The Most Popular Food in Hamburg, Ranked

Choose the food you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:37
In the bustling city of Hamburg, where culinary tastes converge from all corners of the globe, knowing the most appreciated food can enhance every visitor's dining experience. Locals, too, might find unexpected gems in their culinary backyard, a revelation of sorts wrapped in flavors and spices. This ranking provides an up-to-date snapshot of food preferences, shaped actively by the people who eat and relish these creations every day. By participating in the voting process, everyone has a chance to shape the culinary reputation of Hamburg, elevating dishes that deserve more recognition. Whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, your vote counts in celebrating the diversity and richness of Hamburg’s food scene. Cast your vote, and see how your favorite stacks up against the rest.

What Is the Most Popular Food in Hamburg?

  1. 1
    71
    votes
    Hamburg is located on the coast, making fish a staple of the local cuisine. Fish sandwiches made with fresh, locally caught fish are a popular snack or lunch option.
    A Fischbrötchen, also known as a fish sandwich, is a traditional specialty from Hamburg, Germany. It consists of a freshly baked bun filled with a variety of fish, typically herring, salmon, or cod, along with various accompaniments and sauces.
    • Fish Varieties: Herring, salmon, cod
    • Bun Type: Freshly baked
    • Accompaniments: Lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cucumber
    • Sauces: Remoulade, mayonnaise, mustard
    • Traditional Toppings: Pickles, capers
  2. 2
    33
    votes
    Labskaus is a traditional dish made of corned beef, mashed potatoes, and beetroot, often served with pickles and a fried egg. It has been a favourite in Hamburg for centuries.
    Labskaus is a traditional dish from Hamburg, Germany, primarily consisting of salted meat (typically corned beef or salted herring) mashed together with potatoes, onions, and beetroot. The mixture is then typically served with fried eggs, pickles, and rollmops on top. It is often accompanied by pickled gherkins and rye bread. The dish has a hearty and savory taste, with a distinctive pinkish color due to the beetroot.
    • Main Ingredients: Salted meat (corned beef or salted herring), potatoes, onions, beetroot
    • Additional Toppings: Fried eggs, pickles, rollmops
    • Color: Distinctive pinkish color due to beetroot
    • Flavor: Hearty and savory
    • Origin: Hamburg, Germany
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    Rote Grütze is a dessert made from red berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, thickened with starch and served with vanilla sauce or cream. It is a popular summer dessert in Hamburg.
    Rote Grütze is a traditional German dessert that originated in Northern Germany. It is a sweet, thickened fruit compote made from a combination of red berries such as strawberries, raspberries, red currants, and blackberries. The fruits are cooked together with sugar and a little bit of water or fruit juice until they release their juices and thicken into a pudding-like consistency. Rote Grütze is typically served cold and can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla sauce.
    • Origin: Northern Germany
    • Ingredients: Red berries (strawberries, raspberries, red currants, blackberries), sugar, water/fruit juice
    • Consistency: Pudding-like
    • Serving: Cold
    • Served with: Whipped cream or vanilla sauce
    Rote Grütze in other rankings
  4. 4
    11
    votes
    Franzbrötchen is a cinnamon-flavoured pastry similar to a croissant, but with a sweeter, softer dough. It is a favourite breakfast item in Hamburg.
    Franzbrötchen is a popular pastry in Hamburg, Germany. It is often described as a cinnamon roll with a twist. The pastry is made from sweet yeast dough that is rolled out flat, then coated with a butter, sugar, and cinnamon mixture. The dough is then rolled up tightly and sliced into individual portions. The resulting Franzbrötchen are baked until golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a tender and flavorful interior.
    • Shape: Rolled-up spiral shape
    • Main ingredients: Yeast dough, butter, sugar, cinnamon
    • Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside
    • Size: Typically around 10-15 cm in length
    • Flavor: Sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-infused
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    Currywurst is a German fast food dish consisting of a sausage served with ketchup and curry powder. It is a popular snack in Hamburg, often served at street food stalls.
    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)
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    Hamburger is while the origins of the hamburger are disputed, it is widely believed to have been invented in Hamburg. It is still a popular fast food item in the city, with many local variations.
    The hamburger is a popular American food item that consists of a patty made from ground beef cooked to varying degrees of doneness, placed between two slices of a round bread bun. It is often accompanied by a variety of condiments, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and cheese. The hamburger is generally served hot and is widely enjoyed as a fast food or casual dining option across the United States.
    • Patty: Made from ground beef, often seasoned with salt and pepper.
    • Bun: Soft, round bread typically made with flour, yeast, water, sugar, and salt.
    • Size: Typically weighs around 4-6 ounces (113-170 grams).
    • Doneness: Varies from rare to well-done, based on individual preferences.
    • Condiments: Commonly includes ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and special sauces.
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Aalsuppe is a soup made with eel, potatoes, and other vegetables, often served with dark bread. It is a traditional dish in Hamburg, dating back to the Middle Ages.
    Aalsuppe is a traditional dish from Hamburg, Germany. It is a hearty soup consisting of eel and various vegetables cooked in a flavorful broth. The recipe has been passed down through generations and is widely cherished in the region.
    • Main Ingredients: Eel, vegetables, and broth.
    • Flavor Profile: Savory and slightly tangy.
    • Texture: Aalsuppe has a rich and hearty texture.
    • Preparation Method: The eel and vegetables are simmered in a seasoned broth until tender.
    • Serving Temperature: Aalsuppe is traditionally served hot.
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Matjes is another fish dish, matjes is a type of pickled herring that is often served with onions and sour cream. It is a popular snack or appetizer in Hamburg.
    Matjes is a traditional delicacy from Hamburg, Germany, known for its distinct flavor and tender texture. It is made from young herring, caught in the North Sea during the spring months. The fish is gutted and cleaned, then lightly salted and stored in barrels for several weeks to undergo a natural fermentation process. This process enhances the flavor and preserves the fish. After fermentation, the herring is filleted, leaving the skin and bones behind. The resulting fillets are then marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, onions, and traditional spices, such as cloves and allspice. Matjes is typically enjoyed as a cold dish, served with onions, pickles, and fresh bread or potatoes.
    • Origin: Hamburg, Germany
    • Main Ingredient: Young herring
    • Preparation Method: Fermentation and marination
    • Season: Spring
    • Texture: Tender
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    Bismarckhering is a type of pickled herring that is marinated in a vinegar and sugar solution, then served with onions and sour cream. It is a popular dish in Hamburg, often served with boiled potatoes.
    Bismarckhering is a traditional and popular dish in Hamburg, Germany. It consists of pickled herring fillets that are typically marinated in a combination of vinegar, sugar, and various spices. The herring fillets are rich in flavor and have a delicate texture. They are usually served with onions and accompanied by a side dish such as boiled potatoes or dark rye bread.
    • Origin: Germany
    • Main Ingredients: Herring fillets, vinegar, sugar, spices, onions
    • Traditional Accompaniments: Boiled potatoes, dark rye bread
    • Popular in: Hamburg
    • Preparation: Herring fillets are pickled and marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    Kaiserschmarrn is a dessert made of shredded pancakes, raisins, and almonds, often served with fruit compote or vanilla sauce. While not originally from Hamburg, it is a popular dessert in the city's many cafes and restaurants.
    Kaiserschmarrn is a popular dessert in Germany, particularly in Austrian cuisine. It is a fluffy, shredded pancake that is typically served with powdered sugar on top. The name 'Kaiserschmarrn' translates to 'emperor's mess' in English, and it is believed to have been created for Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. The dish consists of a thick pancake batter that is cooked in a skillet, then torn into small pieces before being caramelized. It is often served with fruit compote, such as apple or plum, and is a beloved treat for both locals and visitors in Germany and Austria.
    • Origin: Austria
    • Main Ingredients: Flour, eggs, milk, sugar
    • Cooking Method: Pan-fried
    • Texture: Fluffy and shredded
    • Presentation: Sprinkled with powdered sugar

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Ranking factors for popular food

  1. Local/traditional dishes
    Consider dishes that originated in or are closely associated with Hamburg, as well as those that have a long history in the city.
  2. Popularity
    Take into account the popularity of the dish among both locals and tourists. This can be determined through surveys, reviews, or by observing the number of people eating the dish at restaurants.
  3. Availability
    Check the availability of the dish in restaurants and street food vendors throughout the city. A popular dish should be easy to find in various establishments.
  4. Cultural significance
    Consider the cultural importance of the dish to Hamburg's history, traditions, and identity.
  5. Taste
    The overall taste and appeal of the dish play a significant role in determining its popularity.
  6. Presentation and appearance
    A popular dish should not only taste good but also have an appealing presentation and appearance.
  7. Ingredients
    Some popular dishes in Hamburg may have specific ingredients or use unique cooking methods that differentiate them from similar dishes in other regions.
  8. Media and online presence
    Analyze the dish's popularity on social media, food blogs, and food-related websites. A popular dish may have numerous articles, recipes, and mentions on these platforms.
  9. Awards and recognition
    Popular dishes might have won awards, recognition, or accolades at food festivals, competitions, or from culinary associations or publications.
  10. Lingering impact
    Consider whether the dish has had a lasting impact on Hamburg's food culture and influenced other dishes or food trends in the city.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 1175 views
  • 183 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most popular food in hamburg

Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany, is known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. The city is home to a diverse population, and as a result, the food scene in Hamburg is varied and exciting. From traditional German dishes to international cuisines, Hamburg has something to offer for everyone. The most popular food in Hamburg is undoubtedly the hamburger. Although the origin of the hamburger is still debated, many people believe that it was invented in Hamburg in the late 19th century. The traditional hamburger consists of a ground beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a bun. However, Hamburgers have evolved over the years, and nowadays, you can find all kinds of variations, including vegetarian and vegan options. Apart from hamburgers, another popular dish in Hamburg is Fischbrötchen, a sandwich made with fresh fish, usually herring or mackerel, served with a variety of toppings like onions, lettuce, and pickles. The city's location on the river Elbe and the North Sea makes it a perfect place for fishing, and the locals take full advantage of this by serving up some of the freshest seafood in Germany. Other popular dishes in Hamburg include Labskaus, a traditional sailor's dish made with corned beef, potatoes, onions, and beetroot, and Currywurst, a grilled sausage served with curry sauce and fries. All in all, Hamburg's food scene is a reflection of the city's diverse culture and history, and it's definitely worth exploring.

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