For Indian travellers visiting Europe in 2025, a great adventure awaits in Germany’s renowned food scene. The German culinary world is a play of rich flavours, robust ingredients, and cultural delights.
Did you know? The flexitarian diet, which consists primarily of plant-based foods with occasional meat, is gaining popularity for sustainability and health reasons, and approximately one-third of German customers purchase plant-based dairy and meat substitutes.
Germany’s wide range of food stands out. From strict vegetarians’ options to those for the hardcore meat lovers, they have it all! Each region has its speciality, and there is much more to try beyond bratwurst and beer.
To help you navigate your way around local restaurants and cafes, we present to you this selection of the best of Germany’s famous food scene. From a traditional Bavarian tavern to a busy Berlin food truck, here is all you need to know before you tuck in.
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18 Must-Try Germany’s famous foods in 2025
1. Bratwurst
In Germany, this pork sausage is a must-try. Finding its origin in Nuremberg, it has become very popular, you can have it in a roll or with sauerkraut. Flavorful yet mild, it's perfect for first-timers exploring Germany's famous food.
2. Sauerbraten
This slow-cooked pot roast is a staple in traditional German cuisine, which includes the Rhineland. Marinated for days in vinegar and spices, it is tangy and rich and is usually served with red cabbage and dumplings.
3. Schnitzel
Austria may have created it, but Germany has made it their own. It’s a breaded fried meat cutlet, usually of pork or veal, served with a side of lemon and potatoes. It is a crowd favourite with a crisp and juicy interior.
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4. Rouladen
In Saxon and Bavarian regions, this dish of rolled beef is filled with bacon, mustard, and pickles, then slow-cooked. A substantial, flavoured dish is recommended to Indian travellers looking to try something in-depth in terms of taste within Germany’s famous food options.
5. Pretzels (Brezn)
With the crisp exterior, a tender interior, and just the right amount of salt, these twisted breads are a staple in South Germany’s famous food scene. Also great with mustard, beer, or for a touch of sweetness, try them with Nutella.
6. Currywurst
Berlin's favourite street food is currywurst, which is a steamed and fried sausage covered in curry ketchup. Sweet, hot and quick, this dish is a symbol of post-war innovation and one of the must-try German dishes.
7. Spätzle
A soft egg noodle, often compared to pasta, Spätzle is a speciality of the South German cuisine. It goes well with cheese or is served in meat gravies, a very comforting and vegetarian option.
8. Eisbein (Pork Knuckle)
Crispy from the outside, tender in the middle, we’re talking about roasted pork knuckle which is put out in Bavarian style served with sauerkraut or mashed peas. Very filling and a truly German dish, rightfully earning its spot on Germany’s famous food list.
9. Kartoffelsalat (Potato Salad)
Made differently in each region, this salad may be prepared with mayo for a creamy version or with vinegar and mustard for a tangy taste. Also, it is a side dish which is very much enjoyed by many.
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10. Leberkäse
A very popular dish in Bavaria, it is a meatloaf that looks like a loaf of bread but is made from finely ground pork and beef. Try it out in a bun with mustard, very affordable, tasty and filling.
11. Mett
Raw ground pork seasoned with salt and pepper is put out on bread rolls with onions. In Western Germany, this is a bold dish which may not suit the delicate palate but does present a strong culinary experience.
12. Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes)
Crispy deep-fried potato cakes are served with applesauce or sour cream. At Christmas markets, they are a popular item and also a familiar taste for Indian travellers.
13. Käsespätzle
Germany’s take on mac and cheese includes soft egg noodles covered in cheese and crispy onions. Dense and gooey, this is a great option for vegetarians to enjoy Germany’s famous food scene.
14. Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake)
A rich dessert of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries poached in kirsch (cherry brandy). From the Black Forest area, it’s as pretty to present as it is to eat.
15. Weisswurst
A white sausage which is a mix of veal and pork back bacon, flavoured with herbs. In Bavaria, this is an early morning or late breakfast dish which also includes sweet mustard and pretzels.
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16. Flammkuchen
Also known as “German pizza”, this thin crust flatbread is put together with crème fraiche, onions and bacon. From Alsace, it is a light and savoury dish which also has many variations and hence is an important part of Germany’s famous food landscape.
17. Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake)
A honey-glazed cake topped with almonds to die for, and filled with vanilla custard or cream. This dessert is a treat for sweet tooths.
18. Rote Grütze
A North German favourite, this berry compote is served with cream or custard. Tart and fruity, it's a refreshing end to a heavy meal.
Beyond food, in Germany, you’ll find great shopping options. From traditional beer steins to speciality mustards and chocolates. Things you buy in Germany will help you bring home a part of the German hospitality.
Conclusion
From sausages and pork cutlets to Bee Sting Cake and berry compote, Germany’s famous food scene in 2025 is what every Indian traveller should experience. With vast regions, each presenting their flavours, combined with options for the vegetarian and sweet tooths, there is something for everyone.
Germany’s food scene is worth travelling for, and all that requires great planning. As an Indian traveller, you need to focus on your gastronomic adventure. For a smooth travel experience, we have put together a complete Germany visa appointment guide which will have you covered at each step of the visa process that you will go through.
Ready to dive into the best that Germany has to offer? With Visa2Fly, start planning your foodie adventure and leave the rest to your one-stop solution for Schengen visas.