Top 10 German Foods to try!

German food is rich, hearty and incredibly satisfying - the kind of comfort food that warms your soul. After first visiting Germany in 2014, and then calling it home for a little while in 2015, I completely fell in love with the cuisine (okay… maybe all of it!).

Every region has its own unique specialties and twists on traditional dishes, and while sausages and schnitzels might steal the spotlight, German cuisine is so much more than that.

If you’re heading to Germany for the first time, or just dreaming about your next trip - here are 10 traditional German foods you absolutely have to try.


1. Currywurst 

Currywurst is probably at the top of everyone’s list of must-try German foods - and for good reason! This beloved Berlin invention is the ultimate comfort snack: a juicy sliced sausage smothered in a tangy mix of ketchup and curry powder.

Traditionally served with Pommes Frites (french fries) or a simple white bread roll to mop up the sauce, it’s a street food staple that’s quick, cheap, and totally satisfying. You’ll find it everywhere from train stations to dedicated Currywurst stalls - and trust me, it’s finger-licking good!

2. Brezel

Brezel are soft, doughy white pretzels sprinkled generously with salt - the perfect German snack. They’re especially delicious alongside a cold beer or as a side to any hearty meal.

You’ll spot them in every bakery and at street stands across the country. You can enjoy them plain, sliced and buttered (called Butterbrezel), or stuffed with slices of cold meats or cheese. My personal favourite is the Käse-Brezel - a cheesy twist on the classic that’s baked with melted cheese on top. So simple, but so good!

3. Döner kebab

After beer, the one thing I probably miss most about Germany is the Döner Kebab. Yes, it's technically Turkish - but it was brought to Germany over five decades ago, and it’s become an absolute institution.

In fact, the Döner is to Berlin what pizza is to New York: a transplanted dish that’s taken on a whole new identity in its adopted home. Today, there’s nothing more “German” than a big, fat, juicy Döner Kebab loaded with meat, salad, and garlicky sauce, all packed into a warm pita.

It’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner… or as a 3 am street snack after a big night out. 

4. Schnitzel

Technically a national dish of Austria, Schnitzel has been wholeheartedly adopted into German cuisine - and it’s a must-try while you’re there.

The most iconic version is the Wiener Schnitzel: a thin slice of veal, crumbed and deep-fried until perfectly golden and crispy. It’s traditionally served with lemon wedges and potato salad or fries.

Another delicious variation is the Schnitzel Wiener Art, which uses pork instead of veal and is just as delicious. Don’t be surprised if it arrives covering your entire plate!

5. Käsespatzle

One of Germany’s most beloved comfort foods, Spätzle is a completely vegetarian dish - and absolutely delicious. These soft, chewy egg noodles are Germany’s answer to pasta and are especially popular in the south, particularly in the Swabian region of Baden-Württemberg (where I lived).

The most mouthwatering version is Käsespätzle - generously topped with melted cheese and crispy fried onions. Rich, hearty, and full of flavour, it’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving long after your trip ends.

6. Schweinshaxe

Schweinshaxe is one of my all-time favourite German meals - but fair warning: come hungry! This Bavarian specialty is a roasted ham hock (or pork knuckle), slow-cooked until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the skin is perfectly crispy.

You’ll find it in many traditional German pubs, often served with Kartoffelklöße (potato dumplings) and a generous helping of sauerkraut. Hearty, rich, and incredibly satisfying, it’s the kind of meal that leaves you full and happy for hours.

My very first Schweinshaxe in Berlin 2014 is still the best meal of my life!

7. Käsekuchen (and all bakery goods!)

Germany’s bakeries (Bäckereien) are absolutely heavenly - filled with cakes, tarts, fresh bread, and tempting pastries that are impossible to resist. One of the most famous treats is the iconic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cherry cake), a decadent layered dessert made with chocolate sponge, whipped cream, cherries, and a splash of cherry schnapps.

You’ll also find amazing freshly baked bread, made-to-order filled sandwiches, and good coffee - all at surprisingly reasonable prices.

But my personal favourite is the Käsekuchen - German baked cheesecake. Creamy, light, slightly tangy and absolutely divine. I genuinely think it’s the best cheesecake you’ll ever have in your life. Don’t leave Germany without trying it!

Typical German bakery

The delightful Käsekuchen

8. Bratwurst

Germany is the undisputed king of sausages - with over 1,500 different types of Wurst produced across the country! One of the most popular (alongside Currywurst) is the classic Bratwurst - a fried sausage typically made from ground pork and seasoned with herbs and spices.

You’ll find Bratwurst sizzling away at street stalls and food markets in every city, often served in a crusty bun with a generous squirt of mustard or sauce. It’s the perfect quick and tasty lunch while you’re out exploring.

9. Brathendl

Brathendl is roasted rotisserie-style chicken - and honestly, it’s some of the best chicken I’ve ever eaten in my life! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavour, it’s a staple at festivals, outdoor beer gardens, and local markets throughout Germany.

If you’re heading to Oktoberfest, keep an eye out for Halbes Hendl - meaning half a roast chicken. It might look like a lot at first, but trust me… after a Maß Bier (that’s a whole litre!), it’ll go down surprisingly easy.

10. Beer! 

Okay, I know beer isn’t technically a food - but German beer is so filling, I honestly think it deserves its own food group. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love my beer (and how much I miss German beer!), so it’s no surprise it gets its very own mention here.

Germany is world-famous for its delicious brews - or as I like to call them, liquid gold. Each year, thousands of beer lovers flock to Oktoberfest in Munich just to experience the magic of a proper German pint. From Weissbier to Pils, Starkbier to Helles and Dunkles, there’s something for every taste. And if you’re not usually a beer drinker, try a Radler - a refreshing mix of beer and lemonade that’s perfect on a hot day.

An armful of Mass at Oktoberfest

My favourite kind - Weissbier (wheat beer) served with Currywurst and Brezen

There are so many more incredible German foods to discover - but these are my top 10 ultimate favourites that I go back to again and again. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan like me, German cuisine has a way of surprising and satisfying in equal measure.

Heading to Berlin? Don’t miss one of the best food tours I’ve ever done - seriously, it’s a must for any foodie! You can read all about it in my post here - Berlin's Must-Do Secret Food Tour.

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