When we think of German food, the only images that come to mind are big ol’ plates of hearty meat dishes and mugs full of lager beer. Although they may seem intimidating at first (the names, right) rest assured there’s a treasure trove of beginner-friendly options perfect for newbies. Lucky for you, we’ve curated a list of simple yet delectable German dishes that’ll have you saying “Lecker!” in a heartbeat. With these 8 options, you will be well on your way to exploring the cuisine like a local. Guten Appetit.
Sauerbraten
Sauerbraten is a beloved German side dish made by soaking beef in a mix of vinegar, water, herbs, spices, and seasonings. The name “Sauerbraten” is essentially a breakdown of two German words, namely, ‘sauer’ which means ‘sour’ and ‘braten’ which translates to ‘roast meat’, the literal translation being ‘sour roast’. The beef is soaked in the marinade anywhere between 5 to 15 days, and is usually enjoyed with potato pancakes, potato dumplings, or Spätzle. It is a favorite at traditional German celebrations like Oktoberfest and Christmas (Weihnachten).
Bratwurst
If you enjoy a good hot dog, you’ll love Bratwurst. A German version of the timeless street food, it is a flavourful sausage that is made from pork or beef (or sometimes both). Bratwurst is seasoned with warm spices like nutmeg and a herbal touch of coriander and are typically grilled or pan-fried. You can almost always discover these indulgent treats at festivals, markets, and food stands all across the country. They’re also simple to cook at home, if you’re looking to host. Do not forget to crack open a beer or two while you’re at it.
Schweinshaxe
Schweinshaxe, or “pig’s knuckle” is made from cured or roasted ham hock. It’s quite popular in Germany and usually comes with a side of sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, or dumplings. To make this dish, it is first soaked in a brine or rubbed with spices. This can take just a short while or up to a few days. The ham hock is then cooked slowly until the meat is really tender. Before it’s served, the skin is often crisped up for maximal crunch. Do you know what makes it so sought-after? The pork. In Germany, pigs are seen as symbols of luck, wealth, and prosperity, making it a revered dish.
Leberknödel
Germany has a tasty treat called Leberknödel, also known liver dumplings. These delish bites are a traditional favorite, especially in the southern region of Bavaria. They’re made with ground liver, eggs, breadcrumbs, fragrant spices like marjoram and nutmeg and a bit of onion. The dish has been dubbed as hearty and comforting for centuries. Leberknödel, despite its odd name is often enjoyed in soups and stews or as a tasty side. It is especially loved as a festive meal during Oktoberfest.
Zwiebelrostbraten
If you are a fan of roasted beef, Zwiebelrostbraten should be on your list. Made with roasted beef, caramelized onions (zwiebel) and crispy crust (rost), this is a German classic that originated in the southwestern region of Swabia. For those visiting Germany and wanting to try something authentic, Swabia’s traditional restaurants are the place to be.
Rote Grütze
Let’s talk desserts because they’re a must. In Northern Germany, there’s a popular dessert called Rote Grütze. Made with a mix of summer berries like cherries, raspberries, and strawberries, this dish is ideal for those who are suckers for after-dinner treats, or just love berries like us. It is served cold with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla that adds a touch of sweetness, while the tartness from the berries cuts through the flavours.
Beinenstich
Beinenstich, also called ‘Bee Sting Cake,’ is a classic German dessert. Funnily enough, the cake derives its name from the baker who unfortunately got stung by a swarm of bees that were attracted to the the honey in the almond topping. The decadent dessert is made with two layers of fluffy cake, filled with rich vanilla custard cream, and topped with a crunchy mix of honey-glazed almonds. Yum!
Riesling
In Germany, the Riesling grape wine is a superstar, not just in bottles, but also at fun festivals. This special white grape wine is famous for its fresh taste. They are tangy and zesty, with fruity flavours like apple, peach, and citrus. It has a particularly strong aroma – almost like smelling nectarines, apricots, apples, pears, jasmine flowers, and lime peels simultaneously. Heady, but delightfully so.
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