German street food is a captivating fusion of tradition and innovation. When it comes to experiencing the heart of a culture, there’s nothing quite like indulging in its street food. Germany, known for its rich history and diverse culinary heritage, offers a delectable array of street food that encapsulates its traditions, flavours, and ingenuity.
From savoury sausages to mouthwatering pastries, German street food serves as a gastronomic journey through the bustling streets and markets, providing locals and visitors alike with a taste of authentic German cuisine on the go. Let’s explore these recipes of the most famous German street food in this article.
The Most Famous German Street Food
German street food offers many delicious options that reflect the country’s culinary diversity. Here are some popular German street foods you might encounter:
Currywurst: Sliced sausages, often bratwurst, served with a curry-flavoured ketchup sauce. It’s a quintessential German street food at many outdoor stands and food trucks. Prices can range from around €2 to €5.
Döner Kebab: While originating from Turkey, the döner kebab has become an integral part of German street food culture. It consists of thinly sliced meat (usually beef or chicken) grilled on a vertical rotisserie. It is then served in a pita or flatbread with salad, vegetables, and various sauces. A standard döner kebab sandwich might cost around €3 to €5, but prices vary based on size and toppings.
Bratwurst and Sausages: Grilled sausages, such as bratwurst, bockwurst, or käsekrainer (sausages with cheese), are commonly sold from street food stands. A single sausage in a roll could cost anywhere from €2 to €4.
Brezel (Pretzel): Soft pretzels are a popular and convenient snack, often sold by street vendors. They’re typically enjoyed with or without mustard. A soft pretzel might cost around €1 to €2.
Flammkuchen: Similar to a thin-crust pizza, flammkuchen is a savoury flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. It’s a popular choice at street food markets. Prices range from €5 to €10 or more depending on size and toppings.
Fischbrötchen: Common near coastal areas, this sandwich is filled with fish, often herring or smoked mackerel. Prices vary depending on fish type and location, but expect to pay around €3 to €6.
Kartoffelpuffer: Also known as potato pancakes or latkes, these are fried potato cakes often served with applesauce or sour cream. Prices might be around €2 to €4 for a serving.
Leberkäsesemmel: German meatloaf served in a roll or bread roll, often enjoyed as a hearty street food snack. A Leberkäsesemmel might cost around €3 to €5.
Crepe (Eierkuchen/Pfannkuchen): Thin pancakes filled with sweet or savoury fillings like Nutella, jam, ham, or cheese can be found at street food stalls. Sweet crepes could range from €2 to €5, while savoury options might be similar.
Wurstsalat: A salad made from sliced sausages, onions, vinegar, and oil, often served with bread. Prices might be around €3 to €6, depending on size and additional ingredients.
Schupfnudeln: Potato or flour dumplings rolled into an elongated shape, pan-fried, and sometimes served with sauerkraut. Prices could range from €4 to €8 or more, depending on the serving size.
Bockwurst im Brötchen: A type of German sausage, often served in a roll with mustard or other condiments. A Bockwurst in a roll might cost around €2 to €4.
Kebab Pizza: A fusion of Turkish and Italian cuisines, this pizza is topped with döner kebab meat, vegetables, and sauces. Prices can vary based on size and ingredients, but a kebab pizza could range from €5 to €10 or more.
Rote Grütze: A berry dessert made into a gelatinous pudding-like consistency and often served with vanilla sauce. A serving might cost around €3 to €5.
These are just a few examples of Germany’s diverse street food options. German street food reflects traditional Flavours and modern culinary influences, making it a delightful way to experience the country’s food culture on the go. The previous prices are approximate and can vary based on location and other factors. Additionally, prices for street food can often be more affordable than sit-down restaurants.
Some Savoury German Street Food Recipes
Making street food at home can bring joy, especially if you have memories with these foods, so here are the recipes for Currywurst, Döner Kebab and Pretzels as these are the most famous lovable German street food:
Currywurst
Here is the recipe for the beloved currywurst, with its irresistible mix of sausages and flavourful curry ketchup:
Ingredients
Bratwurst sausages
Ketchup
Curry powder
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Oil for frying
Instructions
Grill or fry the bratwurst sausages until they’re cooked through and have a nice crust.
Heat some oil in a saucepan, then add ketchup, curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; the curry powder should be adjusted to your taste preferences.
Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it’s heated and well combined.
Slice the cooked sausages and drizzle the curry sauce over them.
Serve with a side of fries or bread.
Döner Kebab
Here is the recipe for the unforgettable döner kebab, a delectable gift from Turkish immigrants that has become an integral part of Germany’s street food culture:
Marinate the sliced meat in a mixture of spices, olive oil, and lemon juice for a few hours.
Cook the marinated meat on a grill, stovetop, or oven until fully cooked and slightly crispy.
Warm the pita or flatbread.
Assemble the kebab by placing the cooked meat on the bread, adding salad greens, and drizzling with yoghurt or tahini sauce.
Roll up the bread and enjoy your homemade döner kebab!
Pretzels
One can’t help but be drawn to the aroma of sizzling bratwurst on grills or the sight of perfectly twisted pretzels, both iconic symbols of this culinary scene; here is the recipe for the best pretzels:
Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Put the flour and salt in a large bowl, then Add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
Cover the dough and let it ferment for about an hour until doubled in size.
Heat your oven to 220°C, divide the dough, then roll each piece into a long rope. Shape the rope into a pretzel.
Boil some water in a large pot, add baking soda and boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds on each side, then remove and place on a baking sheet.
Sprinkle coarse salt on the pretzels and bake them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving.
These recipes provide a starting point for creating German street food at home. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to match your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade German street food experience!
Some Sweet German Street Food Recipes
Beyond the savoury, Germany’s sweet street food offerings are equally enchanting. Here are recipes for a couple of sweet German street foods that you can try making at home:
Schmalzkuchen (German Doughnuts)
The schmalzkuchen, reminiscent of doughnuts, come in bite-sized portions that melt in your mouth and are impossible to resist. Here is the recipe for the perfect German Doughnuts:
Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the flour, sugar, and pinch of salt in a bowl, then add the yeast, softened butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Put the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for around an hour or to double in size.
Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out small rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass.
Place the rounds on a floured surface, cover them with a cloth, and let them rise for 15-20 minutes.
Heat oil in a deep fryer for 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place dough rounds into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
Dust the schmalzkuchen with powdered sugar while they’re still warm.
Enjoy these delicious German doughnuts as a sweet treat!
Apfelküchle (German Apple Fritters)
httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojnQN0k8e0k
Apple lovers are in for a treat with apfelküchle, where slices of apples are transformed into crispy cakes that offer a harmonious blend of tartness and sweetness. These sweet treats, often enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar or a hint of cinnamon, capture the essence of traditional German dessert flavours. Here is the recipe for the perfect German Apple Fritters:
Ingredients
2-3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting
Cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Add the flour to the baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl, then whisk.
Whisk the milk and egg until well combined in another bowl.
Gradually and slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until you make a smooth batter.
Heat oil in a pan or pot for frying.
Dip the apple slices into the batter, then place the battered apple slices into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
Remove the apple fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Mix some powdered sugar and cinnamon and dust the apple fritters with this mixture while they’re still warm.
Enjoy the apple fritters as a delightful sweet snack!
These sweet German street food recipes can bring a taste of Germany’s sugary delights to your home kitchen. Customise the sweetness levels and toppings according to your preference.
German street food is more than just food; it explores history, culture, and community. The laughter echoes from outdoor stands, the sizzle of sausages on grills, and the joy of discovering culinary treasures while strolling through bustling markets. Whether you’re savouring the comforting warmth of a pretzel, delighting in the flavours of a döner kebab, or relishing the sweetness of an apple fritter, German street food offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the heart and soul of this vibrant country’s cuisine.
Eman Sameh 
Maha Yassin