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Page 10
Discovering Germany
Food
Ingredients
Dishes can include meat and potatoes or noodles. Pork, beef, and poultry are the most
popular varieties of meat, with pork being the most common. Wild game and seafood are
regional specialties. Many Germans eat green salads as a side dish with their main meal.
Typical Dishes
Traditional foods and dishes vary
from region to region but normally
include famous staples such as
schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut,
pretzels, and spätzle’s. German
pastries and bread are some of the
best in the world and they are
known for their black forest cake,
lebkuchen
, strudel, marzipan, and
many more. While the Rhine
region is known for excellent
wines, the drink of choice in
Germany is still beer, varying in
flavor.
Dining Customs
Traditionally, the largest meal of the day is eaten at lunch, with breakfast and dinner as
smaller affairs. Breakfast is typically eaten in the morning by 8 a.m., lunch is eaten at
midday, and dinner is eaten around 6 p.m. As the lifestyle of many Germans has changed, it
is more common for dinner to be the main meal and for lunch and breakfast to be smaller,
quicker meals.
Tipping
In Germany, a tip is already included in the bill. Nevertheless, giving a tip is common and
expected. Approximately 10% of the bill amount is usually given, even after only purchasing
one item.
Alcohol and Smoking
You have to be over the age of 16 to be allowed to purchase alcohol and over the age of 18
to purchase high-percentage drinks. Smoking is allowed from the age of 18; however, it is
not allowed in restaurants, pubs, bars, etc. In some locations, there might be separated
smoking areas. In public buildings or areas, smoking is often not allowed. This also applies
to subways and railway stations. Please watch out for special smoking signs. There may be
other regulations for certain areas in Germany.
Grocery
Most shopping for food is done at grocery stores. There are numerous chains around the
country as well as small specialty or ethnic grocers.