all over Germany, but they are best down south. Be sure to try the huge varieties of pretzels including ones with cheese, meat, or different spices.
Bier
About half of all German breweries within the country are in Bavaria, including Hofbräuhaus and the Augustiner-Bräu. These beer behemoths have been perfecting the craft for centuries and pair excellently with German food. Celebrate the notorious Oktoberfest in Munich where you can try tons of authentic beer in a 2 week long festival.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a raw fermented cabbage with a distinct sour taste and smell which is often sereved along side many meals. While it seems unappealing, Sauerkraut has many health benefits such as strengthening your immune system and improving digestion.
Schweinshaxe
Another popular Bavarian dish is the Schweinshaxe, which is a roasted pork knuckle. Despite the unappetizing name, this ham hock has a crispy pork crakling over a delicious tender meat that is sure to fill you up. One of my favorites was in the Hofbräuhaus.
Kaiserschmarrn
While also being a popular dish in Austria, Kaiserschmarrn is another German food to try while you’re in Bavaria. This fluffy shredded dessert is the German equivalent to pancakes usually served alongside a cup of applesauce.
Kartoffelknödel
Kartoffelknödel is a fluffy potato dumpling and a typical side to many dishes. This fluffy sphere consists of seasoned potatoes and starch.
Apfelstrudel
Although this may have originated in Austria, Apfelstrudel is a common dessert adored by Bavarians. The apple strudel is a sweet pastry that shouldn’t be missed. We tried a tasty one while visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle near the Austrian border.
Leberkäse
Literally translating to liver cheese, this delicacy contains neither liver meat or cheese of any kind. Leberkäse is a loaf of meat made of finely ground pork and beef and served as slices for a sandwich or alongside other German food.
Weisswurst
Weisswurst is a traditional Bavarian sausage made from minced veal and pork back bacon. It is commonly eaten for breakfast accompanied by a brezel or Leberkäse.
Franconian German Food
While technically still a region in the state of Bavaria, Franconia also maintains its own dialects and traditions. Venture to Nuremberg in the heart of Germany and to try slight variations and specialty cuisines. They even have private beer and food tasting tours you can try for a more intimate experience!
Schäufele
This hefty serving of pork shoulder is a traditional dish mainly served in the Franconia region. Schäufele is similar to Schweinshaxe, with the pork meat, rind, and bone all roasted as a whole. We tried a delicious one at Restaurant Burgwächter while traveling around Nuremberg.
Bratwurst
These popular German sausages are made of pork and seasoned with tons of spices for a unique and smokey flavor. You can find them in all types across the country, but Nuremberg style has a Drei im Weckla, which is 3 smaller suasages on a bun.
Nürnberger Lebkuchen
Similar to gingerbread, Nürnberger Lebkuchen is a large cookie/ cake that is often consumed during the holiday seasons and typically found in Nuremberg.
Other German Food
Flavors you find up north are very different than southern meals. They are influenced by other cultures to become their own distinct German delicacy. There are countless regional specialties outside of the popular Bavarian cuisines, but we’ll stick to just a few must haves for your first trip.
Currywurst
A fast food specialty in the city of Berlin, currywurst is simply a sausage cut into bite sized pieces and dowsed in ketchup and curry powder. It’s a great snack you can find all over the city and usually comes alongside fries. My favorite spots in Berlin include Witty’s, Curry 7, Curry at the Wall, and Curry 61.
Döner kebab
Another German food that symbolizes the essence of Berlin cuisine is the döner kebab. Turkish influence has transformed döner into one of Berlin’s quintessential foods. It is shredded lamb shaved off a vertical spit garnished with incredible spices. One of my favorite places with outstanding döner boxes is at Mustafa Demir’s Gemüse Kebap.
Spaghettieis
The only thing cooler than ice cream is spaghetti shaped ice cream. The deception is formed with noodle shaped vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce, and a dusting of white chocolate.
Käsespätzle
Originating from the region of Swabia, käsespätzle is Germany’s answer to mac and cheese. It is comprised of buttery egg noodles formed into dense clumps and oozing with cheese. It makes for a great vegetarian option that is common at many restaurants.
Maultaschen
Maultaschen is one food we found exclusively in the Swabia region. It is the German ravioli, with a meat and spinach filled dumpling tossed in a simple broth. We tried a delicious one in the city of Schwabisch Hall, just west of Bavaria.
Germany is an amazing country filled with traditional cuisines and a blend of cultures in a fusion of inspiring flavors. The Primary focus of German food is the variety of high quality meat dishes. The regional specialties also make the country that much more fun to explore from Berlin to Bavaria. Most meals we ate were super heavy but extremely satisfying. With the addition of the best beer on the planet, Germany is a country every foodie should visit. Be sure to check out the rest of our Germany series for more of the beautiful sights and history to discover in Deutschland! Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Check out our German food tour vlog for even more of the amazing foods in Germany!
