German traditional cuisine is heavy on meat– especially red meat like pork or beef. There are different labels on packaged food as compared to India. If you have food allergies read the ingredient lists or ask someone for a packaged food’s content. Traditional spices in the German kitchen are salt, pepper and herbs. Meals may taste quite bland and neutral for Indians.
Germans love their breakfast with lots of bread (Brot) and small bread rolls (Brötchen). Anywhere you go, plenty of bakeries sell Brot and Brötchen. Some bakeries are even open on Sundays.
Recipes
Here are a few easy German traditional recipes: www.facebook.com/DEUfans
Vegetarians:
The definition of vegetarian may be different in Germany. Most of the Vegetarians in Germany eat eggs. Vegans on the other hand refrain from eating all animal products like dairy, eggs, honey or any other animal-derived products. The variety of vegetarian and vegan food items is growing and are available in big supermarkets. Big cities have special and exclusive grocery shops for vegan and vegetarian food. A veg soup or a salad is almost always offered in German restaurants.
Street Food / Fast Food
Common street food items are grilled fried pork sausage served in a bread (Bratwurst), (Döner Kebab), chopped grilled sausage served in spiced curry sauce (Currywurst) or Pizza.
NON-VEG: Döner or Dürüm are mostly offered with beef. Ask the type of meat they use before ordering.
VEG: Falafel, Halloumi are popular options for vegetarians at street food stalls
Beverages
Water: common types of drinking water are sparkling mineral water (Mineralwasser mit Kohlensäue / Sprudel) or normal mineral water (Stilles Wasser). In Germany tap water is safe and commonly consumed by Germans. The taste and quality varies from city to city. Try it out and if you are OK with the taste, it is a cheap and good alternative to bottled water.
Soft drinks: The variety and options of juices, soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages are innumerable. Enjoy the diversity and discover many different flavours.
Beer: Germany is known for its beer and thus, is often called a heaven for beer lovers. Every city has its own beer brand.
Wine: Some regions in Germany are even know for wine – in these areas wine festivals during the summer are quite commen. These areas are located mostly in the south-west of Germany
Canteen (Mensa)
An affordable eating option is the university cafeteria/canteen (Mensa). The food is of good to average quality and depending on the size of the university the options are diverse. Typically a Mensa card system (with credit charging option) is available to purchase the food. Most canteens always have a vegetarian meal on the menu, even if on Friday it typically would be a sweet dish (beware of eggs).
Restaurants
Food lovers enjoy the variety of international cuisines in Germany, especially in big metropolitan cities. A low-budget option may be Fast Food, while a single dish at a restaurant can cost from 7 € up to 30€ and more, depending on the luxury status of the restaurant. Special offers like business lunch offers (Mittagsangebote) are affordable alternatives and can be found in many restaurants (5 to 7 euros for a dish). They often include a side dish and a beverage.
Indian Food in Germany
For Indian spices/items, there are a number of Indian stores in most of the cities in Germany. Indian items are also available in Asian stores. Another possibility could be ordering Indian stuff online. There are many sites which offer free delivery above a certain amount of purchase.
Indian restaurants are typically adapted to German taste and thus offer less spicy food.
Buddy Tipp:
- Take your time for a large breakfast with friends, named brunch (breakfast + lunch). German brunches are not just meals, but elaborate feasts. Especially on weekends, every inch of the table will be filled up with an assortment of meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, eggs, jams and so on.