Explore the Best of Germany’s Famous Food: 20 Must-Try Dishes

Germany is a paradise for food lovers, offering a culinary journey filled with rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and time-honored traditions. From hearty meat dishes to delectable desserts, German cuisine has something for everyone. 

In this article, you’ll discover 20 must-try dishes that showcase the best of Germany’s famous food. Let’s explore!

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Non-Vegetarian Delights

1. Bratwurst: A Grilled Classic

Bratwurst is a quintessential German sausage that has won hearts worldwide. Made from pork, beef, or veal, this flavorful sausage is seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs. Whether grilled over an open flame or pan-fried, it’s a must-try for meat lovers and a symbol of German street food. 

• Must try: Traditional pork, beef, or veal bratwurst, often paired with mustard or curry sauce. 
• Price Range: ₹250 – ₹600 (€3 – €7)
• Best Served With: Freshly baked bread rolls or tangy sauerkraut. Street vendors in Nuremberg are famous for their authentic bratwurst.

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2. Schnitzel: The Ultimate Comfort Food

A beloved classic, Schnitzel features a thin slice of meat (usually pork or veal) coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s one of the top dishes in Germany that perfectly captures the simplicity and flavor of German cuisine. 

• Must try: Pork or veal Schnitzel, breaded and fried to perfection. 
• Price Range: ₹500 – ₹1,200 (€6 – €14)
• Best Served With: Creamy potato salad or buttery spätzle. Try Figlmüller in Munich for an unforgettable Schnitzel experience.

3. Sauerbraten: A Tangy Delight

Sauerbraten is a traditional German pot roast, often considered one of the country’s national dishes. The meat is marinated for days in a mixture of vinegar, water, and spices before being slow-cooked to tender perfection. Its tangy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a memorable culinary experience. 

• Must try: Beef or pork Sauerbraten marinated in vinegar and spices. 
• Price Range: ₹700 – ₹1,500 (€8 – €18)
• Best Served With: Potato dumplings and red cabbage. It’s a signature dish in many Bavarian inns.

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4. Currywurst: A Street Food Favorite

Currywurst is a Berlin-origin street food that combines simplicity with bold flavors. This dish features steamed and fried sausage slices topped with a spicy-sweet curry ketchup sauce. A quick yet fulfilling treat, it has become a symbol of urban German cuisine.

• Must try: Sliced pork sausage with a rich curry ketchup topping. 
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹600 (€4 – €7)
• Best Served With: Crispy French fries or a crusty bread roll. Curry 36 in Berlin is renowned for its Currywurst.

5. Rouladen: Rolled Perfection

Rouladen is a hearty dish featuring thin slices of beef rolled around a filling of onions, pickles, mustard, and bacon. Slowly cooked in a savory gravy, it’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, often enjoyed during festive occasions. 

• Must try: Classic beef rouladen filled with mustard, onions, and bacon. 
• Price Range: ₹800 – ₹1,500 (€9 – €18)
• Best Served With: Mashed potatoes and rich gravy. Homestyle restaurants across Germany serve authentic Rouladen.

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6. Eisbein: Crispy Yet Juicy

Eisbein, or pork knuckle, is a German delicacy that’s both crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. The knuckle is slow-cooked and then roasted to achieve its signature texture and flavor. It’s a must-try food in Germany for those seeking a hearty meal. 

• Must try: Roasted pork knuckle seasoned with traditional spices. 
• Price Range: ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 (€12 – €30)
• Best Served With: Sauerkraut and mustard. Hofbräuhaus in Munich offers an exceptional Eisbein experience.

7. Leberkäse: A Hearty Loaf

Leberkäse, despite its name, doesn’t typically contain liver or cheese. This Bavarian specialty is a finely textured meatloaf baked to perfection and served in thick slices. It’s a versatile dish enjoyed as a snack or a meal. 

• Must try: Sliced Leberkäse served warm in a fresh bread roll. 
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹500 (€3 – €6)
• Best Served With: Pretzels or potato salad. Bavarian bakeries are known for their authentic Leberkäse.

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8. Mett: A Raw Delicacy

Mett is raw minced pork, seasoned with salt and pepper, and often served on bread rolls. Though it may seem unusual to some, this dish is a delicacy for many Germans and showcases their appreciation for fresh, high-quality ingredients. 

• Must try: Raw pork mince spread on fresh bread rolls, topped with onions. 
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹400 (€2 – €5)
• Best Served With: Crusty bread rolls and fresh onion rings. Local delis in Hamburg serve the freshest Mett.

9. Weisswurst: A Bavarian Tradition

Weisswurst, or white sausage, is a Bavarian specialty made from minced veal and pork back bacon. It’s delicately seasoned with parsley, lemon, and onion. Traditionally, it’s boiled and served as a mid-morning snack. 

• Must try: Traditional white sausage, best enjoyed fresh and warm. 
• Price Range: ₹400 – ₹800 (€5 – €10)
• Best Served With: Sweet mustard and pretzels. Munich beer gardens are ideal for an authentic Weisswurst experience.

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10. Königsberger Klopse: A Royal Treat

Königsberger Klopse are meatballs made from ground meat, typically pork or veal, simmered in a creamy white sauce with capers. This dish has a mildly tangy and rich flavor, making it a royal treat for your taste buds. 

• Must try: Pork or veal meatballs in a creamy caper sauce. 
• Price Range: ₹700 – ₹1,200 (€8 – €14) 
• Best Served With: Boiled potatoes or steamed rice. It’s a popular dish in northern German households.

11. Kassler: Smoked to Perfection

Kassler is a smoked pork chop that combines the rich flavors of cured meat with a smoky aroma. It’s tender, juicy, and mildly salty, making it a favorite in German households and restaurants alike. This dish is versatile, often served as a main course or as a complement to other dishes. 

• Must try: Smoked pork chops, either grilled or roasted for enhanced flavor. 
• Price Range: ₹700 – ₹1,500 (€8 – €18)
• Best Served With: Sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. Try it at traditional eateries in Frankfurt for an authentic experience.

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12. Schweinshaxe: A Roasted Marvel

Schweinshaxe, or roasted pork knuckle, is Germany’s famous food celebrated for its crispy crackling and tender meat. This Bavarian specialty is slow-roasted to perfection, ensuring a balance of textures and flavors. It’s a quintessential dish for festive occasions. 

• Must try: Crispy roasted pork knuckle with rich gravy. 
• Price Range: ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 (€12 – €30)
• Best Served With: Potato dumplings and red cabbage. Hofbräuhaus in Munich is famous for its Schweinshaxe.

13. Haxe: The Ultimate Pork Feast

Haxe, or pork knuckle, is a traditional food of Germany known for its crispy skin and tender meat. Often roasted or boiled, this hearty dish is a staple in Bavarian cuisine and a favorite during Oktoberfest. Its rich flavors and satisfying portion size make it a must-try for meat enthusiasts. 

• Must try: Roasted Haxe with a crispy crackling exterior. 
• Price Range: ₹800 – ₹2,000 (€9 – €24)
• Best Served With: Sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, or a cold beer. Munich’s beer gardens are renowned for their Haxe.

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Vegetarian Wonders

14. KäseSpätzle: Germany’s Cheesy Comfort Food

KäseSpätzle, often referred to as German mac & cheese, is a comforting dish made of soft egg noodles layered with melted cheese and crispy fried onions. This rich and creamy dish is a vegetarian delight that’s perfect for cold weather. 

• Must try: Classic KäseSpätzle topped with golden fried onions. 
• Price Range: ₹500 – ₹1,000 (€6 – €12)
• Best Served With: A side of green salad or a glass of Riesling wine. Bavarian restaurants offer some of the best versions of this dish.

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15. Kartoffelpuffer: Crispy and Golden

Kartoffelpuffer, or potato pancakes, are a beloved German snack made from grated potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and seasonings. They are pan-fried until crispy and golden, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. 

• Must try: Freshly made potato pancakes served warm. 
• Price Range: ₹250 – ₹600 (€3 – €7)
• Best Served With: Applesauce or sour cream. Street markets in Cologne are known for their delicious Kartoffelpuffer.

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16. Rotkohl: Sweet and Tangy

Rotkohl is braised red cabbage, a popular side dish that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to any meal. Slow-cooked with apples, vinegar, and spices, it’s a colorful and nutritious addition to German cuisine. 

• Must try: Traditional braised red cabbage cooked with apples and vinegar. 
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹400 (€2 – €5)
• Best Served With: Roasts or sausages. Home-style German restaurants excel in serving this classic dish.

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17. Pretzels: The Iconic Snack

Pretzels are perhaps the most iconic German snack, known for their twisted shape, chewy texture, and salty crust. They’re perfect as a quick bite or paired with hearty meals, showcasing the simple yet satisfying flavors of German baking. 

• Must try: Freshly baked large pretzels sprinkled with coarse salt. 
• Price Range: ₹100 – ₹300 (€1 – €4)
• Best Served With: Mustard or cheese dips. Beer gardens in Munich serve some of the best pretzels.

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18. Spargel: The Seasonal Delicacy

Spargel, or white asparagus, is a prized ingredient in Germany during spring. This tender vegetable is celebrated for its mild and nutty flavor, making it a seasonal favorite among locals and tourists alike. 

• Must try: Steamed or roasted white asparagus with hollandaise sauce. 
• Price Range: ₹600 – ₹1,500 (€7 – €18)
• Best Served With: Boiled potatoes and ham. Farms in Baden-Württemberg host Spargel festivals where you can enjoy this dish fresh.

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19. Brezenknödel: Dumplings with a Twist

Brezenknödel are pretzel dumplings that creatively use day-old pretzels to create a delicious and hearty dish. These dumplings are soft, flavorful, and an excellent way to enjoy leftover bread. 

• Must try: Soft pretzel dumplings flavored with herbs and butter. 
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹700 (€4 – €8)
• Best Served With: Creamy mushroom sauce or roasted meats. Bavarian inns are known for this specialty.

20. Grünkohl: A Nutritious Stew

Grünkohl, or kale stew, is a wholesome and hearty dish made with curly kale, potatoes, and sausages. This winter favorite is both comforting and nutritious, offering a taste of traditional German home cooking. 

• Must try: Kale stew with Mettwurst or Pinkel sausage. 
• Price Range: ₹400 – ₹800 (€5 – €10)
• Best Served With: Rustic bread or boiled potatoes. Northern Germany, especially Bremen, is famous for this dish.

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FAQs

What is Germany’s signature dish?

Germany’s signature dish is Sauerbraten, a slow-roasted pot roast often served with red cabbage and dumplings. It’s a classic representation of hearty German cuisine and is a must-try for anyone exploring traditional dishes.

What is the most popular street food in Germany?

The most popular street food in Germany is Currywurst, a delicious combination of bratwurst topped with curry-spiced ketchup. It’s available at street stalls across cities like Berlin and Hamburg, making it a local favorite.

What are some vegetarian options in German cuisine?

German cuisine offers many vegetarian options, such as Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), potato salads, pretzels, and vegetable-based soups. Don’t miss the delicious Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) served with applesauce.

Where can I find the best traditional German food?

To enjoy Germany’s famous food, head to traditional Bavarian beer halls, family-run restaurants, or local markets. Cities like Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt are known for offering excellent regional dishes like schnitzels, pretzels, and sausages.