I’ve heard countless times that food in Germany isn’t that good. For whatever reason, whenever you tell people you’re going somewhere, they like to comment on the food. And all I heard about Germany was that it wasn’t good and that people had a hard time finding places to eat. My expectations of having a memorable culinary experience were quite low before I even touched down in Germany. And instead I was wondering if I would have a hard time figuring out what to eat in Germany too.
I can’t say I’m the biggest foodie out there. I like to eat but I also like to see stuff. And if I can just get a quick bite and be on my way, I’m ok with that. So maybe I was getting my opinions from foodies, who knows. Or maybe since I’m not the biggest foodie, I’m easier to please. Regardless, I was eager to see for myself.
The Food in Germany
Obviously Germany is known for its beer, but I wanted to know how the food would hold up against its liquid counterpart. And after visiting Germany initially, and visiting Germany again, I have to say that those people who said German food isn’t good ARE CRAZY.
I don’t think I’ve had a bad meal there. And I never had a problem finding things to eat or places to eat.
So, what’s German food like?
Meat lovers, rejoice! Because Germany is a LOT of meat and potatoes. If you’re vegetarian, you may not fair well here. A lot of German food is some sort of meat, with gravy and fries.
Maybe it’s because I’ve got some German heritage somewhere down the line or it may have to do with the fact that I’m from the Midwest and Midwesterners love their meat and potatoes, but I loved it!
When I first went to Germany, I was in Frankfurt and it was extremely cold outside. The food was hearty and delicious and on the bitter cold nights I was there, nothing tasted better than being able to get a home-cooked style meal and a tall beer to go with it.
And it didn’t seem to matter where we went. Each place was just as tasty as the last. There was roast pork, schnitzel, sausages topped with savory gravies, and a homemade side of potatoes or salad.
The next time, I was in Berlin, and after that, Dusseldorf and a few towns near the border of the Netherlands for the Christmas Markets. My opinion remains the same.
Food to Try in Germany
If you’re wondering what to eat in Germany, these are some of the dishes that I’ve had throughout the different times I’ve been. While some were better than others, they were all good to me. And like I said, maybe it’s because I grew up on meat and potatoes, but I was in my happy place.
Schnitzel
Traditionally, German schnitzel is made with pork (but you may find some other types of meat used). Schnitzel is a popular dish and is a thin piece of breaded meat. It can be served plain with a side of gravy or come with gravy on top. We went to a restaurant near the Dutch/German border that served all types of schnitzel and not much else.
I think I’ve had it every time I’ve been to Germany. It’s a staple in German cuisine.
Sausages
I’m really not sure what the different types of sausages are. There’s frankfurters and bratwursts, and they are all good. They are also pretty typical of German food and usually served with potatoes.
You can get them at really nice restaurants and at simple places. It’s a savory and safe option.
Meat and Potatoes
This is another one where I’m really not sure what type of meat to suggest, because anything I had was good. Anything roasted was great. The gravies were great. The meat was great. After a long day exploring, it was nice to have a hearty meal like this.
Schweinshaxe
Schweinshaxe is a roasted pork knuckle that gets crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This is another food that you can find at restaurants or even food stalls. It’s usually served with sauerkraut.
Currywurst
Currywurst is a popular street food of fried sausage with curry ketchup and curry powder. It was invented in Berlin post WWII. Herta Heuwer concocted a sauce to spice up the traditional sausage because supplies were limited post-war. It was served from a food stall while people rebuilt the city and became quite famous! You can still get them from food stalls and are a nice warm snack.
Flammkuchen
Flammkuchen is a thin flatbread that’s covered in creme fraiche and white cheese, then sprinkled with onion and bacon. Also very delicious. Sometimes they are large, like a pizza and other times more of a hand-held street food.
We got them at the Christmas Markets and they were a yummy snack to have while walking around.
Lángos
Lángos is another tasty hand-held we found at the Christmas Markets. It’s more of a fried bread and can be topped with all sorts of things. Ours had about 3 different sauces, some arugula, white cheese and tomatoes. (The Christmas Markets are full of great food.)
I know this post is technically about what to eat in Germany, but what is food without something to drink?
The Drinks (mostly beer)
I’m not really even a beer drinker, but beer is synonymous with Germany (especially because of Oktoberfest which is kinda what Germany is famous for–one of the things anyway). When combined with the tasty meats and gravies, it became a complete culinary satisfaction. Something about a nice, cold beer with meat and potatoes just hit the spot (I’m sounding more midwestern by the minute). And when in Germany, right?
And then I had one of the best drinks I’ve ever had in my entire life in Berlin. I’m not even kidding. It was at a restaurant called Pirates Berlin and I just tried going on the website to track down the drink and find out what was in it but the website is in German. UGH.
Anyway, it was something with melon and had melon balls in it, and it was so, so good. This restaurant also has views of the Oberbaum Bridge, so it was a good choice.
Glühwein
And we can’t forget about glühwein, which is a mulled wine and a traditional Christmas drink. The Christmas Markets are FULL of glühwein. And they are in the cutest little Christmas bars. Now, there’s good glühwein and there’s not so good glühwein. That’s why you have to try several places AND both the whites and the reds to see which ones you like. 😉
and more glühwein.
You might have gathered this from the pictures, but if you don’t eat meat, you may have a less satisfactory experience and have a harder time figuring out what to eat in Germany. Germany has a lot of meat-based dishes and hearty foods. Personally, I think German food is great and I love trying the different foods there.
To me, Germany is not to be missed when it comes to a foodie’s European itinerary!
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