What and When to Eat in Germany

German cuisine is characterized by regional diversity and offers a great variety. Inspired by tastes and aromas from the Far East and other places around the globe, German cuisine represents health-conscious dishes, along with traditional recipes as well as international haute cuisine.

All major towns offer a wide range of Italian, Asian, Indian or Greek restaurants. In addition to the elaborate culinary creations of today's internationally acclaimed chefs, each German region is still proud of its own specialties which are tasty and affordable.

Breakfast is generally eaten between 6am and 9am. The typical German breakfast consists of bread or rolls with sausage, cheese, jam or honey and muesli, served with coffee or tea. Many restaurants offer breakfast menus, often available until 2pm.

Lunch is the most important meal of the day, usually a generous portion served as a hot dish. At around 4 o'clock in the afternoon, especially on the weekend, Germans enjoy "Kaffee und Kuchen", they drink coffee and eat a piece of cake. Cafés and cake shops offer a wide range of delicious tarts and gateaux to eat in or take out.

Dinner time is usually between 6pm and 7pm. In general dinner consists of bread and rolls with sausage or cheese. Anyone who has had only a light lunch will have a hot dish for dinner. The best time to go out for dinner is between 7pm and 9pm. Popular restaurants recommend that you should make reservations in advance. Most restaurants close by 1am at the latest with their kitchens often being closed earlier.

Pubs and bars serve light meals and snacks much longer. Germans love to eat and enjoy their food with a glass of fine wine or beer. It is all there - come and enjoy!

Popular German Meals

Bockwurst
The ever popular Bockwurst one of Germany's staple foods - the classic hot dog sausage, Bockwurst comes in hundreds of types but is mainly made from pork, beef or turkey and boiled in brine. One of the most popular types of Bockwurst known in North America is the Frankfurter.

Bratwurst
This is a sausage, like the Bockwurst, but, instead of boiled its fried and is served with a dry bread.

Bratwurst im Brötchen
This is the same as regular Bratwurst, but instead of slices of bread, it is served in a bread roll.

Frikadelle
This is ground beef and ground pork mashed in to a kind of burger style pattie, with bread served on both sides. Frikadellen is also known by the name of "Bouletten"

Hähnchen
Hähnchen is basically roasted chicken and is traditionally served with a portion of french fries. It is very common to find it at a take-away stand.

Krakauer
Krakauer is a variation of the Bratwurst only with a healthy dose of garlic for a more enhanced flavour.

Mett
Mett is a German delicacy which may not be enjoyed by everyone, especially those who have a weak stomach. It is similar to "steak tarter" in that it is served minced raw, only instead of beef it is made from pork. Yes, that's right raw pork! It is considered to be quite tasty among german people and is pricey as well. Mett is served with seasoning, and on a bun topped with sliced raw onions.

Pommes
Ah, good ol' french fries! - However in germany they are called "Pommes".
Pommes are served commonly with mayonnaise, ketchup or both.

Schnitzel
Schnitzel is a german staple food. Basically it is an escallop of pork, coated in bread crumbs and deep fried. Many restaurants offer a large variety of schnitzel. If you prefer your schnitzel not to be breaded then ask for "Schnitzel Natur".