German cuisine: what people eat in Germany and which dishes to try

German cuisine isn’t just about sausages and beer. It features many regional dishes, simple home-cooked recipes, seasonal produce, baked goods, potato side dishes, and quick snacks like Currywurst or Döner. If you’ve recently arrived in Germany, it sometimes takes a while to get used to the local flavors, but you can figure out the menu and navigate the supermarket pretty quickly.

How German cuisine differs from the Eastern European cuisine you’re used to

In Germany, meals are often built around a few familiar elements: meat or sausage, potatoes, bread, cabbage, sauce, and seasonal vegetables. In the southern states, the influence of Austria and Switzerland is more noticeable; in the west, that of France and the Benelux countries; and in the north, seafood, fish, and simpler cold appetizers.

Three things may come as a surprise to a newcomer:

Mustard, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, cheese, and sausage often taste different from their familiar counterparts;
Bread and rolls play an almost distinct role in the daily diet;
Portions in restaurants are often large, and the side dish and sauce can influence the flavor of the dish just as much as the meat.

Germans love traditional dishes, but urban cuisine has long since become international: alongside beer halls and family-run Gasthaus, it’s easy to find Italian, Turkish, Asian, Indian, and vegetarian restaurants.

Main ingredients and flavors

Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the staples of German cuisine. They’re served as a side dish and added to soups, salads, dumplings, and casseroles.

Popular dishes:

Kartoffelsuppe — a thick potato soup, often with onions, carrots, herbs, cream, or pieces of sausage.
Kartoffelsalat—potato salad. In the south, it’s usually made with broth, vinegar, and oil; in the north, you might find a version with mayonnaise.
Kartoffelpuffer—fried potato pancakes, usually served with applesauce, sour cream, or another sauce.
Bratkartoffeln - fried potatoes, often served with meat, eggs, or fish.
Kartoffelknödel—potato dumplings, which go especially well with roasted meats and thick sauces.

Sausages and Meat

The word Wurst in Germany encompasses dozens of types of sausages and frankfurters. They are fried, boiled, smoked, eaten in a bun, and served with cabbage, potatoes, mustard, or sauce.

What you should know:

Bratwurst - a grilled sausage; recipes vary greatly by region.
Weißwurst—a white Bavarian sausage made from veal and pork, traditionally served with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
Frankfurter/Wiener Würstchen - thin sausages for a quick snack or on a kids’ menu.
Currywurst—a grilled sausage with tomato sauce and curry powder, a classic of German street food.

The most common meat dishes include Schnitzel, Schweinshaxe, Sauerbraten, Gulasch, Frikadellen, Leberkäse, and various types of roasts. When dining out, it’s best to look not only at the name of the dish but also at the side dishes: Knödel, Spätzle, Sauerkraut, Rotkohl, or potatoes can greatly change your overall experience.

Bread, Pastries, and Sweets

Germany has a strong bread culture: almost every neighborhood has a Bäckerei where people buy rolls, bread, Brezel, pastries, and sandwiches in the morning. For everyday meals, it’s not just white rolls that are important, but also rye, whole-grain, and mixed-grain breads.

When it comes to sweets, the most commonly mentioned are:

Apfelstrudel—apple strudel with thin pastry, cinnamon, and raisins;
Lebkuchen—gingerbread, especially famous in Nuremberg and at Christmas markets;
Lübecker Marzipan - Lübeck marzipan;
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte — Black Forest cake with cherries and whipped cream;
Rote Grütze—a dessert made with red berries and vanilla sauce.

Beer, Wine, and Beverages

Germans don’t just drink beer, but beer culture is truly prominent: Pils, Helles, Weizen, Dunkel, Kölsch, Altbier, and regional varieties can be found in bars, Biergartens, and supermarkets. Germany’s wine regions are also significant: Rheinhessen, the Palatinate, Baden, the Mosel, and other regions are known for Riesling, Spätburgunder, and local winemaking traditions.

Traditional dishes that people often try first

Dish	What It Is	Where to Find It
Schnitzel	A thin, breaded cut of meat, usually pork or veal	German restaurants, cafeterias, family-run cafes
Currywurst	Sausage with curry sauce and French fries	Kiosks, Imbiss stands, train stations, city centers
Schweinshaxe	Roasted pork knuckle with a crispy crust	Bavarian restaurants, beer halls
Spätzle	Soft egg noodles	Swabia, Baden-Württemberg, southern Germany
Maultaschen	Large “pockets” of dough filled with meat, vegetables, or a mixture of both	Swabian cuisine, supermarkets, restaurants
Eintopf	Thick soup or stew “all in one pot”	Home cooking, seasonal menus
Brezel	Salty pretzel	Bakeries, Biergartens, train stations

Regional Differences

Bavaria

Bavarian cuisine is associated with Weißwurst, Schweinshaxe, Leberkäse, Obazda, Brezel, Knödel, and Biergarten. Hearty dishes, beer traditions, and simple food for large groups are central to this cuisine. In the south, dishes featuring dumplings, roasts, and cabbage are also common.

Baden-Württemberg and Swabia

Swabia is known for Spätzle, Maultaschen, onion pie, lentil dishes, and a wide variety of baked goods. Maultaschen aren’t just made with meat—it’s easy to find vegetarian options in stores and restaurants.

The North and the Coast

In the north, fish, herring, Fischbrötchen, Labskaus, potato dishes, and more subtle sauces are more common. In Hamburg, Bremen, and coastal cities, fish stands and markets can be just as representative of local cuisine as a classic restaurant.

The West and the Rhine Region

Rhenish cuisine features Sauerbraten, potato side dishes, hints of apple, seasonal asparagus, and local beer styles like Kölsch or Altbier. In North Rhine-Westphalia, Pumpernickel, simple meat dishes, and hearty lunches are also important.

The East and Thuringia

Thuringia is known for its Thüringer Rostbratwurst and Klöße. In Saxony and neighboring regions, there’s a strong tradition of pies, Christmas baked goods, Dresden Stollen, and fair food.

How to Eat Out in Germany

In a German restaurant, it’s perfectly normal to stay at the table longer than the meal itself takes. After the main course, guests often order coffee, dessert, a glass of wine, or a beer. At popular spots, especially in the evenings and on weekends, it’s best to reserve a table in advance.

Useful words on the menu:

Vorspeise - appetizer;
Hauptgericht - main course;
Beilage - side dish;
Soße/Sauce - sauce;
vegetarisch - meatless;
vegan - free of animal products;
scharf - spicy;
zum Mitnehmen - to go;
Tagesgericht - dish of the day.

If you’re looking for something quick and inexpensive, check out an Imbiss, a bakery, a cafeteria, a Turkish Döner stand, an Asian noodle shop, a supermarket with ready-to-eat food, or a Wochenmarkt.

Vegetarian and vegan food

Vegetarian and vegan options have become a common feature of restaurants, supermarkets, and food delivery services in Germany. In large cities, the selection is wider: there are dedicated vegan cafes, meat alternatives, plant-based milk, ready-made salads, bowls, and tofu dishes. In smaller towns, the selection may be more limited, but you can usually find meat-free options at bakeries, supermarkets, and Italian restaurants.

That said, traditional cuisine isn’t always automatically suitable for vegetarians: even potato salad, soup, or Spätzle may contain broth, bacon, lard, or meat gravy. If it’s important to you, be sure to check the ingredients.

Fast Food and Ready-to-Eat Meals

Germany has international chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Subway, Domino’s, and Nordsee, but local fast food isn’t limited to burgers.

The most common variations:

Döner Kebap — meat with vegetables and sauce in bread or pita; found in almost every city.
Currywurst mit Pommes - sausage with curry sauce and french fries.
Brezel — a snack from the bakery, sometimes served with butter or cheese.
Fischbrötchen — a fish sandwich, especially in the north.
Leberkäsebrötchen - a hot slice of meatloaf in a bun.

Ready-to-eat meals are easy to find at Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka, and other supermarkets: sandwiches, salads, sushi, pizza, soups, frozen meals, and prepared foods. Lieferando is the most commonly used delivery service; the availability of other services depends on the city.

What to buy at the supermarket to try German cuisine at home

You don’t have to go to a restaurant for your first taste. You can put together a simple German dinner at the grocery store:

Bratwurst or Wiener Würstchen;
Sauerkraut or red cabbage in a jar;
potatoes, Kartoffelsalat, or ready-made Knödel;
mustard: “süß” for Weißwurst or “mittelscharf” for most sausages;
Leberkäse for baking;
Pumpernickel, Mischbrot, or fresh Brötchen;
Maultaschen or Spätzle from the refrigerated section;
Lebkuchen, marzipan, or Rote Grütze for dessert.

Check the cooking instructions on the packaging: some foods are ready to eat and just need to be reheated, while others need to be fried or baked.

Common Mistakes Made by Beginners

Don’t expect a single “national cuisine” for the whole country. Germany is a country of regional differences: what’s considered a classic in Bavaria might be a rarity in the north.
Confusing “Würstchen” and “Wurst.” On a menu, this could refer to a thin sausage, a grilled sausage, sliced sausage, or a whole sausage product.
Don’t specify the sauce. Cream, mushroom, mustard, curry, or meat sauce can completely change a dish.
Thinking all potato dishes are the same. Kartoffelsalat, Bratkartoffeln, Klöße, and Kartoffelpuffer all taste completely different.
Don’t assume “vegetable” dishes are meat-free. “Vegetable” dishes sometimes contain meat broth, gelatin, bacon, or lard.

FAQ

What should you try first in Germany?

For a classic selection, try Currywurst, Schnitzel, Bratwurst, Brezel, Kartoffelsalat, Spätzle, or Maultaschen. In Bavaria, add Weißwurst and Schweinshaxe; in the north, try Fischbrötchen.

Is German cuisine always heavy?

No. Traditional dishes are often hearty, but modern urban cuisine in Germany is very diverse: salads, soups, fish, vegetarian dishes, Asian cuisine, and light lunches are available almost everywhere.

Where is the cheapest place to try German food?

The most affordable options are Imbiss stands, bakeries, supermarkets with ready-to-eat food, cafeterias, markets, and daily specials at simple restaurants. Tourist beer halls in the city center are usually more expensive.

Do you need to leave a tip?

In restaurants, tipping is usually voluntary; people often round up the bill or add a small amount for good service. In bakeries and kiosks, tipping isn’t required.

Is there food in Germany that doesn’t contain pork?

Yes, but you need to read the menu and check the ingredients. Many places offer dishes made with chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, cheese, and eggs, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.