EatNBetter

Many Americans assume that bratwurst, sauerkraut and beer, foods popular in Germany, are all there is.  While those are certainly common they are by no means all you will find on the menu.  There are many other sausages such as Bockwurst, Knackwurst and Rindswurst.  The culture and cuisine of Germany is rich and varied.  There are many local specialties depending on the season of the year and the part of the country you happen to be visiting. If you are planning a trip to Germany make sure you try the local specialties wherever you go.  You will be very glad you did.

If you are in the coastal areas along the North Sea or the Baltic Sea you will find thick fish chowders, smoked salmon and many other seafood choices.  In the southern areas near the Black Forest you will often find game such as venison, boar and quail on the menu.  For a limited time in the spring the white asparagus or “spargel” will be available in the areas where it is grown.  Don’t miss this wonderful dining experience. For beef lovers there is always rolladen, sauerbraten and goulaschsuppe.

Another of the foods popular in Germany in the meat catagory is Schnitzel (cutlet).  Most often made with veal, it may also be found made from pork.  It is usually breaded and fried.  It will have as many names on the menu as there are ways to serve it.  Jager Schnitzel has a brown gravy or sauce with mushrooms.  Zigeuner Schnitzel (my personal favorite) has a spicy sauce with peppers.  Vienerschnitzel is usually served without a sauce although many times sliced lemon will accompany it.

The potato is one of the most popular German foods.  Potatoes are served in a variety of ways from french fries to potato pancakes.  They appear in soups and stews as well and will often be served simply sliced and fried as a side dish.  And don’t forget German potato salad.

German cuisine includes a wide variety of delicious salads: from grated radish salad to delicate lettuce with oil and seasoned vinegar to green beans with onions, bacon and vinegar.  Carrots also feature in this category.  Be sure to sample them for a wonderful and healthful taste treat.

One of the traditional German foods that is especially liked by my family is spaetzle.  This small German dumpling is served in many different ways.  It often accompanies pork or game meats and may be served with gravy or fried onions.  My personal favorite is with cheese melted on it and topped with onions fried very brown.

There are always good things to drink in Germany.  The German white wines are among the finest in the world.  Try the local wines wherever you go.  Whether they come from the area around the Rhine or Mosel the wines are tasty and refreshing. And don’t forget the beer.  It comes in a wide variety of styles from the very light wheat beers to the heavier dark beers made especially for Oktoberfest and the holidays.

No discussion of foods popular in Germany would be complete without talking about cheese.  The Germans make a variety of very tasty cheeses.  You will often find them paired with the many fine wines in the areas where they are produced.

There are many traditional German foods from the bakery.  From the ubiquitous Brotchen to Pumpernikel to desserts such as apple strudel, Black Forest cake and Bavarian creme pie.  Christmas stollen and a wide variety of spiced gingerbread cookies (lebkuchen) are also popular during the holdays.  While this is by no means exhaustive it will give the reader a taste of the many and varied foods popular in Germany.

Being an agent of United First Financial affords me the freedom to travel and enjoy foods from around the world.

T