Food in Germany

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Food in Germany

Modern German food culture is one of the most varied in Europe, thanks in part to a great number of culinary influences from outside with the multicultural cities providing varied eating experiences from Turkish markets to Vietnamese haute cuisine. German cuisine varies greatly from region to region and according to season. 

German meals are often accompanied by local beer or Riesling wines, and sparkling wines such as Prosecco and Sekt are standard bar and Sunday brunch drinks.

Germany produces a lot of its own foodstuffs for home consumption as well as for export. 

German National Cuisine

Each region of Germany has its own traditional delicacies, but there are some products which are found throughout the nation:

• Sausages: Bratwurst (grilled sausage) and Bockwurst (boiled sausage) are sold in every city at street stands and restaurants. They are best eaten with mustard (Senf) and a bread roll (Brötchen)
• Bread rolls: Brötchen come in all shapes and sizes, from wholegrain, mixed seed, and pumpkin seed to cheese, raisin or sesame. Fresh bakeries are in most residential areas and main shopping districts
• Bread: Brot is also readily available. Fresh bread from the local bakery or organic food store comes in all shapes and sizes, from the classic baguette, to pumpkin seed bread, rye bread (Schwarzbrot) and the white loaf (Weissbrot)
• Cabbage: Kraut is eaten in many different forms: boiled with vinegar, Sauerkraut is a common accompaniment to meat and potatoes, green cabbage (Grünkkohl) is traditionally eaten with Pinkel sausages (Pinkelwurst) at Christmas and stuffed cabbage (Kohlroulade) consists of pork mince and herbs rolled up in cabbage leaves and boiled
• Asparagus: Spargel is eaten throughout the country when it is in season, often with hollandaise sauce and potatoes
• Schnitzel: Veal or pork steak hammered thin, dipped in flour, egg and breadcrumbs and fried in oil is another German speciality eaten with potatoes or as a snack in a sandwich

Fruit and vegetables

While some supermarkets and most street markets only stock vegetables that are in season, many supermarkets also carry imported vegetables; regular (weekly) fruit and vegetable markets in cities and towns stock fresh, regional produce. Roadside stalls in the countryside sell fresh fruit and vegetables direct from the local farmers.

Game

Hunting is a widespread occupation in the many forests and mountains and wild meats, such as wild boar, deer and rabbit are specialities in many restaurants.

Breakfast (Frühstück)

The weekend culture in Germany provides exceptional opportunities for eating with brunch buffets commonly served in cafés and restaurants, many of which remain open until 15:00 or later.

Breakfast in general is an important part of the day and typically includes fresh bread rolls, various cuts of salami and ham, smoked fish, cheese, eggs, salads and yoghurt. Foreign influences include croissants, both plain and cheese filled, and a range of delicacies from Turkey.

Desserts

• Stollen: This cake, often eaten at Christmas, is made of yeast, flour, water, a variety of dried fruit, citrus peel and almonds as well as spices such as cardamom and cinnamon
• Black Forest Cherry Cake: (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte): Known throughout the world, this layered chocolate cake is filled with whipped cream and cherries. Kirsch (Kirschwasser), a cherry liqueur, is traditionally added to the cake.

Regional German Specialities

Each region in Germany seems to have its own traditional cuisine. These are a few examples:

• Curried sausage: Currywurst are eaten in Berlin and the surrounding region. This sausage is sprinkled with curry powder and eaten with a spicy curry sauce
• Veal sausage with sweet mustard: Weisswurst mit susser Senf is eaten in Bavaria along with the regional favourite, the Bretzel
• Bretzel: Bretzel are large pretzel-shaped bread sticks, dipped in sea salt and often eaten with beer
• Smoked herring: Matjesfilet are found on the north coast of Germany in a sandwich or with potatoes and vegetables
• Knuckle of pork: Served boiled (Eisbein) or grilled (Schweinshaxe) is a speciality of south Germany, normally served with sauerkraut, red cabbage and potatoes
• Flammkuchen: A speciality of the west coast, this is a thin pizza-type flan traditionally topped with bacon and cream. This dish is often served with the region's Kölsch beer

Influences from Outside Germany

Turkish culinary influences can be seen right across the country; most major cities have a Turkish quarter offering fresh produce direct from the market and a variety of cafés, restaurants and fast food stalls ranging from the take-away doner kebab to high-end sit-down eating establishments. Some examples of Turkish products are:

• Doner kebabs: Chicken or lamb meat is stuffed into Turkish pitta bread with salad and a choice of herb, spicy or garlic sauce
• Stuffed filo pastry: Börek is a traditional snack filled with spinach and feta or minced meat
• Stuffed vine leaves: Rice and vegetables wrapped up in a vine leaf is also a Greek speciality
• Lamb sausages: Köfte are eaten in a sandwich with salad and a choice of sauces
• Olives
• Feta cheese
• Houmus

Influences from the Middle East include Shawarma (chicken, salad and sesame sauce in pitta bread), Falafel (mashed chickpeas deep-fried and served in pitta bread with vegetables and sesame sauce) and Makale (mixed grilled vegetables in pitta bread with sauce). Variations of these dishes can be ordered from most fast food stalls with side orders including taboulé salad (couscous and parsley), pickled chilli peppers and a range of flavoured feta dips (red pepper, avocado or garlic for example).

All cities have restaurants serving cuisine from Italy, France, Spain and Greece, India, Vietnam and Thailand. In the former East Germany Vietnamese food is readily available as a result of the past relationship between the socialist governments of Russia and Vietnam.

An element of Jewish cuisine has also returned to German food with fresh bagels, matzos and other kosher products widely available.

Further Information

• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Wines & Beers in Germany
• Germany: Food & Drink Provides information on German food and recipes