10 Best German Dishes to Enjoy

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Germany is known for many things, some of which we won’t delve into in this article. The good ones are food, beer, and language that sounds threatening even if you say the word butterfly. No, really, look it up!

In this article, we wanted to talk about some of Germany’s staple food. We thought a list of ten dishes is not enough to meet the rich culture, but it’s a great start if you want to try out some of it this weekend. German food is famous for being hearty, rich in taste, and based on meat and potatoes, but not lacking great veggies and some sugar here and there. Carbs, but make it so tasty you don’t feel the guilt.

Schnitzel

A true staple, schnitzel is a classic German dish that’s their spin on good old fried chicken. You take thin slices of meat, put them in some eggs and breadcrumbs, and fry them. Chicken can be there, but in Germany, it’s usually veal or pork. Schnitzel has never eaten alone, so you can expect to see a salad or some potatoes on the side. The ultimate comfort meal. 

Sauerbraten

Essentially, Sauerbraten is pot roast. The meat is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, wine, and spices for several days before cooking. Yes, you read that right, it takes days to make this. In other words, you would have time to find and play online poker tournaments, order a nice sneaker and even get your delivery, and so on. And your Sauerbraten is yet to be ready. But the result is fantastic. The tender meat rich in flavor: Who wouldn’t enjoy it? In Germany, Sauerbraten is the staple comfort food in the winter. You need carbs for all that snow and cold!

Currywurst

If you visit Germany and get snacky from all the walking and sightseeing, you’re more likely than not to grab a Currywurst and sit in a park to eat it and rest your feet.

One of the most popular street foods in Germany, it consists of a grilled or fried sausage smothered in a ketchup-based sauce and sprinkled with curry powder. You can eat it with a bun or some French fries for an ultimate Deutsch experience.

Spätzle

Spätzle is not a main dish, but people often order it with a Schnitzel or some other meat in a German restaurant. It’s a type of soft egg noodle that you can put toppings on to enhance their flavor even more. Pro tip: eat them with some sauteed mushrooms or cheese to make the most of them. 

Käsespätzle

Käsespätzle is a variation of spätzle made with cheese, as the name suggests, and this one is often served as a main course. It is a rich and fabulous dish perfect for cheese lovers and is usually served with caramelized onions for added flavor. Yum!

Bratkartoffeln

Bratkartoffeln, or fried potatoes if you don’t want to twist your tongue, are a popular side dish in Germany. This is a no-brainer as it’s a German twist on French fries. The only difference is that the potatoes are chopped into bigger pieces so the outside can be crispy while the inside is soft and gorgeous. 

German people eat these fries along with sausages or any type of meat. Salad is a great addition as well. 

Schweinshaxe

Schweinshaxe is an acquired taste, especially if you’re a picky eater. This roasted pork knuckle is a hearty and flavorful meat dish that is often served with sauerkraut and potatoes. Originating from Bavaria, it’s a real staple of traditional German cuisine.

If you’d rather not risk it and stay on the safe side, there are plenty of easy and familiar dishes you can try to make at home to experience the German taste.

Rouladen

Rouladen is a meat dish that consists of thinly sliced beef that is rolled around a mixture of onions, pickles, and mustard. Another staple that’s more on the complicated side, it compensates by being a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for a cold winter evening.

Kartoffelpuffer

Kartoffelpuffer, or potato pancakes, are another popular street food in Germany that is made by grating potatoes and frying them until they are crispy and golden brown. German people eat them with…wait for it…applesauce! Yes, it’s true. The people there love them some combination of sweet and savory. 

Schwarzwald Cake

Finally! The best for the last! No list of German dishes would be complete without a mention of Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwald cake. This is a decadent chocolate cake layered with whipped cream and cherries. It is a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a regular Thursday if you need that special sugar kick. This cake is famous all over the world and for a good reason.

There you have it. We hope it will be delightful to stay safe from really, really bad food, and instead try out one of these dishes. To sum it up, as you could see, German cuisine is a rich and diverse collection of dishes that are designed to satisfy any appetite and keep us warm throughout long winters. What are you eating first?

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