When we think of German cuisine or German food, most often the first things that strike our minds are – sausages (mostly heavy with an overdose of meat), sauerkraut and loads and loads of beer. Well, interestingly, the country has various cuisines to offer and is not limited to the ones mentioned above. Mashed potatoes are another popular dish in this regard.
While it is a fact that regular German food recipes focus heavily on meat, potatoes and breads, the country has a plethora of cuisine to offer in the form of delectable dishes spanning across several regions.
Exquisiteness of German Food-
Few world capitals have witnessed such drastic political events like that of Berlin. Within a span of three centuries, the city was seat to five different forms of governments, ranging from Margraviate of Brandenburg, Kingdom of Prussia followed by the German Empire, the Reich, German Democratic Republic and finally the Federal Republic of Germany.
Such events are symbolic of annihilation, ion and rebirth, and even partition and unification. However, modern Berlin is often referred to as the center for liberal lifestyle owing to its vibrant nightlife, grand festivals, avant-garde art, amazing amalgamation of vintage and contemporary architecture coupled with a modern zeitgeist and cost-efficient lifestyle. And the German cuisine is as colorful as the city itself. Fast food has ultimate popularity in this country.
Dishes of German Cuisine-
German food is highly reflective of regional influences. Depending upon the region’s topography, German dishes vary accordingly. Traditional German dishes continue to have a strong old-world influence. These include food preservation through smoking, salting, curing and pickling especially fish and meat. Popular German dishes such as matjes (pickled herring), sauerbraten (roast beef cured in vinegar and wine), or sauerkraut till date make use these traditional methods. When it comes to typical German food, natives make use of certain German food specialities including certain spices. Traditionally German cuisine has been bland, but eventually it evolved substantially borrowing from its neighboring nations including Italy and France.
Interestingly modern-day German cuisine continues to draw heavily from its past. Whether it’s about preparing traditional German dishes such as Rouladen (Beef rolls, cabbage and potatoes), Rye bread, Sauerbraten (slowly-cooked beef served with potato dumplings, boiled potatoes, cabbage and thick sauces) and traditional German sausages, meat dishes, they still fall back on some or the other old-style cooking methods such as smoking or pickling. Germany including other neighbouring countries like all these food very much.
Popular Desserts and Beverages-
A post on most popular German food or famous German food would be incomplete if we do not touch upon the beverages and desserts. You can choose opt for the meal of the day here. Just like the cuisines of any other topography, desserts and beverages hold a very special place within German cuisine. Not to mention, the wide variety in food is immense here. While coffee happens to be a popular non-alcoholic drink, German beer continues to retain the top position since a very long time. Munich Oktoberfest held every year, stands testimony to this fact. The third-biggest beer consuming country in Europe, Germany has a long history of beer brewing. Traditionally, while beer is brewed at home, the country is home to the oldest commercial brewery dating back to the 11th century. There are other traditional german dishes that you can try out.
With the passage of time and globalization, food habits have changed, which has indirectly started influencing modern German cuisine. Although various dishes with less meat or potato are available, but, food-loving Germans hold on to their culinary roots with meat, potatoes and bread forming the staple diet across the region. So you can definitely try out German food.
