Are you ready for a mouthwatering journey through Germany’s rich culinary landscape? In this article, we’ll take a tour of traditional German dishes that you absolutely must try.
From hearty meals to delightful snacks, we’ll explore the flavors that define German cuisine and uncover some hidden gems beyond the well-known sausages and schnitzels.
When I think of German food, my mind immediately conjures up images of warm bread, savory meats, and comforting desserts. But there’s so much more to it!
German meals reflect the country’s diverse regions and history, featuring seasonal ingredients and unique flavors. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast that fuels your morning or a satisfying dinner that wraps up your day, German cuisine has something to offer everyone.
To give you a head start, I recommend checking out the video below who explore with us some of the must-try dishes across the country. They go beyond the clichés of sausages, highlighting a variety of meals that showcase the incredible depth of German gastronomy.
Trust me, by the end of this video, you’ll have a craving for all things German! So let’s dig in and discover the deliciousness waiting on your plate in Germany!
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This video by Travel Beans takes you on an exciting culinary journey through Germany, highlighting the must-try traditional dishes you shouldn’t miss.
Hosted by Emma and Alex, you’ll follow along as they enthusiastically explore the rich and diverse flavors of German cuisine, starting in the vibrant city of Cologne. They purposefully avoid the stereotyped sausage dishes.
Watching this video is a great introduction to German cuisine with some famous dishes highlighted. It’ll help you learn what you might enjoy and should try when you are in Germany.
I warn you though. It will make you hungry!
There is a summary beneath the video of the dishes shown.
Must Eat German Food | The Ultimate German Food Tour by Travel Beans
Pork Knuckle
The video kicks off with Alex enjoying a massive pork knuckle, a staple in Bavarian cuisine. Described as “peasant food” due to its inexpensive nature, this dish is slow-cooked to perfection and served with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut. Alex raves about its rich flavor and crispy texture.
You can read more about delicious German pork knuckle and how to make it here.
Käsespätzle
Emma, the vegetarian host, dives into Käsespätzle, which is often called the German version of mac and cheese. This dish consists of noodles covered in cheese and crispy onions, offering a comforting and savory taste.
You can read more about Käsespätzle including how it is made and where it comes from in our guide here.
Mettbrötchen
In a more adventurous turn, Alex tries Mettbrötchen, which is essentially raw minced pork served on bread with raw onions. Despite initial reservations, he finds it surprisingly delicious, likening it to a pork pâté.
Kartoffelpuffer
Emma then tries Kartoffelpuffer, crispy potato pancakes traditionally served with applesauce. The combination of crunchy potato and sweet applesauce wins her over as a must-try German snack.
Learn how to make Kartoffelpuffer here.
Bakery Delights
The hosts explore a local bakery where they try a unique treat called “Nugget Pretzels,” which is a pastry twisted to look like a pretzel and covered in nougat and almonds. Despite the presence of pesky wasps, they find the pastry to be incredibly tasty.
Schnitzel
The video also features the iconic Schnitzel, a breaded and fried piece of meat (in this case, pork) served with a mushroom sauce. While Alex enjoys it, he ranks it lower compared to the other dishes he tried.
You can read more about Schnitzels including how it is made and where it comes from in our guide here.
Flammkuchen
The food tour wraps up with Flammkuchen, a thin, crispy flatbread with a crème fraîche base, traditionally topped with bacon and onions. Emma, however, opts for a mushroom and onion version and finds it to be a perfect light snack, especially when paired with a German beer.
By the end of this video, you’ll have a list of must-try German foods, from savory snacks to hearty meals. Alex’s top pick remains the classic German sausages, while Emma is pleasantly surprised by the delicious bakery treats.
Now, it’s your turn to dive into these culinary delights. What German foods are you most excited to try, and what dishes do you think they missed? Share your thoughts and get ready to savor the best of German cuisine on your next adventure!
Want to learn more about German food? Find our full guide to typical dishes here or learn how to make some delicious German dishes here. You can also find all our German food articles here.
