Germany is known for its rich culinary traditions, and German street food recipes is no exception.
From bratwurst sausages to currywurst and pretzels, Germany’s street food is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for satisfying hunger on the go.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular and beloved street foods in Germany, as well as where to find them and what makes them so special.
So grab a napkin and come with us as we dive into the delicious world of German street food!
Best German Street Food Recipes: Quick Table
Recipe | Calories (Per Serving) | Preparation Time |
Currywurst | 26 | 10 Min |
Chicken Shawarma | 411 | 55 Min |
Doner Kebab | 420 | 20 Min |
Bratwurst | 421 | 2 Hours |
Leberkäse | N/A | N/A |
Germknödel | N/A | 45 Min |
Brezel | N/A | 1.5 Hours |
Schnitzel | 621 | 10 Min |
Kartoffelpuffer | 229 | 15 Min |
Flammkuchen | 1161 | 5 Min |
Fischbrötchen | 1013 | 20 Min |
Apfelstrudel | 377 | 45 Min |
Bratkartoffeln | N/A | 35 Min |
Kartoffelsalat | 284 | 15 Min |
Spätzle | 296 | 5 Min |
Heisse Maronen | N/A | 5 Min |
Weisswurst | 714 | 5 Min |
Leberwurst | 29 | 20 Min |
Glühwein | N/A | N/A |
Frikadellen | 483 | 15 min |
Schneeball Cookies | N/A | N/A |
Krapfen | 303 | 15 Min |
Kumpir | 411 | 1 Hour 25 Min |
Sauerkraut | 16 | 30 Min |
Bee Sting Cake | 499 | 30 Min |
1. Currywurst
Currywurst is a popular German street food that consists of sliced bratwurst sausage served with a spicy curry sauce.
If you’re looking for a quick snack, a juicy currywurst will definitely hit the spot.
For a heartier meal, try serving it with fries or bread.
Calories Per Serving: 26
Total Preparation Time: 10 Mins
2. Chicken Shawarma
Although chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish, it also plays a significant role in the world of German street food.
Shawarma provides a combination of juicy, flavorful chicken and fresh vegetables, all packed into a pita bread and topped off with a delectable sauce.
This shawarma recipe is easy, delicious and makes for a satisfying and delicious home-cooked meal.
Calories Per Serving: 411
Total Preparation Time: 55 Mins
3. Doner Kebab
Speaking of foreign cuisine, with a large Turkish population, Germany is also home to the beloved Doner kebab.
Doner kebabs consist of juicy, flavorful kebab meat, cooked on a vertical rotisserie and combined with your favorite toppings.
This recipe tastes as good as the real thing, but uses a slightly different method.
Calories Per Serving: 420
Total Preparation Time: 20 Mins
4. Bratwurst
Filled with savory spices and pan-fried to perfection, these bratwursts are sure to be a hit in your family.
Serve them up on a bun with your favorite toppings for an authentic Oktoberfest feel at home.
And don’t forget your Dirndl Lederhosen!
Calories Per Serving: 421
Total Preparation Time: 2 Hours
5. Leberkäse
Take a trip to the Bavarian countryside with this authentic recipe for Leberkäse!
This savory meatloaf is a staple of German cuisine, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: N/A
6. Germknödel
Indulge in a taste of traditional Austrian cuisine with these mouthwatering jam-filled Germknödel!
Since their introduction into German culture, these soft and fluffy dumplings have become more and more popular amongst street food enthusiasts.
Serve them with a vanilla sauce for the ultimate dessert!
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 45 Mins
7. Brezel
Get ready to take a taste tour of Germany with these homemade brezel, or German bagels!
These soft and chewy treats are the perfect addition to your breakfast spread or as a snack on-the-go.
Follow this easy recipe to bring a little bit of Deutschland to your kitchen in just a few simple steps.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 1.5 Hours
8. Schnitzel
Looking for a delicious and authentic German recipe to add to your dinner rotation?
Look no further than this classic schnitzel recipe!
This dish, made with tender pounded pork and coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, is the perfect weeknight meal plan.
Serve it with a side of spaetzle and a sprinkle of parsley for a complete German feast.
Calories Per Serving: 621
Total Preparation Time: 10 Mins
9. Kartoffelpuffer
Get ready for a tasty treat with these German Kartoffelpuffer, or potato pancakes!
These crispy and savory pancakes are the perfect blend of comfort and flavor.
Serve them as a side dish or topped with your favorite toppings for a delectable street food-inspired meal.
Calories Per Serving: 229
Total Preparation Time: 15 Mins
10. Flammkuchen
The best way to describe Flammkuchen is this: the German version of a pizza!
This tasty treat is made with a thin and crispy crust, topped with crème fraiche, onions, and bacon.
It’s the perfect combination of savory and creamy, and it’s also super easy to make.
What more could you want?
Calories Per Serving: 1161
Total Preparation Time: 15 Mins
11. Fischbrötchen
Enjoy the flavors of the German North Sea with this easy recipe for a pan-fried cod sandwich, served with a homemade remoulade sauce.
This dish is a delicious way to honor German street food straight from your own kitchen
Calories Per Serving: 1013
Total Preparation Time: 20 Mins
12. Apfelstrudel
For a sweet taste of Germany, this apple strudel is a must.
Made with flaky pastry dough and a sweet and fragrant filling of apples, raisins, and spices, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sugar cravings.
Calories Per Serving: 377
Total Preparation Time: 45 Mins
13. Bratkartoffeln
If you love anything and everything to do with potatoes, then these delicious bratkartoffeln, or pan-fried potatoes, are just what you need.
This simple yet flavorful dish is made with just a few ingredients and is the perfect side for any meal.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 35 Mins
14. Kartoffelsalat
Add some German flair to your next barbecue with this delicious Schwäbischer Kartoffelsalat, or Swabian potato salad.
This creamy and flavorful salad is made with boiled potatoes, diced onions, and a tangy dressing, and is the perfect side dish for any occasion.
Calories Per Serving: 284
Total Preparation Time: 15 Mins
15. Spätzle
Get ready to add a new twist to your pasta routine with this authentic German spaetzle recipe.
These soft and pillowy dumplings are the perfect complement to any savory dish, and they’re easier to make than you might think.
Follow this easy recipe to bring a taste of Germany’s beloved spaetzle to your kitchen in just a few simple steps.
Calories Per Serving: 296
Total Preparation Time: 5 Mins
16. Heisse Maronen (Roasted Chestnuts)
Roasted chestnuts are enjoyed during the cooler months in countries all across Europe, including Germany.
These nutty and sweet treats are the perfect addition to your holiday spread, or as a tasty snack any time of year.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 5 Mins
17. Weisswurst
Experience the delicious flavors of Bavarian cuisine with this classic Weisswurst recipe.
These tasty white sausages are made with a mixture of veal and pork and flavored with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices.
Calories Per Serving: 714
Total Preparation Time: 5 Mins
18. Leberwurst
Although the word, “liver” may be intimidating, we promise you this is a dish you’re not going to want to miss.
This traditional sausage is made with a mixture of pork liver and spices, and it’s the perfect addition to a sandwich or charcuterie board.
Calories Per Serving: 29
Total Preparation Time: 20 Mins
19. Glühwein
Experience the warmth and comfort of a traditional German winter with this delicious recipe for mulled wine, or ‘Gluhwein’ as it’s known in Germany.
Perfect for sipping by the fireplace or serving at your holiday party, this Gluhwein recipe combines the flavors of red wine, citrus, and spices for a truly festive treat.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: N/A
20. Frikadellen
Made with a mixture of ground pork and beef, these German Frikadellen (meat patties) are flavored with a blend of herbs and spices, and pan-fried to crispy perfection.
Serve them with your favorite side dishes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Calories Per Serving: 483
Total Preparation Time: 15 Mins
21. Schneeball Cookies
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate winter treat with these German Snowball Pastries!
Filled with a rich and creamy vanilla custard, and dusted with powdered sugar, these delicious pastries are the perfect combination of sweet and indulgent.
Perfect for a cozy night in.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: N/A
22. Krapfen
Filled with a decadent fruit jam and dusted with powdered sugar, these fried doughnuts are the perfect treat for any occasion.
Serve them warm for a truly indulgent experience.
Calories Per Serving: 303
Total Preparation Time: 15 Mins
23. Kumpir
Kebabs aren’t the only dish the Turkish brought to Germany- they also introduced the beloved kumpir!
Kumpir is a giant baked potato stuffed with an array of savory toppings, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Calories Per Serving: 411
Total Preparation Time: 1 Hour 25 Mins
24. Sauerkraut
Perfect for adding as a side dish to your bratwurst, this homemade sauerkraut only requires a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time to let the flavors develop.
Trust us, the delicious bold and tangy flavors are worth the wait!
Calories Per Serving: 16
Total Preparation Time: 30 Mins
25. Bee Sting Cake
Filled with a creamy vanilla custard and topped with a golden, caramelized honey almond glaze, bee sting (or, “Bienenstich”, as the locals would say) cake is the perfect blend of sweet and indulgent.
Plus, with its aesthetic appearance and rich flavor, it’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Calories Per Serving: 499
Total Preparation Time: 30 Mins
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Popular German Street Foods?
Some popular German street foods include bratwurst sausages, pretzels, currywurst (sausages with curry-flavored sauce), and döner kebabs.
Where Can I Find Street Food In Germany?
Street food can be found at outdoor markets, fairs, and festivals, as well as at dedicated street food stands and food trucks. You can also find street food at traditional beer halls and taverns.
Is German Street Food Typically Vegetarian-Friendly?
While there are certainly vegetarian options available, German street food is generally not as vegetarian-friendly as some other cuisines.
However, you can usually find at least a few vegetarian options, such as pretzels, roasted nuts, and sometimes even falafel or vegetable skewers.