Germany has a very distinct food culture. You’ll find hearty comfort foods that will warm you up when visiting some of Europe’s best Christmas destinations in Germany. You’ll also find unique side dishes that date back to religious traditions of ancient monks and rich desserts that will perfectly complete your meal.
From sizzling bratwurst to soft pretzels, there are so many foods to try in Germany that promise to be as unforgettable as the sights.
The Best German Foods (Main Courses)
In every culture, the main course is the largest dish served in a meal. It is typically the heaviest and often has the most character and variety. Of course, German food is no different. There are so many entrees in Germany that you should look for on a menu and try at least once when visiting the country.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Bratwurst
Germany is renowned for its sausages, and bratwursts are perhaps the most popular variety. Each region of Germany offers its unique take on sausage. Bratwurst is a flavorful sausage made from pork, beef, or veal and seasoned with spices like nutmeg and marjoram before it is thrown on a grill.
Originating from the region of Franconia in northern Bavaria, the name Bratwurst comes from the Old High German word “brät,” which refers to finely chopped meat, and “Wurst,” meaning sausage.
Its popularity in Germany can be attributed to its savory flavor, perfect texture, and the variety of ways it can be served—whether grilled, pan-fried, or chopped up in stews. Bratwurst is a staple at barbecues, beer gardens, and festivals, particularly during Oktoberfest in Munich, where it is often paired with sauerkraut, mustard, or potato salad.
Weißwurst
Weißwurst is a traditional white sausage hailing from the Bavarian region. It is made from minced veal and pork, flavored with parsley and lemon zest. Typically eaten with mustard and freshly baked pretzels, this sausage is a popular breakfast or brunch option.
The white sausage has a mild taste with a hint of fresh herbs. They are encased in a natural casing and boiled rather than fried or grilled, which gives them a softer, smoother texture.
Of course, its pale appearance is one of the most defining aspects of Weißwurst making it easily recognizable on a menu or in a sausage shop.
Currywurst
Currywurst is another popular variation, consisting of either steamed or fried sausage served with a tangy ketchup-based curry sauce. It is a popular street food in cities like Berlin, where it originated.
A chef by the name of Herta Heuwer is credited with developing the dish. In 1949, she received a shipment of curry powder from British soldiers and began experimenting by adding it to ketchup and pouring the spicy sauce over diced sausages.
The dish quickly became a hit, especially among Berliners in the post-war era, as it was an affordable and filling option. Currywurst, which is often served with fries, is now a street food favorite, particularly in the capital city, although it can frequently be found in other parts of the country, as well.
Schnitzel
Schnitzel is undoubtedly one of the best foods to try in Germany, offering a delicious taste of what the country is known for.
This German dish features tender, thinly pounded meat—typically pork or veal—that is breaded and pan-fried. It is crispy on the outside and, if cooked correctly, juicy and moist on the inside.
Often served with classic sides like potato salad, red cabbage, or mashed potatoes, schnitzel is a popular home-cooked German meal. You can also find versions of this dish in Vienna, Austria, where Wiener Schnitzel is a comforting meal.
Meatloaf
German meatloaf, or Fleischkäse, is another excellent comfort food found throughout Germany. Like the American comfort food popular in southern cuisine, German meatloaf is made from finely ground, seasoned meat that is shaped then baked into a smooth loaf topped with a tomato-based sauce.
After cooking, it is sliced and served alongside potatoes or bread. It’s a favorite meal in casual settings and is a staple in many German households.
Pork knuckle
A hearty main course that is also popular in Polish cuisine, pork knuckle, or Schweinshaxe, is a German dish known for its crispy, golden-brown skin and tender, juicy meat. Pork knuckle is often slow roasted, allowing the flavors to develop and the fat to melt away.
To add to the heartiness of the meal, it is often served with several sides like sauerkraut and potatoes. The dish is especially popular in beer gardens around Munich and during Oktoberfest, where it pairs wonderfully with a cold, refreshing pint of German beer.
Sausage salad
Don’t be fooled by the name of this one… This salad is more meat than it is vegetables. Sausage salad, or Wurstsalat, is a classic dish in Germany. Thinly sliced sausage is mixed with onions, pickles, Swiss cheese, and a dressing of vinegar, oil, and sometimes mustard.
It is served cold or at room temperature and is a refreshing, lighter choice enjoyed with fresh bread or pretzels and a refreshing beer.
Doner kebab
Although not technically a traditional German dish, the country is home to a thriving doner kebab culture, thanks to its Turkish immigrant community, particularly in large cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, and Hamburg.
The doner kebab, originally a traditional Turkish dish, is a portable fast-food meal that Germans have adapted. The meal is made from shaved beef or lamb cooked on a vertical rotisserie that looks like an inverted cone and typically served in a pita, naan, or on bread.
While it did not originate in Germany, doner kebab shops across the country are a savory reflection of the multicultural influence.
Popular German Side Dishes and Appetizers
No entree is complete without at least one or two sides. Whether it is an appetizer before the meal, or a dish served alongside the main course, here are a few popular items to accompany your meal.
Pretzel
Pretzels are one of the most notable foods to try in Germany. You can’t think of Germany without picturing a market stall selling freshly baked pretzels and breads. They are among the most popular baked goods in the country.
With roots in monastic traditions, pretzels were often associated with religious symbolism, representing hands crossed in prayer. Known for their twisted shape, golden-brown crust, and chewy texture, German pretzels are served plain, salted, or topped with seeds and enjoyed as a snack, a side dish with beer, or paired with sausages, mustard, or beer cheese.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a cornerstone of German cuisine. Its history in Germany dates back centuries, valued for its ability to preserve cabbage through long winters. This fermented, shredded cabbage side has a slightly sour flavor that pairs nicely with all kinds of German meats.
Even if you don’t particularly enjoy cabbage, sauerkraut is one of the must-try German foods. Beyond its taste, it also is believed to have probiotic qualities and is high in vitamin C making it a nutritious side dish.
Kartoffelpuffer
Kartoffelpuffer, or German potato pancakes are a popular Saxon snack or side dish. These crispy treats are made from grated potatoes mixed with egg, flour, and a touch of seasoning, similar to a hashbrown in the United States.
The potato cakes are pan-fried and topped with applesauce, particularly in the eastern city of Dresden, the capital of the Saxony state, and one of the best cities in Germany to visit. They can also be topped with sour cream and chives, ketchup, or even smoked salmon for a more filling meal.
Potato salad
Another great food to try in Germany that is made with potatoes, Kartoffelsalat, or German potato salad has the same comforting nature as American potato salad. But unlike the U.S. version of this dish, which is typically creamy and made with mayonnaise, German potato salad is often served warm and features a tangy vinaigrette dressing made from ingredients like vinegar, mustard, and bacon drippings.
There are lots of regional variations, however, with southern Germany favoring the warm, vinegar-based version and northern regions incorporating mayonnaise in colder preparations.
Red cabbage
German red cabbage, or Rotkohl, is as flavorful as it is colorful.
Made by braising finely shredded red cabbage with ingredients like vinegar, apples, onions, and spices such as cloves and bay leaves, the dish is a great complement to pork, sausages, or other meats. Its preparation varies by region, with some recipes including wine or cranberry.
Spaetzle
Spätzle is one of the best foods to try in Germany for vegetarians. This German dish is made of soft, egg-based noodles that are tender, chewy, and often served as a side dish or main course.
One of the most popular variations is Käsespätzle, where the noodles are layered with melted cheese and crispy onions, similar to a German version of macaroni and cheese.
The Best German Desserts
Now to my favorite part of any meal – DESSERT! While there are lots of great desserts to try in Germany there are a handful that reign supreme.
Strudel
Strudel is my personal favorite German dessert. It is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet apples or other fruits.
Apfelstrudl (apple strudel) is the most popular strudel variety. It features spiced apples and sometimes raisins wrapped in thin layers of dough.
Strudel’s origins trace back to Austria, but it has become a staple at bakeries and cafes across Germany, as well. It can be enjoyed warm or cold, with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Black Forest cake
Black Forest cake is another one of Germany’s most famous desserts. Known for its layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and tart cherries, this cake originates from the Black Forest region of southwestern Germany, which it is named after.
The cake is traditionally flavored with cherry brandy. Its popularity stems from the distinct and delicious flavor of rich chocolate and fruit and its creamy textures.
It is typically topped with chocolate shavings and more cherries making it a visually appealing option when seen in a bakery display case.
Gingerbread
Although not a personal favorite of mine, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention German gingerbread, or Lebkuchen, when talking about foods to try in Germany.
It is a cherished holiday treat in Germany. This spiced cookie-like dessert became a specialty of Nuremberg, earning the city a reputation as the gingerbread capital of Germany. Lebkuchen is typically made with ingredients like honey, nuts, and a mix of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
It comes in many forms, from soft and cake-like to crisp and crunchy, often decorated with icing, chocolate, or slivered almonds.
Popular during the Christmas season, Lebkuchen is sold in festive markets across the country, evoking the warmth and nostalgia of German holiday traditions. At Oktoberfest it is shaped into wearable hearts, which are popular as German souvenirs rather than food items.
Schneebälle
This unique pastry is hard to find outside the small, touristy village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. But if you happen to visit this enchanting fairytale town, the deep-friend, powdered sugar-covered dough ball is one of the best foods to try in Germany!
The crunchy pastry is made from strips of crust dough that are shaped into a ball before they are fried. Aside from powdered sugar, you can find them topped with chocolate, nuts, coconut flakes, and other sweet toppings.
Why these dishes are the best foods to try in Germany
Food is such an important part of German culture. Whether enjoyed in a shady beer garden, a cozy restaurant, or a lively beer hall, no trip to Germany would be complete without trying at least a few of these popular German foods.
So, when you are planning your trip, be sure to buffer in plenty of time to sit down and enjoy your meals. You won’t regret it!
Do you have a question or comment about any of these foods to try in Germany? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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