10 must-try dishes in Cologne you should know

10 must-try dishes in Cologne you should know

Here are the top 10 must-try dishes in Cologne. You can pause to taste and enjoy local cuisine between trips.

Top 1 - Must-try dishes in Cologne: Rostbratwursten

You can grill, fry, or even cook sausages in broth or beer. They are typically made with veal, pork, or beef. Food stalls often feature Bratwurst in two ways: as a quick bite sandwich for busy folks or as a tasty afternoon snack. 

Beyond food stalls, Bratwurst ventures outdoors at beer gardens and sit-down restaurants, where it's typically paired with sauerkraut and potato salad for a satisfying meal. The number of sausages is up to the customer, so just tell us how many you'd like when you order.

Top 2 - Must-try dishes in Cologne: Sauerbraten

It consists of meat, potatoes, carrots, leek and onion. Beyond Cologne, this beloved German dish takes on exciting new variations as it travels across the country, with each region adding its unique touch to the recipe.

Before joining the lively Cologne food scene, a Bratwurst spends quality time marinating in the Rhineland's signature blend. For days, it basks in the aromatic embrace of vinegar, water, and a secret mix of spices and herbs, preparing for its starring role on your plate. And also the sauce served with it has a sweet and sour taste originating from its base of grapes.

Top 2 - Must-try dishes in Cologne: Sauerbraten

Top 2. Sauerbraten

Top 3 - Must-try dishes in Cologne: Himmel a Ääd

Black pudding, a type of sausage made from blood and pig intestines, is a renowned delicacy originating in Germany. It is commonly served alongside fried onions, mashed potatoes, and apple sauce, enhancing its flavor and creating a delectable combination. Different local German dishes often incorporate black pudding, offering a variety of flavors and culinary experiences.

Its components, apples from the tree and potatoes from the ground, give it its name: "heaven and earth."

Top 4 - Must-try dishes in Cologne: Spatzle

There are many variations of spatzle, but they all generally involve soft wheat flour, eggs and water. Cheese spatzle and spinach spatzle are two popular versions, but there are many others. 

Spatzle originated in southern Germany but has since spread to other regions such as Alsace, Switzerland and Trentino Alto Adige. Each region has its own take on the dish now, with different variants popping up all over the place.

Alpine dishes are definitely worth trying at the Servus Cologne, one of Cologne's most famous restaurants. Their "Kasespatzle aus der Schmiedepfanne", or cheese noodles with grilled onions, is mouthwatering.

Top 4 - Must-try dishes in Cologne: Spatzle

Top 4. Spatzle

Top 5 - Must-try dishes in Cologne: Flönz

This product is typified by the city and is a Carnival classic. Unlike its long-lasting cousins from southern Germany, this vibrant black sausage thrives on pure freshness. Freshness is king! Forget dry, aged sausages – this black beauty demands immediate attention. Savor its just-made charm, the tender pork still singing with the vibrancy of its recent birth. Moreover, every bite is a celebration of pure, unadulterated flavor.

The dish is often served with mashed potatoes, onions or vegetables. The basis of many recipes, Flönz is a type of blood sausage that is popular in Cologne, Germany. It may be misleading to name the dish "caviar" as they are not fish eggs but thinly sliced onions; however, the traditional recipe has been passed down for generations.

Top 6 - Must-try dishes in Cologne: Pretzel 

True German gastronomy at its finest— you can find pretzels everywhere in Germany! These delicious Laugenbretzel (or Breze) are a must-try when visiting the country.

The bread consists of soft, braided dough made from flour, yeast, malt, and water. It is then covered with coarse salt and sesame seeds.

This particular shape of bread dates back to the 7th century when monks used to prepare them in convents. The three holes in the bread were created to recall the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Trinity. Even if you're not religious, these hearty snacks are delicious and will tide you over until your next meal.

Savoring a traditional pretzel in Germany is an experience that pairs perfectly with the ease of coach hire in Berlin or bus hire Germany. Whether you're exploring the rich history of Berlin or embarking on a country-wide adventure, having a comfortable and reliable mode of transportation is essential.

With coach hire Berlin or bus hire in Germany, you can indulge in the delectable flavors of pretzels without worrying about the logistics of travel, making your journey through this captivating country all the more enjoyable.

Top 6. Pretzel

Top 6. Pretzel 

Top 7. Suppe

Germany's food culture is world-renowned, and its soup game is no exception. Often served as a starter before the main course of meat, German soups are hearty and perfect for warming up on cold winter days. With so many different kinds of soup to choose from, you're sure to find one (or several) that you love!

The Leberknodelsuppe, a liver dumpling soup made with dried bread, liver flour, eggs and spices cooked in beef broth is something you should try.

Top 8. Currywurst

It's a street food that's extremely popular in Germany! It's ideal for grabbing a quick lunch on a busy day of sightseeing. Vendors can be found almost any time of day. The sausage is grilled and cut into pieces, then served with a sweet and sour curry sauce on top. It comes with bread, fries, and your desired sauce, which you can add if you wish.

Top 8. Currywurst

Top 8. Currywurst

Top 9. Halve to Hann

The people of Cologne believe that cheese sandwiches are an authentic, typical dish of the area. So that, this sandwich is easy to make and only requires one loaf of rye bread, which is cut in half. First, spread butter on the bread, then add a generous amount of cheese." It pairs well with beer and makes for a filling snack if you get hungry while sightseeing.

Top 10. Kölsch beer

A must-try while in Cologne is the local beer!

For beer lovers, Germany may seem like paradise – the beverage is cheap and widely available. However, if you don't enjoy drinking beer, you will need to be patient.

This refreshing lager is brewed locally and often at the breweries where it's served. It comes in tall, narrow glasses that hold 0.20 cl so you can enjoy several sips before needing a refill - perfect for keeping your beer cold longer on hot days!

Whether you're a visitor eager to taste the local cuisine or a resident looking for a culinary adventure, these must-try dishes in Cologne are your guide to an unforgettable and tasty experience in Cologne.

>>See more: Wertheim am Main Germany: What to see and do 

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