German Food to Try: Regional Dishes & Best Street Food in Berlin
Germany is a country rich in culinary traditions, with each region offering unique flavors and hearty dishes. From Bavarian classics to coastal seafood specialties, German cuisine is diverse and deeply rooted in local culture. If you’re visiting Germany, indulging in traditional dishes is a must—and if you find yourself in Berlin, don’t miss the vibrant street food scene.
This guide covers:
1. Traditional German Dishes by Region
Bavaria (Southern Germany)
Bavarian food is hearty, meat-heavy, and perfect for cold winters or beer garden feasts.
Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle)
A crispy, slow-roasted pork knuckle served with sauerkraut and potato dumplings. Best enjoyed with a cold beer.
Weißwurst (White Sausage)
A mild veal and parsley sausage traditionally eaten before noon with sweet mustard, pretzels, and wheat beer.
Bretzel (Pretzel)
A soft, chewy bread snack with a dark crust, often served with butter or Obatzda (a spiced cheese spread).
Obatzda
A creamy blend of Camembert, butter, paprika, and onions, typically paired with pretzels and radishes.
Leberkäse
A meatloaf-like dish made from finely ground corned beef, pork, and onions, often served in a bread roll as a snack.
Dampfnudeln
Sweet steamed dumplings served with vanilla sauce or fruit compote—a comforting dessert.
Baden-Württemberg (Southwest Germany)
This region is known for its Swabian and Franconian influences, with dishes featuring pasta-like dough and rich sauces.
Maultaschen
Large stuffed pasta pockets (similar to ravioli) filled with minced meat, spinach, and herbs, served in broth or fried.
Spätzle
Soft egg noodles, often topped with cheese (Käsespätzle) or served as a side with meat dishes.
Schupfnudeln
Potato-based finger-shaped dumplings, pan-fried and served with sauerkraut or sweet toppings.
Rhineland (Western Germany)
The Rhineland is famous for its hearty meat dishes and sweet-and-sour flavors.
Sauerbraten
A pot roast marinated in vinegar and spices, served with red cabbage and potato dumplings.
Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth)
A mix of mashed potatoes (earth) and apples (heaven), often served with blood sausage.
Reibekuchen (Potato Pancakes)
Crispy fried potato fritters, usually served with apple sauce or sour cream.
Northern Germany (Hamburg, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein)
Northern cuisine features seafood, hearty stews, and sweet treats.
Labskaus
A sailor’s dish made from corned beef, mashed potatoes, beetroot, and topped with a fried egg and pickles.
Finkenwerder Scholle
Pan-fried plaice (a type of fish) served with bacon and onions.
Franzbrötchen
A cinnamon-flavored pastry similar to a croissant, popular in Hamburg.
Rote Grütze
A red berry pudding served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
Saxony & Thuringia (Eastern Germany)
Eastern Germany is known for its rustic, flavorful dishes.
Thüringer Rostbratwurst
A famous grilled sausage from Thuringia, seasoned with marjoram and caraway.
Sauerfleisch
Jellied pork in a vinegar-based broth, served cold with bread.
Leipziger Allerlei
A vegetable medley with morels, carrots, and asparagus, sometimes served with crayfish.
Dresdner Stollen
A rich Christmas fruitcake filled with marzipan, nuts, and dried fruit.
Black Forest (Schwarzwald)
Famous for its smoked meats and cherry-based desserts.
Schwarzwälder Schinken (Black Forest Ham)
Dry-cured, smoked ham with a deep, rich flavor.
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake)
Layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream, and cherries soaked in Kirsch (cherry brandy).
2. Best Street Food in Berlin
Berlin’s street food scene is a melting pot of global influences, but some German classics stand out. Here are the must-try street foods:
Currywurst
Germany’s most famous street food—a grilled or fried pork sausage sliced and smothered in curry ketchup, served with fries or bread.
Where to try:
- Curry 36 (Kreuzberg)
- Konnopke’s Imbiss (Prenzlauer Berg)
Döner Kebab (Berlin-Style)
Though Turkish in origin, Berlin’s Döner is legendary—succulent meat, fresh veggies, and garlic sauce in fluffy bread.
Where to try:
- Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap (Kreuzberg)
- Imren Grill (Neukölln)
Boulette (German Meatball)
A pan-fried meat patty, similar to a burger, often served in a roll with mustard.
Where to try:
- Boulette am Alex (Alexanderplatz)
Frikadelle (Fried Meat Patty)
A thicker, breadcrumb-coated meat patty, often eaten as a snack.
Käsespätzle (German Mac & Cheese)
Cheesy egg noodles topped with crispy onions—comfort food at its best.
Where to try:
- Spätzle & Knödel (Mitte)
Berliner Pfannkuchen (Berliner Donut)
A jelly-filled doughnut, often dusted with sugar.
Where to try:
- Brammibal’s Donuts (Vegan option)
Grillwalker (Walking Kebab)
A portable kebab wrap, perfect for eating on the go.
Wurst in a Bun
Simple but delicious—grilled Bratwurst or Bockwurst in a crusty roll with mustard or ketchup.
Where to try:
- Wurststand near Warschauer Straße
German cuisine is much more than sausages and beer—it’s a celebration of regional diversity, from the seafood-rich north to the meaty delights of Bavaria. And when in Berlin, dive into the street food culture, where traditional German flavors meet global influences.
Whether you’re savoring a crispy Schweinshaxe in Munich or grabbing a Currywurst in Berlin, each bite tells a story of Germany’s rich culinary heritage. Guten Appetit!
Would you like recommendations for vegetarian or vegan German dishes? Let me know!
