Places To Visit In Germany For Serious Foodies

From hearty meat dishes to innovative vegan creations, Germany offers a culinary adventure like no other

31 Dec 2024
5 min read
By OT Staff

Germany, with its rich culinary heritage and modern food culture, is a treasure trove for foodies. From hearty Bavarian dishes to innovative vegan creations, the country's diverse gastronomic offerings cater to every palate. If you're planning a culinary journey through Germany, here are some must-visit cities and towns, along with dishes you simply can't miss.

Berlin: A Melting Pot of Cultures

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Currywurst. Photo credit: Unsplash

Berlin’s food scene is a melting pot of cultures, offering everything from traditional German dishes to global cuisines. A quintessential Berlin street food is currywurst, a steamed and fried pork sausage smothered in ketchup and curry powder. Curry 36 or Konnopke’s Imbiss are great spots to enjoy this local favourite. Another must-try is the doner kebab, popularized in Berlin despite its Turkish origins. Mustafa's Gümüs Gemüse Kebab is particularly famous for its delicious version. Berlin is a haven for vegan and vegetarian options. Kopps offers gourmet vegan cuisine, while Daluma is perfect for health-focused vegetarian bowls. Additionally, Market Halls like Markthalle Neun provide an excellent opportunity to sample artisanal cheeses, fresh bread, and global street food.

Munich: Bavarian Comfort Food and Beer

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is synonymous with hearty food and world-famous beer. A traditional Bavarian veal sausage known as weisswurst is best enjoyed with pretzels and sweet mustard at breakfast, with Weisses Bräuhaus being a notable spot. Schweinshaxe, or pork knuckle roasted to perfection, is served with potato dumplings and sauerkraut at the iconic Hofbräuhaus. For those seeking vegan Bavarian cuisine, Max Pett offers plant-based versions of classic dishes. No visit to Munich is complete without experiencing a traditional beer garden like Augustiner-Keller, where you can pair your meal with locally brewed beer.

Hamburg: A Maritime Feast

As a port city, Hamburg boasts a strong seafood culture and international influences. Fischbrötchen, fresh fish sandwiches, are a local specialty and are best enjoyed at the Fischmarkt early on Sunday mornings. Labskaus, a traditional sailor’s dish made with corned beef, potatoes, and beetroot, is often topped with a fried egg and pickled herring; Old Commercial Room serves an authentic version. The Sternschanze neighborhood offers vibrant international cuisine, while vegan diners can indulge in creative plant-based dishes at HappenPappen.

Cologne: Sweet and Savory Delights

Cologne’s food scene is as diverse as its cultural heritage. A must-try dish is Rheinischer Sauerbraten, marinated roast beef served with red cabbage and dumplings, which is perfectly paired with the city’s light and refreshing Kölsch beer. For a quick snack, Halve Hahn, a rye bread roll with Gouda cheese, is a local favorite. Sweet lovers should visit the Imhoff Chocolate Museum for an immersive experience in the world of chocolate.

Heidelberg: Romantic Dining Experiences

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Schnitzel. Photo credit: Unsplash

Heidelberg, a picturesque town, is ideal for a romantic foodie getaway. Traditional schnitzel at Schnitzelbank offers a taste of history, while spätzle, a Swabian egg noodle dish often served with cheese (Käsespätzle) or lentils, is another regional highlight. Red’s serves creative vegan twists on classic dishes, and the surrounding Rhine-Neckar region provides excellent local wines to pair with your meals.

Nuremberg: Historical Charm and Festive Foods

Nuremberg is famed for its historical charm and culinary specialties. Nürnberger Bratwurst, small flavorful sausages often served three at a time in a bread roll, can be found at street vendors or Bratwursthäusle. During Christmas, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is the perfect place to sample Lebkuchen, the city’s famous gingerbread cookies. Estragon offers a variety of vegetarian dishes for those seeking plant-based options.

Dresden: Saxon Specialties

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Lebkuchen. Photo credit: Unsplash

Dresden, combining baroque architecture with a distinctive culinary flair, offers Saxon specialties like Sauerbraten, a marinated beef roast, and Eierschecke, a layered cake made with quark cheese, custard, and raisins. Café Schinkelwache is a delightful spot to enjoy these treats.

The Information

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Currency
The currency used in Germany is the Euro. According to the current conversion rate, EUR 1 equals INR 89.09.
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Flights
Frequent flights fly to the German cities of Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt from major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Direct flights to Frankfurt and Munich take around 9 hours to reach.
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Visa
To enter Germany, you must have successfully acquired a Schengen visa. To obtain one, you need to book an appointment online at the VFS centre and submit the necessary documents at least three months before departing. The visa fee for adults is INR 7,200, and for minors between the ages of 6 and 12, it is INR 3,600.