Germany's 14 Most Popular Dishes

by: Lydia Fulson  /  Writer, Artist, Traveler, Granddaughter & Ever-Learning German Cook

What are Germany's most popular and loved dishes? Let's find out! These are foods that have been cherished in German culture for centuries and continue to be cherished to this day.

Perhaps you know a few or have dabbled in the making or helping someone in the process of making some of these traditional treats. Can you take a guess as to what will be mentioned? 

Here are some of my favs! Rouladen with red cabbage, and potato dumplings. Spätzle is the other and Black Forest Cake for dessert!

Let's test your German food knowledge! Tell me, what foods come to mind when you think "Germany"? I think you're probably going to say schnitzel and sausages. These are common two foods often associated with Germany- and for good reason, they're wunderbar! But Germany has a plethora of other delicious goodies too.

As the granddaughter of a beloved Oma, I've been blessed to grow up surrounded by the mouthwatering aromas and comforting flavors of authentic German cuisine.

Of course, there are so many more incredible German dishes to list, but these are just a handful of the most beloved!

Let's start with ...

The Wursts Are Yet to Come: Classic German Sausages & Meats

At the heart of German cuisine lies the country's revered meat dishes, which have been favored and perfected over many years. It's certainly a category that I look forward to seeing on Oma's table at our family gatherings!

These meats are deeply ingrained in German culinary culture, and remain immensely popular both within Germany and among fans of German cuisine worldwide (Like me!).

German schnitzel

German Rouladen

German Bratwurst

German Pork Hocks

Kartoffelliebe: Our Undying Love Affair with Potatoes

To me, German food tastes like comfort, not only because of my upbringing being exposed to it all my life, and making them with Oma. But because of their comforting flavors. When I think of comfort food, I instantly think of meat, potatoes and gravy, and if Germany can do anything perfectly - it's that combo!

Potato Dumplings

Potato Pancakes

Beyond the Meat and Potatoes

While meat dishes may take center stage, delectable German accompaniments are just as big of a hit. One shining example is Oma's red cabbage, which is transformed into the sweet-and-sour rotkohl - a vibrant side. Feeling something more hearty? Try the famous spätzle!

Red Cabbage

Asparagus With Hollandaise

Spätzle

Sweets & Treats

While savory dishes may steal the spotlight, no German meal would be complete without diving into the country's beloved desserts.

Black Forest Cake

Fruit Flan: Obsttorte

Pretzels

Bienenstich

From the decadent layers of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream in a classic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake) to the salty-sweet knots of a pretzel, these sweet treats provide the perfect ending to any German meal!

There's nothing quite like an authentic meal — and what better place to have one than in Germany itself? This was my dinner at a restaurant in Berlin. A flavorful goulash smothered in the most perfect gravy, rice, and my favorite: red cabbage.

My traditional meal in Berlin!

From the sizzling sausages and crispy schnitzels to the decadent cakes, these dishes have nourished my heart and belly over the years. These beloved specialties reflect the rich cultural heritage and agricultural bounty of Germany.

Which dishes will you be trying? All of them? Now you're sounding like a true German!

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Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods. 

Meet with us around Oma's table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.

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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.