The traditional German fare was created by the influences of many countries including Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium, all of which were at one time or another part of the German nation.
Due to an ample water supply, fertile terrain and a productive climate Germany is quite rich in beef and dairy cattle as well as sheep and pigs. While many other countries had a shortage of meat. Germany had an abundance, which caused a storage problem. To solve this problem they started smoking, marinating and salting the meat. These processes are what lead to preserved foods and the 1500 different varieties of Sausage.
Pork is the national favorite in Germany, with more dishes made with Pork than any other meat. Other traditional German foods are Game Birds, Rabbit and Juniper berries. The most common condiments in Germany are Mustard and Horseradish.
Only in modern times have the Germans started eating just 3 meals a day, lowered from between 5 and 7.
Today, a typical German meal can include anywhere from 2 and 7 courses. They start with the Vorspeise (appetizer), and then move on to the Suppe (Soup), after soup comes the Hjauptspeise (Main Course), along with 1-2 Beilagen (side dishes). This meal is usually accompanied by Beer, Wine or Sekt(sparkling wine) for a beverage.
Changes in lifestyles are greatly influencing Germany in the culinary sense. Germans are still eating a lot of meats but many are leaning towards a lighter healthier diet. Vegetarianism is well accepted and you can find a number of foreign restaurants in every city.
Breakfast - Typically for Breakfast you will be served a small plate of cold meats and cheeses along with fruit preserves, marmalades and honey. There will be a variety of breads and rolls including pumpernickel and salted Brezel. For beverages you will most likely see freshly brewed coffee, herbal and plain teas, chocolate milk, Orange Juice and Apple Juice. For a quick breakfast, most Baker''s Shops are open by 7am. They offer freshly baked goods and pastries as well as high quality chocolates and Coffee. Most chain bakeries will set aside a standing area for you to eat called Stehcafe or in English, standing Café.
Kaffee und Kuchen - Most Germans will serve Coffee and Cake to their guests, just as the English will serve their morning and afternoon teas. Germans might also stop at a Café for their cake and coffee. Most Café''s will offer espresso, cappuccino and mocha as well as a variety of cakes, pastries and handmade chocolates.
Lunch - For many Germans, Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, usually served between 12 and 2pm. It is usually a hearty meal consisting of meats and potatoes. Many restaurants will also include wild game (when in season), fish, pasta, pizza and vegetarian dishes on their menu. If looking for a smaller lunch, try a Beer Garden.
Dinner - Dinner is generally served between 6pm and 10pm. For those Germans who eat a large lunch, dinner usually consists of lighter dinner fare. Open faced sandwiches with sliced meats and cheeses, as well as sausages and salads are generally what you will find. Those that opt for a small lunch and a large dinner will have a hearty meal most likely including meat, potatoes and vegetables.
Snacks and Ice Cream - If you are looking for a quick snack you might want to look for an Imbiss Stand. These stands will offer foods such as Sausages, hamburgers and French fries. Some larger stands might include soups, salads and Schnitzels. Most will sell beer and will charge a small price for condiments such as mayonnaise and ketchup.
To find the most varieties of Ice cream you''ll want to head to an Ice Café. Most Ice Café''s resemble any other café with an emphasis on ice cream. The menu will consist of a huge range of flavors and concoctions. Some of the flavors you should expect to see include, Malaga (rum raisin), Pistachio, Strawberry, Hazelnut, Banana, Stracciatella(chocolate chip), Coconut, Vanilla, Chocolate and Coffee. Also, in sorbets there will be flavors such as Mango, Raspberry, Blackberry, Cherry, Melon, Lemon and Strawberry. Keep in mind that the scoops are generally much smaller so it''s not uncommon to have 3 or 4 flavors on one cone. Also check out the menu for unique concoctions. Many Ice Cafes will create their own sundaes with a combination of ice cream, sorbets, liquors and sauces. One special treat that is popular with both kids and adults alike is Spaghetti Ice. It is Vanilla Ice cream, put through a press to make it look like spaghetti, with strawberry sauce on top to look like tomato sauce. In most cases, white chocolate shavings are sprinkled over the top to give the look of Parmesan cheese.
Beer Wine & Spirits
Germany is one of the largest wine producers in the world, though many outside of Germany might not know it. The reason for this is that most German wine is consumed within the country. Germany has thousands of vineyards that make up 13 wine growing regions. The vast majority of wine made in Germany is white since red grapes do not consistently ripen in the northern climate.
Germany is one of the top beer drinking countries in the world and has consistently ranked within the top 5 in the most liters per person consumed. Within Germany Bavarians and Saarlanders seem to drink the most. There is a huge range in the types of Beer. Alt, Bock, Dunkel, Hell, Lager, Pils, Malzbier, and Weizenbier are just a few of the choices. Beer is a vital part of the German culture and as a result there are over 900 breweries in Germany today. Each of these breweries must adhere to the strict regulation of the Reinheitsgebot, the German Beer Purity Law. This law dates back to 1516 when brewers were adding a number of ingredients, which resulted in beer that was sometimes foul smelling and occasionally poisonous. The law states that no other ingredients other than hops, malt, yeast and water may be added. The Reinheitsgebot is the oldest food regulation in the World and because of it German Beer has become world renowned for it''s quality and consistency.
Types of Eatery''s
Kneipe (Pub) - A Kneipe is a place to meet people while having a drink. Most will offer some sort of Musical entertainment and have a large variety of Beer and Wine.
Café - A Café is a great place to go for a light snack and a cup of coffee. The menu will usually offer other beverages such as fruit juice and soda, as well as soups, salads and sandwiches. They also include creams pies and cake slices for dessert.
Bistro - A Bistro is for someone who is short on time but is looking for hot food.
Gasthaus (GuestHouse) - a Gasthaus will generally offer a good place to have a drink, a hearty menu and if needed a room to rent. The menu is usually fixed and traditional offering complete meals and simple desserts.
Restaurant - If you are looking for a large meal then head to a restaurant. Keep in mind that Germans take their time when going out to a restaurant. The meal can be anywhere from 2-7 courses so expect to spend at least an hour. Germany offers many different types of restaurants including Italian, Chinese, Spanish and French.
Backerai (Bakery) - There is usually at least one Bakery in each town including small villages. Here you will find a large selection of breads, rolls, cookies, cakes and fruit pies.
Konditorei (Pasty Shop) - Here you will find a variety of freshly baked goods, cream pies, chocolates and candy.
Metzgerei (Butcher Shop) - A Butcher will have a wide variety of the freshest meats including Salamis and Wursts and you will be able to choose how you want your meat cut.
