Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods in Germany (Updated)

Post By

Saumya M.

Reviewed By

Jo S., Faheem H., and Marc T.

Post By

Saumya M.

Reviewed By

Jo S., Faheem H., and Marc T.

Germany is in the middle of Europe and is famous for its delicious food and historical and cultural variety. Germany has many food markets, including the Top 10 Best and Most Popular Food Markets in Germany (Updated). The country’s street food scene is as diverse as its topography because each city has unique cuisine. To make your food experience more exciting, we will discuss the Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods in Germany, the World’s #1 Source of Research-Based Content, The Daily Top 10.

Many foreigners visit Germany as tourists. If you are a foreigner, don’t miss the Top 10 Things Foreigners Should Never Do in Germany (Updated). Along with these, Germany offers something for every taste bud. A wide variety of delicious street cuisine is available around Germany, from the big centers of Berlin and Frankfurt to the charming towns along the Rhine. If you’re a foodie or just interested in other cultures, a trip to Germany should definitely be on your bucket list.

What is the Must-Try Street Food in Germany?

German street food is a great introduction to the country’s remarkable culinary diversity. Germany’s cuisine accommodates all tastes, from savory sausages to sweet pastries. It doesn’t matter where you go in Germany and do these Top 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Germany (Updated), you’ll never be far from a street seller selling a tried-and-true local specialty.

The local traditions, foods, and flavors of each area inspire distinctive regional delicacies. Every corner in Germany holds a new food exploration, from the traditional Thuringian Bratwurst sausage to the omnipresent Turkish Döner kebab. Rothenburg is famous for its sweet delights, such as the deep-fried dough balls known as Schneeballen, which are sprinkled with powdered sugar or chocolate.

Keep reading to know the food adventures you can have when you step out into the streets of Germany. So, let’s dive in and explore these delicious gems of German street food.

10

Fischbrötchen

A popular street food in the coastal regions of Germany, Fischbrötchen is a simple yet tasty sandwich made with fresh fish. Typically served on a bun with lettuce, onions, and a variety of sauces such as remoulade or garlic mayo, this snack is perfect for seafood lovers. According to I am Expat, It is considered a traditional dish of North Germany as it is located near the Sea.

Fischbrötchen has its roots in the coastal regions of Northern Germany, particularly in cities like Hamburg and Kiel. It’s a versatile delicacy, with various fish used in its preparation. The most common are Bismarck (pickled herring), Krabben (North Sea shrimps), and smoked mackerel or salmon. The fish, whether smoked, fried, or pickled, is served on a fresh, crusty roll. Additions of pickles, onions, and remoulade sauce add a tangy kick, making it a perfect snack for any time of the day.

9

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) is a staple of German street food and must be included on any comprehensive street food list. This sweet treat originated in Germany in the 17th century but has since gained popularity worldwide. According to Wikipedia, the earliest known recipe for strudel is a handwritten document from 1697 preserved at the Wienbibliothek im Rathaus. These delectable pastries are made with a flaky crust filled with apples, raisins, and toasty spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Bakeries and street vendors offering freshly baked Apfelstrudel can be found in abundance wherever you go in Germany, be it the quaint towns of Bavaria or the buzzing districts of Berlin. Those wanting to make it even more decadent might top it with whipped or vanilla ice cream. This famous treat is a must-try for anyone who wants to try sweet German street food.

8

Schneeball

The Schneeball is a delicious treat traditional to the German town of Rothenburg. Given its sugary coating and spherical form, the name “Schneeball” (which translates to “snowball”) is quite appropriate. Deep-frying strips of dough and covering them in powdered sugar or melted chocolate gives this delicacy its snowball-like appearance. According to German Culture, in Franconia and Hohenlohe, this type of dessert has been around for at least 300 years.

Many tourists buy it as a souvenir to take home with them, but you shouldn’t leave without first trying one sold fresh from a street vendor’s cart. It’s a great snack to eat while walking around ancient streets, as the outside is crunchy and the inside is soft.

You can now get Schneeballs in several different tastes, but some people only like the original recipe, with no extra flavors added. Schneeball is greater than a dessert; it is an experience involving the cracking of the hard exterior shell to expose the softer inner layers.

7

Boulette

The delicious meatball dish Boulette (or Frikadelle) has roots in Berlin. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, you’re sure to enjoy these juicy meatballs made with either beef or pork and seasoned with onions, herbs, and spices. Boulette can be a standalone snack or stuffed inside a roll for a full meal. It’s a staple of many celebrations and festivities and is available as a street food choice.

Boulette carts can be found throughout Berlin, serving customers hot meatballs with a selection of sauces or toppings. Some sellers even offer lentil or tofu alternatives if you want a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish. According to NH hotels, Berlin’s boulette has a particular, delicate flavor that sets it apart from other minced meat delights found across northern Europe. This flavor is likely owing to the higher proportion of pork or veal used in the recipe than beef. The lively streets of Berlin provide the perfect setting for trying a Boulette in any of its many forms.

6

Kartoffelpuffer

Germans love street food, and one of the most famous dishes is Kartoffelpuffer, also known as Reibekuchen. Potato and onion gratings are cooked into thin pancakes, then topped with applesauce or sour cream and served hot. Festivals and street markets sell them year-round but are especially popular during the holiday season. The Daring Gourmet states that Kartoffelpuffer is a popular street meal during Volksfeste and seasonal festivities like Fasching, Karneval, and Christmas markets around Germany.

In addition to being a tasty treat, the history of Kartoffelpuffer is fascinating. This recipe is thought to have been created in the 19th century as a means for poor farmers to make use of leftover potatoes. It has now become a staple of the menus at many authentic German restaurants, and its popularity has spread well beyond Germany’s borders.

5

Leberkäse

Leberkäse, sometimes known as “liver cheese,” is a dish loved all over Germany despite its unpleasant name. These Bavarian meatloaves are created with minced pig, beef, spices, and herbs. Slices are eaten as sandwiches or with potatoes and sauerkraut after being roasted till crispy. According to Lacademie, Leberkase first came to Germany in 1776.

Leberkäse—translated as “liver cheese”—usually includes no liver or cheese. Instead, the name comes from its appearance: ‘Leber’ means liver because the dish’s historical recipe featured liver, and ‘Käse’ means cheese because the loaf’s square form resembles a cheese block. Leberkäse tastes and feels like a hot dog and a bologna sausage. Local recipes vary but usually involve finely ground corned beef, pork, bacon, and onions cooked until crusty. The meatloaf has a crispy brown exterior and a soft, delicious interior.

4

Brezel(Pretzels)

Having a warm, soft Brezel is a must if you’re eating on the street in Germany. These tasty pretzels may be found at any German festival or Christmas market. Brezels are a delicious baked snack made from flour dough and topped with coarse salt after baking. There are even sugary or chocolate-covered varieties for those with a sweet tooth.

According to The Spruce Eats, Germany’s pretzels may have evolved from a ring-shaped Christian fasting food popular in Roman times, but its exact origin is unknown. They are now popular throughout Germany and beyond. You can grab a freshly baked Brezel from one of the many vendors that walk around with trays balanced on their heads. Remember to pick up a warm and tasty Brezel as you wander the lively streets of Munich or a nearby market.

3

Doner Kebab

Germany’s Doner Kebab, also known as Döner Kebap, is a famous street food dish inspired by Turkish cuisine. This savory sandwich features thinly sliced lamb or chicken grilled on a vertical rotisserie, fresh veggies, and garlic sauce on a pita bread or wrap. According to the International Dessert Blog, Döner Kebab, originally from Turkey, arrived in Germany in the mid-1900s.

Germany boasts around 16,000 Doner Kebab businesses, a German favorite for decades. It’s also a favorite late-night snack at parties and festivals. Doner Kebab has also become popular in many other countries thanks to its flavorful taste and convenience. Due to its aromatic spices and sauces, Doner Kebab is one of Germany’s must-try street dishes.

2

Bratwurst

German street food is only complete with Bratwurst. It is an iconic dish of the country’s food and culture. This grilled pork or beef sausage is served in a bread bun with mustard or ketchup. Each German region has its own version of this street food. According to Trip101, around 40 distinct varieties of bratwurst are sold in Germany.

Bratwurst has been around since the early 14th century, but its roots may be traced back to Germany. “Bratwurst” comes from the Old High German ‘Brätwurst,’ which means finely chopped pork and sausage. Bratwurst is a famous food on the street and at fairs, festivals, and beer gardens. In town centers and festivities, sellers cook these wonderful sausages on enormous metal carts or stands. Meat lovers should try it in Germany.

1

Currywurst

Currywurst, saved for last, is the most beloved German street snack of all. This classic meal features sliced pork sausage that has been grilled or deep-fried and then slathered in curry ketchup and sprinkled with curry powder. Fries or bread are often offered alongside it so that every last drop of the sauce can be sopped up. Currywurst is the best street food to try in Germany.

According to Wikipedia, Herta Heuwer of Berlin mixed tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, curry powder, and other spices in 1949 to produce the original curry ketchup, which she used to create the first currywurst. Nowadays, there are Currywurst stands on almost every corner in Berlin and many other German towns.

What are the Must-Try Street Foods in Germany?

The diversity and quality of German street food demonstrate the country’s long and illustrious past. One may get a taste of Germany through its cuisine, from the country’s traditional Bratwurst and Leberkäse to the Turkish-inspired Doner Kebab. These delicacies are not only delicious, but they also provide a window into the country’s cultural variety and international connections.

Germany’s top 10 must-try street foods aren’t just recommended for their deliciousness; they’re also a great way to get a taste of real, local life in Germany. The more you eat, the more you learn about the country’s culture, history, and traditions. This culinary adventure will help you feel at home in Germany and make your stay there one you’ll never forget.

When in Germany, you must sample these well-known street food delicacies. They are not only practical and reasonably priced but also reflect the quality of German custom and creativity

Here are the Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods in Germany:

Currywurst
Bratwurst
Doner Kebab
Brezel
Leberkäse
Kartoffelpuffer
Boulette
Schneeball
Apfelstrudel
Fischbrötchen

When exploring the Top 10 Best Adventure Destinations in Germany (Updated), make sure to enjoy the street food of each destination. You may also find the Top 10 Best Places for First-Time Travelers to Visit in Germany helpful for your first trip to Germany. With our authentic information, your life will be easier, and your trips will be more enjoyable.

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Author: Saumya M.

Saumya M. is a passionate content writer known for her impeccable storytelling and research. She has covered topics ranging from travel and lifestyle to entertainment, community, and education. She helps people live their best lives and reach their full potential.