10 Must-Try Traditional German Dishes and Where to Find Them

Germany is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, offering a wide array of hearty and delicious dishes that have stood the test of time. From savory meat dishes to comforting potato-based recipes, German cuisine has something for everyone. Here are 10 must-try traditional German dishes and the best places to find them:

1. Bratwurst – Nuremberg: No visit to Germany is complete without trying the famous bratwurst. Nuremberg, in particular, is known for its delectable grilled sausages. Head to Bratwursthäusle, a historic restaurant that has been serving up the city’s best bratwurst since 1313.
2. Currywurst – Berlin: This classic German street food consists of fried pork sausage sliced and topped with curry-spiced ketchup. Konnopke’s Imbiss, located beneath the U-Bahn tracks in Prenzlauer Berg, has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike since 1930.
3. Spätzle – Stuttgart: These soft, chewy egg noodles are a staple in Swabian cuisine. Spätzle can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course with gravy or cheese. Visit Brauerei Gaststätte Dinkelacker in Stuttgart for some of the best spätzle in the region.
4. Schnitzel – Vienna: Although originating in Austria, schnitzel has become a beloved dish throughout Germany. The breaded and fried veal cutlet is best enjoyed at Figlmüller in Vienna, a restaurant that has been perfecting the art of schnitzel since 1905.
5. Rouladen – Düsseldorf: This hearty dish features thinly sliced beef wrapped around a filling of onions, bacon, and pickles, then braised until tender. Füchschen, a historic brewery and restaurant in Düsseldorf’s Altstadt, serves up some of the best rouladen in the city.
6. Käsespätzle – Munich: A delightful combination of spätzle, grated cheese, and caramelized onions, käsespätzle is the ultimate comfort food. Spätzlwirtschaft in Munich is renowned for its käsespätzle, which is served in a cozy, rustic setting.
7. Sauerbraten – Rhineland: This slow-cooked pot roast is marinated in a mixture of red wine vinegar, spices, and seasonings for several days before being braised until fork-tender. Zum Schiffchen in Düsseldorf has been serving their famous sauerbraten since 1628.
8. Eisbein – Berlin: Also known as pork knuckle, this hearty dish features a slow-cooked pork hock served with sauerkraut and potatoes. Zur Letzten Instanz, Berlin’s oldest restaurant dating back to 1621, is the perfect place to enjoy this traditional German favorite.
9. Labskaus – Hamburg: This unique dish consists of corned beef, potatoes, and onions mashed together and topped with a fried egg and pickled herring. Labskaus is a specialty of northern Germany and can be found at Old Commercial Room, a historic restaurant in Hamburg.
10. Apfelstrudel – Bavaria: No German meal is complete without a slice of warm apple strudel. This sweet pastry is filled with tender apples, cinnamon, and raisins, then served with vanilla sauce or ice cream. Café Luitpold in Munich has been crafting exquisite apple strudel since 1888.

These 10 traditional German dishes offer a glimpse into the country’s rich culinary landscape. From the bustling streets of Berlin to the cozy taverns of Bavaria, each region has its own unique flavors and specialties waiting to be discovered. So, embark on a culinary journey through Germany and savor the delicious traditions that have been passed down through generations.