12 Best German Dishes You Need to Taste for a Culinary Adventure

Are you a foodie looking to try the best German dishes? Look no further!

Having spent a month traveling across Germany, I can say with confidence that German food is a must-try.

From the mouthwatering Eisbein with sauerkraut, to the savory wurst and schnitzel, there’s no shortage of delicious options to choose from. And for those with a sweet tooth, Apfelstrudel is a classic dessert that will leave you craving for more.

Best German Dishes to Try in Germany

German cuisine is known for its hearty, flavorful, and diverse culinary offerings.

Rooted in the country’s rich history and regional traditions, the cuisine encompasses a wide variety of dishes that feature meat, potatoes, bread, and beer as staple ingredients.

Most travelers can visit Germany with minimal paperwork, and EU citizens only need an identity document. Visitors from the US should check the ETIAS requirements for American citizens.

So let’s dive into the world of German cuisine and discover some of the best dishes that this culinary gem has to offer!

1. Schnitzel: A traditional German dish

The first dish on our list of German dishes is Schnitzel, a breaded and fried meat cutlet, typically made from pork or veal.

This classic German dish is a favorite in many households and restaurants across the country.

Schnitzel is often served with a side of creamy mushroom sauce, known as Jägerschnitzel, or topped with a fried egg and anchovies, called Holsteiner Schnitzel.

Pair it with a fresh salad or German-style potato salad for a balanced meal.

Over the years, Schnitzel has become a popular food item giving birth to multiple variations and styles found in Germany and the world over.

3. Wurst, one of the classic German dishes you must try

Wurst, the German word for sausage, is an iconic and integral part of Germany’s culinary heritage.

With over 1,500 varieties, wurst is a true testament to the country’s passion for flavor and craftsmanship. In fact, it’s one of the famous German dishes you must try if you travel to Germany!

Some of the most popular sausages include Bratwurst, a pan-fried or grilled sausage typically made from pork, and Currywurst, a unique fusion of sliced bratwurst smothered in a spiced curry ketchup sauce.

3. Sauerbraten: A Flavorful Pot Roast

Sauerbraten is a traditional German pot roast, made with beef or pork marinated in a tangy mixture of vinegar, wine, and various spices. The meat is slow-cooked until tender and infused with the rich, flavorful marinade.

This dish is typically served with potato dumplings (Kartoffelknödel), red cabbage, or sauerkraut, providing a hearty and satisfying meal.

4. Maultaschen: German-Style Dumplings

Maultaschen are a type of German dumpling, similar to Italian ravioli. They’re made from a thin pasta dough filled with a mixture of meat, spinach, onions, and breadcrumbs.

One of the best vegetarian German dishes you must try!

Maultaschen can be served in a clear broth or pan-fried with onions and butter. They’re a delicious and filling dish that showcases the versatility of German cuisine.

5. Rouladen: Flavor-Packed Rolled Meat

Rouladen is a traditional German dish made from thinly sliced beef, pork, or veal, spread with mustard and filled with onions, bacon, and pickles.

The meat is then rolled up and secured with toothpicks or string before being braised in a rich, flavorful sauce.

Rouladen is typically served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles and a side of vegetables.

6. Käsespätzle: German Mac and Cheese

Käsespätzle, often referred to as German mac and cheese, is a delicious comfort food that will warm your soul and one of the most popular German dishes.

This dish consists of soft, homemade egg noodles (Spätzle) mixed with melted cheese and topped with crispy fried onions.

Käsespätzle is perfect for those seeking a hearty and cheesy meal, and it’s typically served with a side of green salad. One of the best German dishes for dinner!

7. Eisbein: one of the best German dishes with pork

Eisbein, a delectable German pork dish, features a tender, slow-cooked pork knuckle that boasts a crispy, crackling exterior.

Often enjoyed in the colder months, Eisbein is a hearty and flavorsome meal that has become a staple in traditional German cuisine.

It’s commonly served with sauerkraut, mashed or boiled potatoes, and mustard, providing a satisfying and warming dining experience.

The succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat of Eisbein makes it a must-try dish for anyone visiting Germany.

8. Eintopf: Warm Up in the Winter

Eintopf is a traditional German one-pot meal that is usually made with a combination of vegetables, meat or sausage, and potatoes.

The dish is known for its simplicity and versatility, as it can be made with a variety of ingredients depending on the season and the cook’s preferences.

Eintopf is often enjoyed during the colder months of the year and is a popular comfort food in Germany. It’s usually served with crusty bread and is a filling and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

9. Kartoffelpuffer

Kartoffelpuffer, also known as potato pancakes, are a traditional German dish made from grated potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and onions.

The mixture is then fried in oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while still soft and fluffy on the inside.

Kartoffelpuffer are typically served as a side dish, often accompanied by sour cream, applesauce, or lingonberry jam. I tried them at the Cologne Christmas Market, and they were delicious!

10. Brezel (Pretzel)

Brezel, also known as pretzel, is a type of baked bread product. It’s typically made from flour, water, yeast, and salt, and is shaped into a distinctive knot-like form.

The dough is boiled briefly in water with baking soda before baking, which gives the brezel its characteristic dark brown color and chewy texture.

Brezels are a popular snack food in Germany and are often sold at street vendors, bakeries, and beer gardens.

11. Bratkartoffeln (Fried Potatoes)

Bratkartoffeln are more popular with chefs who are starting to learn the tricks of cooking.

These are German fries which are simple and relatively easier to make compared to other potato dishes.

In this, the potatoes are chopped and fried in butter with bacon and onion until they are crisp. They are often served with a salad on the side.

12. Apfelstrudel, one of the best German desserts

While Apfelstrudel is originally from Austria, Germany has adopted this Austrian dessert and made it into its popular food items. Today, you can find Apfelstrudel across various cafes and restaurants in Germany.

This popular dessert item consists of apples flavored with cinnamon, raisins and sugar. This flakey pastry is a great way to end the meal.

The crisp paper-thin layers of the pastry make it a pleasurable experience ensuring a nice gooey apple filling inside. You can also initiate your day with Apfelstrudel or just have it over a conversation in a café in Berlin.

Final thought about the best German food you must try

German cuisine is a true delight for food lovers, offering a wide range of delicious and hearty dishes that are sure to satisfy any appetite. From traditional sausages like wurst to the crispy and tender schnitzel, there is no shortage of savory options to choose from.

But my personal favorite is the Eisbein with sauerkraut; and for dessert, there is nothing quite like the sweet and delicate taste of Apfelstrudel, a classic pastry made with fresh apples and flaky dough.

Overall, I have truly enjoyed my culinary journey through Germany, discovering new and exciting flavors that have left a lasting impression on my taste buds.

German food is a true testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and passion for delicious cuisine, and I cannot wait for you to indulge in it in the future!

FAQ about the top German dishes

What are 4 typical German dishes?

Schnitzel, sauerkraut, bratwurst, and spätzle are four typical German dishes that you should definitely try!

What are the top 5 foods in Germany?

The top 5 foods in Germany are currywurst, schnitzel, spätzle, sauerkraut, and bratwurst.

What is the most famous German dish?

The most famous German dish is schnitzel, a breaded and fried cutlet of meat usually made from pork or veal.

What is a typical German dinner?

A typical German dinner often consists of meat (such as schnitzel or bratwurst), potatoes, and a side of vegetables or salad.

What is traditional German food?

Traditional German food includes dishes such as schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut, spätzle, and various types of bread and pastries.

What is Germany’s favorite dessert?

One of Germany’s favorite desserts is Apfelstrudel, a pastry made with apples, cinnamon, sugar, and flaky pastry dough.

Is strudel a German food?

Yes, strudel is a German food. It’s a type of pastry that’s filled with sweet or savory ingredients, such as apples or cheese and spinach.

What to eat in Germany?

Some popular foods to eat in Germany include schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut, spätzle, pretzels, and various types of beer.