What do Germans normally eat?

 

Volker Eichener

Professor at Hochschule Düsseldorf

Studied Political Science & Sociology at Ruhr University BochumGraduated 1999

Let’s answer this question in a scientific way by empirical data.

Here is the ranking of the most popular dishes in canteens (which are in fact eaten) - which is probably the best answer to the question what Germans normally eat, not on special occasions:

1. Schnitzel with french fries.
2. All kinds of pasta (spaghetti bolognese is most popular).
3. Pizza.
4. Grilled steaks.
5. Potatoe dishes (potatoe salad, casserole…).
6. Hamburger.
7. Currywurst and Bratwurst.
8. Chicken.
9. Stews (thick soups with lentils, peas, barley, beans, potatoes…).
10. Fresh fish.

Source: Compass Group Deutschland

Suprised?

If you ask the Germans about their favourite food you get this ranking:

1. Beef roulade.
2. Spaghetti Bolognese.
3. Sauerbraten.
4. Crusty pork roast.
5. Steaks and Barbecue.
6. Cabbage roulade.
7. Königsberger Klopse (veal meatballs in creamy sauce).
8. Pizza.
9. Schnitzel with creamy mushrooms.
10. Gulasch.

Source: various polls

Surprised again?

Lessons learned: Germans prefer beef over pork (however, beef is pricier). And sausages are considered a snack, not a proper meal. So the real Germans eat different things than the tourists do when in Germany. But why should you travel to Germany in order to eat a pizza?