Top 5 foods in Germany - Santa Fe Relocation (2024)

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A quick guide to German food for expats

Germany is known for some of the most amazing traditional food around the world. It is also a country that is full of rich culinary traditions which many have found their way to the rest of the world. What many don’t know is that German cuisine is so much more than just sausage or meat. Depending on where you are in Germany you will find a big variety of traditional comfort food. The area around Hamburg is known for fresh fish dishes whereas in the South they are best known for all types of delicious foods made from pork. As there are too many good foods in Germany we have really struggled to whittle it down to just five, but we stand by our choices.

Schnitzel

You can find these everywhere in Germany from classy restaurants to street food vendors. Schnitzel is essentially meat flattened and then covered with flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs which is then fried in oil or a lot of butter until it turns a golden crisp on the outside. It is typically veal, however it can be made with any meat and there are also different ways on how to prepare it from chicken breast to blocks of cheese.

Spätzle

For a country that is big on their meat, one of the most famous German dishes is Spätzle; which is completely vegetarian. Spätzle is a type of pasta, but the dough only consists of eggs, flour, salt and a hint of fizzy water, which makes the dough light and fluffy. Spätzle, is traditionally served as a side dish to meaty dishes like Schnitzel, however it can also be served as a main dish. The most popular way of preparing Spätzle is to top with a huge amount of Emmentaler cheese, as cheese instantly makes every dish better.

Bratwurst

No matter what part of Germany you move to or visit, you will encounter Bratwurst, a sausage typically made from beef, pork or even veal. The earliest documented evidence of Bratwurst which today has an estimated 40 regional varieties, dates right back to the 14thCentury in Nuremberg. It is generally grilled and is often served as a snack with a Brötchen, which is a bread roll. The most famous Bratwurst is for sure the short and thin ones, which come from Nuremberg, and these are even better when complemented with ketchup or mustard, depending on your preferences.

Stollen

For those who have a sweet tooth then traditional Stollen might be exactly what you are looking for. It is generally eaten around Christmas time, and is a bread made with dried or candied fruit, marzipan, nuts like almonds, and spices like cinnamon and cardamom. It is usually topped with powdered sugar too. The most famous Stollen originates in the city of Dresden, where the annual Stollenfest is held. This festival takes place on the second Saturday in December; and the city’s Stollen measures 3 to 4 tons!

Kartoffelpuffer

While many people around the world will associate dishes such as Bretzel with Germany and Oktoberfest, one of the more common dishes is Kartoffelpuffer, also known as Reibekuchen. Potatoes are one of the most common ingredients found in German food and dishes, so Reibekuchen is definitely a dish that you should try. Reibekuchen/kartoffelpuffer are shallow pan-fried pancakes made from grated or ground potatoes and mixed with flour, onion, eggs and seasoning, and most commonly served with an apple puree.

Want to learn more about Germany? Visit our moving to Germany destination guide page.

Top 5 foods in Germany - Santa Fe Relocation (2024)

FAQs

Top 5 foods in Germany - Santa Fe Relocation? ›

Sausages, salads, and soups were just three of the important foodways which made German Americans different. What Germans drank also made them different. In the early settlement period, before the Civil War, coffee was not yet widely drunk by Anglo-Americans, and cultured Germans missed it.

What food did German immigrants eat? ›

Sausages, salads, and soups were just three of the important foodways which made German Americans different. What Germans drank also made them different. In the early settlement period, before the Civil War, coffee was not yet widely drunk by Anglo-Americans, and cultured Germans missed it.

What food does Germany eat on Christmas? ›

At the centre of a German Christmas evening spread you'll usually find a roasted goose, turkey or duck, traditionally served with lovely plump bread dumplings – the classic round ones, or one great big festive loaf-shaped one, known as a Serviettenknödel (pictured sliced, above), plus braised red cabbage or stewed kale ...

What are 3 major food dishes in Germany list and describe? ›

Currywurst: Ketchup mixed with curry powder made this sausage a street food classic. Döner kebab: Germans have Turkish immigrants to thank for this popular sandwich. Schnitzel: The German version is made with tenderized pork or turkey and can be ordered in most traditional restaurants.

What is Germany's national dish? ›

Sauerbraten (pronounced [ˈzaʊ̯ɐˌbʁaːtn̩]) is a traditional German roast of heavily marinated meat. It is regarded as a national dish of Germany, and is frequently served in German-style restaurants internationally.

What is a German breakfast? ›

But the Germans like to pull out the stops at breakfast (especially weekend breakfasts). Lots of different cheeses, meats, multiple jams and honey, boiled eggs, fruit and vegetables, smoked fish and of course, every kind of roll or hearty, seeded bread your heart could desire.

What is Germany's eating habit? ›

Germans tend to eat their fill including meat and bread. Potatoes are a staple food, and each region has its own way of cooking them. Some Germans eat potatoes with pears, bacon, and beans. Others cook a special stew called Pichelsteiner, made of three types of meat and potatoes.

What do Germans call Santa? ›

German children call Santa Claus 'Weihnachtsmann' which translates to Christmas man. The Weihnachtsmann is a recent Christmas tradition which has little if any religious or folkloric background.

Why do Germans eat goose? ›

One legend has it that Queen Elizabeth I was gobbling up goose when she heard the British had defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588, ordering all of England to mimic her dinner at Christmas. The tradition then presumably spread from England to Germany, where it stuck.

How do Germans say "merry Christmas"? ›

In German, the phrase "Frohe Weihnachten!" which translates to "Merry Christmas” is commonly used. If you prefer a more neutral expression, say "Frohes Fest!" ("Happy Celebration!") or "Schöne Feiertage!" ("Beautiful Holidays!").

What are the top 5 most eaten foods? ›

The most commonly eaten foods vary depending on cultural preferences, but globally, staples like rice, wheat, corn, and potatoes are among the most consumed. Other commonly eaten foods include vegetables, fruits, meat (such as chicken, pork, and beef), fish, and dairy products like milk and cheese.

What country has the best food? ›

  • Italy. #1 in Has great food. #15 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Spain. #2 in Has great food. #17 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Mexico. #3 in Has great food. #33 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • France. #4 in Has great food. ...
  • Greece. #5 in Has great food. ...
  • Thailand. #6 in Has great food. ...
  • Turkey. #7 in Has great food. ...
  • Portugal. #8 in Has great food.

What is the most popular food in Europe? ›

Cccording to Europe's leading photo printing company, the top ten most popular culinary dishes in Europe are:
  • Pizza, from Italy.
  • Ramen, from Japan.
  • Burger, from the United States.
  • Paella, from Spain.
  • Moussaka, from Greece.
  • Boeuf Bourguignon, from France.
  • Pierogi, from Poland.
  • Tikka Massala, from India.
May 29, 2024

What is a typical German breakfast? ›

But the Germans like to pull out the stops at breakfast (especially weekend breakfasts). Lots of different cheeses, meats, multiple jams and honey, boiled eggs, fruit and vegetables, smoked fish and of course, every kind of roll or hearty, seeded bread your heart could desire.

What is a typical German lunch? ›

The main meal of the day is das Mittagessen, or lunch. The tradition is to have a hot meal during lunch. Sauerbraten, snitzels, Frikadellen (German meatballs), potatoes (such as Kartoffelsalat), green beans, soups, and stews are frequently served for lunch.

What is the most popular meat in Germany? ›

In Germany, the most consumed meat is pork. Germans are known for their love of pork, and it is a staple in many traditional dishes. Some popular examples of pork dishes in Germany include schnitzel, which is a breaded and fried pork cutlet, and bratwurst, a type of sausage made from pork, veal, or beef.

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