The Most Popular Dish in Germany, Ranked

Choose the dish you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:36
Germany offers a rich tapestry of culinary delights, each region bringing its own unique flavors and dishes to the table. Identifying the most popular dish among such diversity can be quite informative, especially for food enthusiasts looking to dive into the heart of German cuisine. This ranking serves as a dynamic guide, reflecting current tastes and preferences across the country. By participating in this interactive ranking, users contribute to a broader understanding of what dishes resonate most with locals and visitors alike. Whether you are a resident of Germany or a traveler planning your next culinary adventure, your votes help paint a clearer picture of the country's gastronomic landscape. This ensures the list remains fresh and relevant, providing an invaluable resource for anyone curious about Germany's favorite foods.

What Is the Most Popular Dish in Germany?

  1. 1
    99
    votes
    Schnitzel is a breaded and fried thin cutlet of meat, usually pork or veal, served with potatoes or salad. It is a staple dish in German cuisine and can be found in almost every restaurant.
    Schnitzel is a popular dish in Germany that consists of a breaded and fried piece of meat, typically made from pork or veal. The meat is first tenderized, then coated in flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs before being fried until golden brown. The result is a deliciously crispy and flavorful cutlet that is often served with a slice of lemon and accompanied by a side dish like potato salad or fries.
    • Meat Type: Pork or veal
    • Coating: Breadcrumbs
    • Tenderizing: Yes
    • Cooking Method: Fried
    • Color: Golden brown
  2. 2
    11
    votes
    Bratwurst is a type of sausage made from pork, beef, or veal, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices. It is usually grilled or pan-fried and served with sauerkraut and mustard.
    Bratwurst is a traditional German sausage made from finely minced pork, veal, or beef. It is seasoned with a mixture of spices, typically including salt, pepper, nutmeg, and ginger. Bratwurst is characterized by its juicy and tender texture, which is achieved through a unique combination of ingredients and cooking techniques.
    • Origin: Germany
    • Meat Types: Pork, veal, or beef (minced)
    • Flavor Profile: Savory, mildly spiced
    • Typical Spices: Salt, pepper, nutmeg, ginger
    • Texture: Juicy and tender
  3. 3
    21
    votes
    Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish that is commonly served as a side dish with meat dishes. It is believed to aid digestion and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
    Sauerkraut is a traditional German condiment made from fermented cabbage. It is finely shredded and has a sour, tangy flavor. The process involves fermenting the cabbage by adding salt and allowing the natural bacteria to break down the sugars in the cabbage, resulting in a naturally sour taste. Sauerkraut is commonly served as a topping for hot dogs, sausages, and other savory dishes.
    • Origin: Germany
    • Main Ingredient: Cabbage
    • Preparation Method: Fermentation
    • Flavor: Sour, tangy
    • Texture: Finely shredded
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    Currywurst is a type of fast food consisting of a grilled or fried sausage, sliced and covered with a ketchup-based sauce and curry powder. It is often served with french fries or bread.
    Currywurst is a popular fast food dish in Germany. It consists of a steamed or fried pork sausage (Bratwurst) that is sliced into bite-sized pieces and smothered in a rich tomato-based curry sauce. The dish is typically served with a side of fries or a bread roll. Currywurst has gained widespread popularity and has become an iconic street food in Germany.
    • Origin: Berlin, Germany
    • Year of creation: 1949
    • Sausage used: Bratwurst
    • Sauce: Tomato-based curry sauce
    • Spiciness level: Varies (mild to spicy)
  5. 5
    10
    votes
    Spätzle is a type of soft egg noodle that is often served as a side dish with meat dishes or as a main course with cheese and onions. It is a traditional dish from the region of Swabia in Germany.
    Spätzle is a traditional German pasta dish made from fresh eggs, flour, water, and salt. It is a type of soft egg noodle commonly found in Southern Germany and regions of Austria and Switzerland. The name 'Spätzle' is derived from the German word 'Spaetz,' which means 'little sparrow,' due to their elongated shape resembling a small bird. This beloved dish has been a part of German cuisine for centuries.
    • Shape: Elongated or irregular shape, resembling small noodles
    • Texture: Soft and tender
    • Ingredients: Fresh eggs, flour, water, and salt
    • Preparation Method: The dough is made by mixing eggs, flour, water, and salt together until a smooth batter is formed. The batter is then pressed through a Spätzle grater, colander, or special machine directly into boiling water. The noodles are cooked for a few minutes until they float to the surface, indicating that they are ready.
    • Serving: Can be served as a side dish or main course, often accompanied by savory sauces, cheese, meat, or stew
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    Rouladen is a dish made from thin slices of beef or pork, stuffed with bacon, onions, and pickles, and rolled up and cooked in a rich gravy. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is often served with potatoes or dumplings.
    Rouladen is a traditional German dish made with thinly sliced beef that is rolled and filled with a combination of ingredients such as onions, mustard, bacon, and pickles. The rolls are then browned in a pan and simmered until tender in a rich beef broth-based sauce. The dish is typically served with sides like mashed potatoes, red cabbage, and gravy.
    • Main Ingredient: Thinly sliced beef
    • Fillings: Onions, mustard, bacon, pickles
    • Cooking Method: Browning and simmering
    • Sauce: Beef broth-based
    • Serving Style: Hot
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Kartoffelpuffer is a type of potato pancake made from grated potatoes, eggs, flour, and onions. It is a popular street food and snack that is often served with applesauce or sour cream.
    Kartoffelpuffer, also known as potato pancakes, are a popular dish in Germany. They are made from grated potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and seasonings. The mixture is then fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. This traditional German dish is often served with applesauce or sour cream.
    • Main ingredient: Potatoes
    • Preparation method: Grating, mixing, frying
    • Texture: Crispy exterior, tender interior
    • Serving suggestions: Applesauce, sour cream
    • Region of origin: Germany
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Königsberger Klopse is a dish made from ground beef or veal meatballs, cooked in a white sauce with capers, onions, and lemon juice. It is a traditional dish from the city of Königsberg, now known as Kaliningrad, in East Prussia.
    Königsberger Klopse is a traditional German dish consisting of meatballs in a creamy white sauce, with a tangy flavor profile. The dish originated in the city of Königsberg, which is now known as Kaliningrad, Russia. These savory meatballs are made from a combination of ground veal or beef, onions, egg, bread crumbs, and a medley of spices. They are typically boiled in a broth made with a mixture of beef stock, onions, bay leaves, and white wine. The creamy sauce is prepared by combining the cooking liquid with a roux made from butter and flour, and then adding capers and lemon juice for a distinctive tangy taste.
    • Main Ingredients: Ground veal or beef, onions, egg, bread crumbs, spices
    • Sauce Base: Beef stock, onions, bay leaves, white wine
    • Sauce Texture: Creamy and thick
    • Flavor Profile: Tangy and savory
    • Additional Ingredients: Capers, lemon juice
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Leberknödel is a type of dumpling made from liver, flour, and eggs. It is often served in a soup or as a side dish with meat dishes.
    Leberknödel is a traditional German dish that consists of liver dumplings. These dumplings are made by combining minced liver, breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, and various herbs and spices. The mixture is formed into small balls and simmered in a savory broth until cooked through. The resulting Leberknödel have a soft and tender texture, with a rich and hearty flavor.
    • Main ingredient: Liver
    • Additional ingredients: Breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, herbs, spices
    • Cooking method: Simmering
    • Texture: Soft and tender
    • Flavor: Rich and hearty
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a famous German dessert made from layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries soaked in kirsch (cherry brandy). It is a rich and indulgent dessert that is often served on special occasions.
    Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, also known as Black Forest cake, is a popular dessert in Germany. It consists of multiple layers of chocolate cake, each soaked with Kirsch (cherry schnapps) syrup, and filled with a combination of whipped cream and cherries. The cake is decorated with more whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and maraschino cherries, giving it a distinctive appearance.
    • Main Ingredients: Chocolate cake, Kirsch syrup, whipped cream, cherries
    • Layering: Multiple layers of chocolate cake
    • Soaking: Each cake layer is soaked with Kirsch syrup
    • Filling: Whipped cream and cherries
    • Decoration: Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, maraschino cherries

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Ranking factors for popular dish

  1. Regional popularity
    Germany has a diverse range of regional dishes, so it's important to consider which dishes are popular in various parts of the country.
  2. Traditional significance
    The cultural and historical aspects of the dish should be taken into account. Traditional dishes that have been popular for generations often hold a special place in people's hearts and are likely to rank higher.
  3. Frequency of consumption
    How often the dish is eaten, both in home-cooked meals and in restaurants, can be a key factor in its popularity.
  4. Availability of ingredients
    The ease with which the ingredients for the dish can be sourced can impact its popularity, as dishes made with readily available, high-quality ingredients are more likely to be favored.
  5. Ease of preparation
    Dishes that are simple and easy to prepare might be more popular compared to those that require specialized skills or equipment.
  6. Nutritional value
    The health benefits and overall nutritional value of the dish can also influence its popularity, particularly in today's increasingly health-conscious society.
  7. Media influence
    The portrayal and coverage of the dish in media, such as food blogs, cooking shows, and recipe books, can raise its profile and contribute to its popularity.
  8. Societal trends
    Current food trends, such as an interest in plant-based or sustainable cuisine, can impact the popularity of a dish. Keeping an eye on current trends and how they relate to the dish being considered is important.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular dish in Germany. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Dish is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1587 views
  • 196 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Dish once every 24 hours. The rank of each Dish is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular dish in germany

Germany is famous for its rich and diverse culinary culture, with a variety of mouth-watering dishes that are enjoyed by people all over the world. Traditional German cuisine is characterized by hearty, filling meals that are often accompanied by beer or wine. When it comes to the most popular dish in Germany, there is no clear consensus. However, some dishes are universally loved and considered staples of German cuisine. One of these dishes is Schnitzel, a breaded and fried cutlet of meat that can be made with pork, chicken, or veal. Another popular dish is Spätzle, a type of soft egg noodle that is often served with meat or cheese. Other dishes that are commonly enjoyed in Germany include Bratwurst, a type of sausage that is typically grilled or pan-fried, and Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage dish that is often served as a side dish. Bread is also a staple of German cuisine, with a wide variety of breads available in bakeries throughout the country. Overall, German cuisine is a celebration of hearty, flavorful dishes that are perfect for enjoying with family and friends. Whether you are a fan of meat, vegetables, or carbs, there is sure to be a German dish that will satisfy your taste buds.

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