There are a lot of things Germany is famous for, the sights, the cities, and the language are the most talked about. However, an aspect that is subconsciously brushed under the carpet is food. German food is rich and hearty, making itself one of the best comfort foods. Plus, it is incredibly diverse, influenced both by the local agricultural traditions and elements introduced by immigrants. These factors complement each other fantastically and mark the German cuisine as the one you cannot afford to miss at any cost. So, if you are on a Europe trip to Germany and want to know which local foods to try, go through the list below, for it identifies people’s top picks.
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1. Schweinshaxe
Photo credit: Take Two Bottles Into The Food
Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle) is a classic Bavarian item, which you can find in almost all of Munich’s best restaurants. This dish is the highlight of German food, for it is known to be incredibly hearty. Served with crackling skin, a side of bread or potatoes and sauerkraut, and a generous amount of beer, Schweinshaxe is truly a fulfilling dish that you must not miss.
2. Wurst
Photo credit: German Butchery
Wurst is an extremely ubiquitous dish in Germany and is loved by people of all ages. You can find it everywhere, from local food street vendors to fine German eateries – such is its worth in the eyes of German people. The sausage dates to 1313, and since then, has undergone several additions and improvements. Today, you can find a diverse array of flavors available, from bratwurst to currywurst to weisswurst, each exceptionally delicious and usually served with a side of fries.
3. Maultaschen
Photo credit: Good Mood
If you’re on a Europe trip to Germany and miss the chance of eating Maultaschen, you have missed experiencing Germany in your mouth. Although they look like ravioli, they are a lot bigger and different from the traditional ones. Germany adds its flavor to this classic dish, combining it with minced meat, breadcrumbs, onions, spinach, and parsley. They have a tender and creamy texture that will treat your tastebuds how they have never been treated before.
4. Bretzels
Photo credit: Francesca
It is hard to be on a Europe trip to Germany and walk around, not coming across Bretzels. They are sold literally everywhere in the country, from stands to train stations to high-end bakeries. Regarding it as a German food classic won’t be wrong. It is freshly baked bread served hot, often covered in cheese. Sometimes, it is split and filled with butter, which accentuates the Germanness in the flavor.
5. Königsberger Klopse
Photo credit: Lecker in Osnabrück
Königsberger Klopse is the German version of meatballs. It is another classic German favorite that one cannot afford to miss while visiting Germany. Although this dish is very fulfilling and satiates appetite completely, you cannot stop eating. Its unique flavor- anchovies, lemons, and capers in a rich, creamy, slow-cooked sauce- makes your heart want more. Königsberger Klopse is usually served with a side of boiled potatoes, which excellently complement its taste.
6. Käsespätzle
Photo credit: Bella Pearson
Käsespätzle is another extremely popular German dish. It may be regarded as a variant of pasta, with its noodles being a simple combination of eggs, flour, and salt. However, it is much more than being just pasta. Grated granular cheese is usually added between layers of hot spaetzle, and the dish is topped off with fried onions to accentuate the flavors. It is then heated to allow the cheese to melt and become creamier. While you can consume it as a side to meat dishes, it on its own is a fulfilling and delicious snack.
7. Sauerbraten
Photo credit: Edelweiss Biergarten – German/Hungarian Restaurant
Sauerbraten is as German as a dish can get. As one of Germany’s national foods, it has all the key elements that distinguish German food from cuisines around the world. It is flavourful; it is hearty, and it is delicious. Although traditionally prepared with horse meat, today, alternate types of meat are being used t prepare this pot roast. While the meat type may have changed, the procedure remains similar, with the meat being marinated in a mixture of red wine vinegar, herbs, and spices, for several days before it is cooked. This lends the dish the richness it is known for. Sauerbraten is served with boiled potatoes or potato dumplings and is the highlight of German family dinners.
8. Rouladen
Photo credit: Reid Hagelin
The best way to think of Rouladen is to imagine rolled up vegetables wrapped in bacon and steak. This German food is as delicious as it sounds and requires exceptional effort to prepare, for the meats and vegetables must be allowed to simmer for three to four hours together. Rouladen is generally served with potato dumplings and a thick, delicious gravy, which acts as an exceptional food complement. It is again a German delight that you must treat your mouth with.
9. Wiener Schnitzel
Photo credit: A Wandering Web: Travels with Charlotte
While it may be argued that wiener schnitzel does not have its origins in Germany and is instead an Austrian food, it must not be forgotten that Germany has added to the food its unique elements. The German influence has given wiener schnitzel a distinct and explosive taste, with a hint of lemon. The dish consists of breaded, thinly pounded meat, usually pork, and is complemented with a side of cabbage, salad, or potatoes.
10. Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte
Photo credit: Who’s For Dinner?
If you are after some mouth-watering cakes, you should try Schwarzwälder kirschtorte. This cake consists of many layers of chocolate sponge cake. Sandwiched between the cake layers are sour cherries and whipped cream. Kirschwasser is then drizzled onto the cake, and final decorations are done using maraschino, chocolate shavings, cherries, although people do get creative in this department.
11. Kalbshaxe
Photo credit: Marcel Bauer
Kalbshaxe is a cooked veal knuckle, whose meat is incredibly tender and stringy. The moment you put a bit of it in your mouth, the food seems to explode into divine and heavenly meat juices that transport you to another dimension altogether. Obviously, Kalbshaxe is another German food you must eat while you are in the country.
Video Guide: 10 Must-Eat German Food | The Ultimate Guide to Germany Cuisine
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Travel Resources for Planning a Food Trip to Germany:
Search and find the best flights, hotels to stay in, food experiences, and other activities you can do during your German food trip to Germany below.
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Food experiences & Activities: GetYourGuide and Viator
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