What do you envision when someone mentions German food? Do you automatically picture hearty sausages and free-flowing beer?

To be sure, beer and sausages are popular German food. Currywurst is so beloved that there’s even a Currywurst Museum in Berlin (we’re not kidding).

But if you really want to dig into the best German food, you’ve got to venture beyond the basics. If you’re wondering what to eat in Germany to get a literal taste of the culture, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, we’ll reveal the best food to try in Germany. Loosen that belt a notch and let’s get started!

German Sausages

Did you know there are over 1,500 varieties of German sausage?

Don’t worry–we won’t list them all here. But here are a few of the most popular ones you simply must try while visiting Germany.

1. Bratwurst

This street food staple is probably the most well-known German sausage. This grilled sausage is usually a mix of pork and veal and seasoned with nutmeg, ginger, or coriander.

It’s usually served in a bread roll with your choice of toppings–mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, or all three!

2. Currywurst

After World War II, British soldiers had to make do with whatever foodstuffs were available to them. This is how the currywurst was born.

A dish that started out of necessity is now one of Germany’s favorite foods. Currywurst is a mix of curry powder and ketchup served over grilled pork sausage. You’ll typically find it accompanied by a bread roll and fries.

3. Knockwurst

Knockwurst is the distant (and much higher quality) cousin of the American hot dog. It’s a boiled sausage made of pork and beef.

The flavor is slightly smoky and the special casing makes an interesting “snapping” noise when you bite into it. Try it slathered with mustard on freshly baked rye bread–yum!

4. Weisswurst

If you venture down to Bavaria, you’re sure to encounter weisswurst (bacon sausage).

Veal and pork back bacon combine with onions, ginger, parsley, and lemon in this Bavarian treat. Try it alongside a pretzel with sweet mustard and cold beer.

German Meats

The average German eats about 60kg (or 132 pounds) of meat every year.

With that much meat consumption, you know it’s gonna be good. In fact, German-style burgers have matriculated as far away as Singapore (read more about that here).

Here are some common meat-based foods to try in Germany. Expect them all to be savory, rich, and absolutely delicious.

1. Schnitzel

Schnitzel refers to any breaded cutlet of meat–it could be chicken, pork, or veal. A Wienerschnitzel, stuffed with cheese and ham, is especially tasty.

2. Rindsrouladen or Rinderroulade

This Saxon dish rolls thin slices of beef around bacon, pickles, and mustard. It’s then roasted in a rich red wine sauce and served with potatoes and vegetables.

3. Sauerbraten

American beef stew can trace its roots back to sauerbraten, a hearty stew of marinated meat, cabbage, and potatoes. Beef is traditionally used, although venison and horse meat are also popular options.

4. Schweinshaxe

You’d know it as a pork knuckle or ham hock, but either way–it’s the size of your head. This Bavarian delicacy is slow-roasted until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

5. Hassenpfeffer

If you’ve never tried rabbit, here’s your chance. Hassenpfeffer is a rich stew of tender rabbit cooked in wine, vinegar, pepper, and spices.

German Side Dishes

If you’re a vegetarian or you just need a break from all that meat, don’t worry. There are plenty of delicious German snacks and side dishes to choose from!

Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Brezeln

What would Germany be without its famous pretzels? Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re extra tasty with a bit of salt and a big dollop of mustard.

2. Spaetzle

These fluffy egg noodles are a delicious accompaniment to many popular meat dishes. They’re also great on their own or slathered in melted cheese.

3. Sauerkraut

If you’ve never tasted this fermented sour cabbage, you’ve been missing out. It’s served with many meat dishes and–as a bonus–is terrific for your digestion!

4. Kartoffelkloesse

Potatoes are a staple of German cuisine, as these traditional potato dumplings will attest to. They’re cooked, mashed, rolled into balls, and boiled in salt water to make a yummy addition to any main course.

5. Kartoffelpuffer

Want more potatoes? Try these German potato pancakes mixed with egg, onion, and parsley and then fried to perfection. They’re great on their own or with a dollop of applesauce and sour cream.

6. White Asparagus

This springtime vegetable is all the rage in Germany–especially the white variety. If you’re visiting between April and June, you’re sure to see it on every menu.

German Desserts

Just in case you have any room left over, there’s no shortage of German desserts to try. Satisfy your sweet tooth with one of these options.

1. Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte

You’ll recognize this as Black Forest Cake, and you’ve gotta try a slice of the real thing while in Germany. Endless layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream–how could you go wrong?

2. Apfelkuchen

Americans have apple pie, and Germans have apple cake. Apples and raisins are soaked in cinnamon, sugar, and lemon before being baked inside a buttery pastry. It’s especially good with a cup of hot coffee.

3. Lebkuchen

Popular at Christmastime, these gingerbread cookies come covered in nuts, powdered sugar, or dark chocolate.

4. Stollen

Another Christmas favorite, stollen is baked fruitcake stuffed with candy and rolled in powdered sugar. Kids and adults alike will love it.

What to Eat in Germany: Now You Know

For food lovers everywhere, Germany is definitely one of the best places to go. The options that await you there are almost endless!

Now that you know what to eat in Germany, the only thing left to do is book your ticket and experience it for yourself.

Auf Wiedersehen!

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