The 5 most popular street food classics in Germany
Whether during your lunch break, while shopping in town, or at a festival, a quick bite to eat is meant to fill your stomach and give you new energy. If you don't feel like sitting down to eat in a café or restaurant, or don't have the time, you'll be on the lookout for your favorite street food. But what do Germans particularly like to eat when they're in a hurry?
1. The bratwurst
You see them in front of concert halls, at sporting events, and at just about every festival and celebration in Germany: stands selling crispy, crunchy bratwurst sausages. The smell alone tempts many people to grab a quick bite to eat before, during, or after the event.
Bratwurst is best served in a bun or on a paper plate with salted French fries. Mustard and ketchup are, of course, essential accompaniments.
Incidentally, the type of sausage that ends up on the grill varies from region to region. However, the thick Thuringian Rostbratwurst and the narrow, thin Nuremberg Bratwurst are particularly popular. If you want to buy a food truck and attract a broad customer base, you should have at least one of these two on your menu.
2. The currywurst
Germans still prefer German cuisine. At least that's what a YouGov study from 2024 says, according to which 57 percent of respondents prefer food from their home country. It goes without saying that it's not just bockwurst and sauerkraut that end up on their plates.
Other dishes are also typically German—such as currywurst. Who actually invented it is still a matter of debate. Apparently, this spicy delicacy does not originate from Berlin at all, but first saw the light of the culinary world in the Ruhr region.
But wherever it comes from, currywurst is loved by just about every meat lover. No wonder, since it is based on a crispy bratwurst sausage, generously covered in curry sauce and served with fries or a bread roll.
Other dishes are also typically German—such as currywurst. Who actually invented it is still a matter of debate. Apparently, this spicy delicacy does not originate from Berlin at all, but first saw the light of the culinary world in the Ruhr region.
But wherever it comes from, currywurst is loved by just about every meat lover. No wonder, since it is based on a crispy bratwurst sausage, generously covered in curry sauce and served with fries or a bread roll.
3. The kebab
The kebab is also a traditional German food. Or rather, a traditional Berlin food. Officially, Kadir Nurman is said to have introduced it to West Berlin in the 1960s. But just like with currywurst, there is heated debate about the true origins of this popular street food.
One thing is clear, however: it is not without reason that the kebab has won the hearts of many Germans. With its mixture of meat, vegetables, and flatbread, it is not only a hearty and filling treat. It is also easy to take with you to enjoy on the go or later at home.
One thing is clear, however: it is not without reason that the kebab has won the hearts of many Germans. With its mixture of meat, vegetables, and flatbread, it is not only a hearty and filling treat. It is also easy to take with you to enjoy on the go or later at home.
4. The fish sandwich
Many people hold their first fish sandwich in their hands when visiting Hamburg's fish market. While beginners initially only dare to try fried fish or salmon, connoisseurs venture into herring in various variations.
Fish sandwiches are particularly popular at street festivals and other outdoor events. No wonder, because after just one hearty bite, your breath smells of onions and remoulade.
However, that doesn't stop most people from enjoying this maritime delicacy. After all, it's not only a real nutritional powerhouse, but the combination of fish, salad, and bread also keeps you full for a long time.
5. The pretzel
In southern Germany, a crispy pretzel is a staple on the breakfast table or served with a hearty Weißwurst sausage. In the rest of Germany, this salty lye-baked pastry has at least established itself as a popular street food.
Whether at the bakery or at a snack bar in front of the event hall, pretzels are usually available plain or with toppings. However, both versions are little calorie bombs. Even a small pretzel without toppings averages an impressive 380 kilocalories.
Whether at the bakery or at a snack bar in front of the event hall, pretzels are usually available plain or with toppings. However, both versions are little calorie bombs. Even a small pretzel without toppings averages an impressive 380 kilocalories.