As a Canadian living in Germany since 2014, I’ve discovered a whole new world of delicious, and sometimes strange German foods that I never would have imagined trying back home. From creamy spreads to deep-fried delicacies, Germany has so much to offer foodies. Check out my favorite German foods that you need to try when visiting Germany, and you can also check out some foods that are definitely not my favorite while you are at it 😉 .
My Favorite German Foods
- 1. Ovalmaltine Spread
- 2. Rösti (Potato Pancakes)
- 3. Schorle (Sparkling Fruit Drinks)
- 4. White Asparagus (Spargel)
- 5. Doner Kebab
- 6. Quarkbällchen (Deep-Fried Dough Balls)
- 7. Käsespätzle (Cheesy Spaetzle Noodles)
- 8. Knödel (Potato Dumplings)
- 9. Red Cabbage
- 10. Butter and Bread
- Honorable Mentions: Potato Salad and Mustard
1. Ovalmaltine Spread
One of the must-try items in Germany is the Ovalmaltine spread (IT’S NOT GERMAN, IT’S SWISS – but you can find it everywhere here). It’s a delectable creation that combines the flavors of Malteasers and Nutella, resulting in a spread that is simply irresistible. Unlike the traditional Ovaltine drink, this spread is so delicious that you might find yourself enjoying it straight from the spoon.
2. Rösti (Potato Pancakes)
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dish to try in Germany, one of my favorite German foods is the Rösti, also known as potato pancakes or Kartoffelpuffer, or Reibekuchen. These delightful creations are made by shredding potatoes, mixing them with onions and spices, and then deep-frying them to absolute perfection. You can find this delicious and crispy treat (paired well with sweet applesauce) at the magical Christmas Markets.
3. Schorle (Sparkling Fruit Drinks)
One of the popular beverages to try in Germany is Schorle, which is essentially bubbled water mixed with fruit juice. Germans make Schorle with a variety of fruits, and you can find it readily available in supermarkets and restaurants across the country. Personally, I used to enjoy a mix of bubbly water and orange juice for breakfast in Canada, and I find Schorle to be a refreshing and great alternative to soda pop.
4. White Asparagus (Spargel)
Known as “Spargel” in German, white asparagus is a must-try vegetable in Germany. Unlike the green asparagus commonly found in other parts of the world, Germany offers both green and white asparagus. The white asparagus is thick and you have to peel it before boiling. You can’t miss it during your time in Germany.
5. Doner Kebab
If you haven’t tried a doner kebab yet, you have to give it a go. In Germany, doner shops are everywhere, offering a variety of options including chicken, lamb, and even vegan doner — so there is no excuse but to try it! The doner kebab is a substantial flatbread filled with shaved meat, flavorful sauces, vegetables, and sometimes cheese. It’s a must-try dish that you can find in every city.
6. Quarkbällchen (Deep-Fried Dough Balls)
Quarkbällchen is a delightful treat that’s similar to Timbits, a beloved snack from Canada. You can find these deep-fried dough balls coated in sugar at various street food vendors, often at very affordable prices. Grab some quarkbällchen to satisfy your sweet tooth — it is my personal favorite indulgence when I visit a flea market.
7. Käsespätzle (Cheesy Spaetzle Noodles)
Käsespätzle, a must-try dish in Germany, is a delectable creation made of hand-formed noodles cooked with caramelized onions, various cheeses, and spices. The result is a dish served fresh with delicious melted cheese, creating an ooey-gooey delight that’s simply irresistible.
8. Knödel (Potato Dumplings)
Knödel, specifically those made from potato starch, is a delicious German dish that is very popular in the Fall and around Christmas time. These dumplings have a chewy, gooey texture and are often served with gravy, creating a unique and, might I add very yummy, culinary experience.
9. Red Cabbage
When I first saw people in Germany eating red cabbage by the bowl, I thought it was the most bizarre thing ever. Sometimes they mix it with bacon pieces, which I used to pick out and try, but it never really appealed to me. However, it’s now a seasonal staple served with traditional fall dishes, and it’s grown to be one of my favorite German foods. Red cabbage has become a must-have with any fall or winter dish here in Germany.
10. Butter and Bread
When I first met my husband, I was astonished to watch him eat butter by the pound, spreading it generously on bread and then offering me more bread with even more butter. I used to find it so strange, but after moving to Germany, I found myself using more and more butter on everything I cooked. Now, I actually use more butter than my husband (which is quite a lot of butter). I realized that the butter in Germany is so fresh, pure, and delicious that it almost tastes like a smooth cream cheese or a delectable dish that you could eat on its own.
Honorable Mentions: Potato Salad and Mustard
Two more of my favorite German foods that have won me over are potato salad and mustard. In Canada, I never enjoyed potato salad because of the combination of mayonnaise, egg, and potatoes. However, in Germany, the fresh ingredients and the option to choose from creamier or more vinegar-based potato salads make it far more delicious. The mustard in Germany also surprised me. Initially, I found it sour and unappealing, but in Düsseldorf, I discovered a variety of mild, medium, and spicy mustards, including unique flavors like truffle and gluhwein mustard. There is more to love than just the food in Germany, including the people, quality of life, and accessible travel!
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