German cuisine offers a rich and diverse array of food, made with high-quality ingredients sourced locally. It’s not just about beer, sauerkraut, and sausage. Germans appreciate well-prepared meals as much as quick bites on the go. The country is known for its food markets, beer gardens, wine festivals, food museums, and high-end restaurants. If you’re hungry for an authentic experience, check out our list of 20 traditional German dishes you must try when visiting.
One popular dish is Königsberger Klopse, named after the former capital of East Prussia. These meatballs in a creamy white sauce with capers are beloved by grandmothers and chefs alike. They’re made with minced veal, onion, eggs, anchovies, pepper, and other spices, giving them a surprisingly elegant finish. In the German Democratic Republic, the dish was renamed “kochklopse” to avoid any reference to its namesake. Today, you can find Königsberger Klopse in most German restaurants, especially in Berlin and Brandenburg.
Maultaschen, similar to ravioli but larger, are a specialty from the Swabia region. These palm-sized square pockets of dough are filled with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients, from minced meat, bread crumbs, onions, and spinach to vegetarian options. They’re often simmered and served with broth or pan-fried for extra richness. Maultaschen are especially common in the south of Germany and have been recognized as a regional specialty by the European Union.
Labskaus, a seafaring dish from northern Germany, may not be visually appealing, but its taste makes up for it. This pink slop represents the preserved fare from 18th and 19th-century ship provisions. It consists of salted beef, onions, potatoes, and pickled beetroot, all mashed up like porridge. It’s served with pickled gherkins and rollmops. Labskaus is popular among Baltic and North Sea sailors and is now served all over northern Germany, particularly in Bremen, Kiel, and Hamburg.
Germany is famous for its sausages, and one of the best street food options is bratwurst. With over 40 varieties, these fried sausages are served in a white bread roll with mustard, potato salad, or sauerkraut as an accompaniment. Some common types include Fränkische bratwurst from Fraconia, Nürnberger rostbratwurst, and Thüringer rostbratwurst. Currywurst, a street food classic, was created in Berlin by mixing ketchup and curry powder with grilled sausage. It has since become one of the most popular sausage-based street foods in Germany, often served with chips and ketchup or mayonnaise.
Döner kebab, introduced to Germany by Turkish immigrants, has become a beloved street snack. It consists of meat, onions, salad, vegetables, and sauces in a bread roll. Various meats, including veal, chicken, and lamb, are used, with vegetarian and vegan options also available. Schnitzel, often associated with Austria, is also popular in Germany. The German version is made with tenderized pork or turkey and served with a variety of sauces. Spätzle, a type of pasta, is a popular side dish, especially in southern Germany, where the käsespätzle variant with cheese and fried onions is a favorite.
Rouladen is another popular dish made of bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles wrapped in sliced beef or veal. It’s usually served with potato dumplings, mashed potatoes, pickled red cabbage, and a red wine gravy. Sauerbraten, a pot roast marinated in a mixture of red wine vinegar, herbs, and spices, is another national dish with regional variations. It’s traditionally served with red cabbage, potato dumplings, or boiled potatoes.
Lastly, Himmel und Erde, meaning “Heaven and Earth,” is a dish popular in the Rhineland, Westphalia, and Lower Saxony. It consists of black pudding, fried onions, mashed potatoes, and apple sauce. This dish pairs well with Kölsch beer, a popular choice in Cologne.
To truly experience the flavors of Germany, give Zwiebelkuchen and Federweisser a try. These dishes continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.