Hello everyone,Og Minami.
This time, I would like to talk about unique foods and drinks, such as, "If you go to Germany, you have to eat this, or drink it, you won't be able to start!"
In fact, GermanyPotato, sausage and beerIt's not just that.Some people may have the impression that it is "all rationalistic and inorganic" or "the food culture doesn't seem to be very rich," but that's not the case at all.When you explore local restaurants, food stalls and beer gardens, you'll be surprised and say, "What, there's so many different kinds of dishes there!"
This time, we will introduce a wide selection of recommended dishes and drinks that can only be enjoyed in Germany, or that you should definitely try them in the real world when you go to Germany.Read this article and you may be even more looking forward to your next trip to Germany!?Please read to the end.

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What is the appeal of German food culture?

When you think of Germany, the first things that come to mind are beer, sausages, and potato dishes.These representative dishes are also famous worldwide.When I asked a German friend, he laughed, "It's like Japanese ramen, Germany is potato dishes in a way so it's soul food."
Another interesting thing about Germany is that the food culture varies considerably depending on the region.For example, food from Bavaria in Southern Germany and Northern Germany differs depending on the standard menu at the restaurant.The country is slightly larger than in Japan,Federal RepublicThis system has different cultures across states, which also leads to diversity in food.
This time, we have carefully selected the dishes, particularly those that are called "This is German!" and "a unique menu that is rare in Japan."Please make your stomach go read it.

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The food and main dishes you'll definitely want to eat when traveling to Germany

First, we'll introduce you to a list of classic and niche menus, including the most versatile and dietary dishes.

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1. Pork Knuckles (Schweinshaxe)

If you ask me, "What do you think of German izakaya menu?", I'm sure many people would answer, "Sausage!"Pork Knuckle (Schweinshaxe) It's just as classic as it beats.This is a dish made by roasting or fried pork shins with bones, and is characterized by a crispy surface and juicy inside.It is pronounced "Schweinshakse" in German.
The fat and lean meat are just right, and the seasoning is simple with salt and spices, so you can enjoy the deliciousness of the meat itself.It is also very popular with Japanese tourists.The volume is so great that it's common to share it with friends and eat it.Their visual impact makes them look great, so they look great in photos and go great with beer.

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2. Quark

Quark is not very familiar in Japan, but in Germany it is so popular that you'll always find it when you go to the dairy section.What kind of food is its slightly firm fresh cheese, which is somewhere between yogurt and cheese.
Some people eat it as is, and they can be mixed with fruit or jam, spread it on bread, or used as an ingredient in cakes.There are several different types of fat content, but overall it is low in calories and is rich in protein, so it is also recommended for people who are interested in health.It's not very familiar in Japan, but once you try it, it might become addictive.

Reference URL: R at R (※The explanation of the quark is easy to understand)

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3. Thüringer Klöße, Knödel

This is a chewy dumpling made from potatoes.Klöße in German-speaking countriesOrIt is called the Knödel, and the Thuringia region is particularly famous.
It is slightly different from regular potato dishes, and is elastic, and is a standard dish to eat while simmering in sauce.It looks like a "big white bun" and is often served as a side dish for meat dishes.Personally, perhaps because of its shape and elasticity, I was reminded of Japanese rice cakes and dumplings.
When you eat it for the first time, you may think, "Oh? It has a strange texture," but once you get used to it, it becomes addictive.If you see it in a restaurant, this is a dish you should try at least once.

However, it will be very full, so consider sharing only!

If you want to try it in Japan, you can go to a German restaurant or make it surprisingly easy.Recipes like thisIt would also be a good idea to try making it using!

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4. Flammekueche

This dish originated in southwestern Germany (especially in the Alsace region, close to the border with France).It looks similar to pizza, but the dough is very thin and crispy.The ingredients on top are generally cheese, ham, and onions, and are typically covered with sour cream instead of pizza sauce.

If you're in a place where you can drink beer, you can also find it outside of the countryside in restaurants with a country-style concept.

It's a light pizza that doesn't contain fat, so it's a homemade dish that calms down.Rather than being tasty, I think it will be adorable to people who like the natural flavors.
This is light and can be eaten in one go, making it a great beer snack!It's also fun to try while looking for differences from Italian pizza, and it has a refreshing flavor, so you can easily enjoy it even if you're full.It goes perfectly with the German beer culture.

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5. Mett/Hackepeter

This may be a bit surprising when you hear it for the first time,Raw pork meatIt is minced and seasoned with salt and spices.Since hygiene is strictly controlled in Germany, it may be considered acceptable to eat raw food, and supermarkets also sell packs with the word Mett written on them.
Of course, some people cook it for risk, but at local izakayas and parties, the standard way to eat it is to spread the Mett on bread and bite it with onions.At first I thought, "Raw? Maybe it's a bit scary...", but when I was recommended by a local friend, I tried it and it was surprisingly delicious.
However, since it is raw meat, some people may be reluctant to do so, so be careful considering your health and safety.The main premise is that the restaurant has solid hygiene standards and eats fresh food.

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6. Delicious pretzels

If you think, "Pretzels are often eaten in Japan...", it's sweet!Pretzels eaten in Germany are likeLike a bagel, the outside is crispy and the inside is chewyThere are a lot of them doing it.It's completely different from the thinly baked snack type sold at convenience stores in Japan, and feels similar to bread.
In Germany, large pretzels are sold all around station premises and in bakeries, and are also available as standard snacks at local food stalls.It's salty and can be used as a companion to beer, or as a snack when you're feeling a little hungry.Personally, I think it's best to pair it with coffee with breakfast.

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7. Wiener Schnitzel

It is said that this originated in Austria rather than Germany, but it is also a very standard dish in the German region.This cutlet is fried and fried with thin slices of veal or pork.The crunchy texture is the standard to eat with lemon juice.
Compared to Japanese tonkatsu, it is often fried with rather fine breadcrumbs than raw breadcrumbs, so the batter is thin and light.Fries, salads, and Crowse are often served as side dishes.It's sure to go well with Japanese people, so I think it's a great menu item for those who say, "I didn't like German food."

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8. Western version of char siu?Sauerbraten

This stew looks like roast beef, but has a slightly sour taste.Beef and horse meat are soaked in marinated liquid for several days before simmering, making it soft and has a moderate acidity.
There are things that are similar to Japanese boiled pork and char siu, and those who like the strong seasoning may like to add some to it."Sauer" means "sour" in German and is marinated with vinegar or wine.Classic garnishes include close, sauerkraut, and stewed red cabbage.The sweet and sour taste makes you addictive once you try it.

By the way, there was a similar dish in the Czech Republic!

The Czech Republic has a large influence on the German-speaking world, so please come and compare.

For articles about the Czech Republic,Clicking hereBut you can check it.

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9. Maultaschen

this isSchwaben RegionIt originated in (southwest Germany), and in simple terms it is like a "big ravioli."The dough is stuffed with minced meat, spinach, breadcrumbs, etc.
There are various ways to eat it, such as putting it in soup or grilling it.Actually, I've never tried it in the real world, and I'm very curious to hear that "it looks similar to Italian ravioli, but for some reason it tastes different."Some people seem to think it's a bit like Japanese gyoza.When I asked a local friend, they said, "It's a traditional home cooking, so it feels like a grandma's taste."I'd like to try a good meal at the real thing someday.

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10. A wide variety of sausages

After all, there's nothing I can't help but touch on at the endsausage.It is also famous in Japan, but in Germany there is a truly diverse variety of sausages.For example, the following are typical types:

People who don't really like sausages eaten in Japan.Try some German sausages!The texture of the meat is already amazing,

1. White sausage (Weißwurst)
   • A speciality from the Bavarian region.It contains herbs and has a fluffy texture.It is considered etiquette to peel the skin and eat it.I usually eat boiled food.
2. Grilled sausage (Bratwurst)
   • It's similar to the "grilled sausage" that Japanese people often imagine.It is often sold at food stalls.
3. Currywurst
   • A popular street food made from cut sausages and poured over ketchup-based curry sauce and curry powder.It is also famous as a street food for the night.Frankfurt specialty

There are also sausages of various flavors and sizes, so honestly I was unsure which one to try.I think it's heaven for those who like sausages, and even those who don't usually eat sausages, when they eat them locally, they'll often find themselves "this is delicious!"When traveling to Germany, be sure to enjoy comparing the food.

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Side menu and light snacks unique to Germany

Not just main dishes, but also in Germany.SideThere are also many attractive snacks that are also great.Here are a few of them.

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1. Sauerkraut

A classic ingredient that can be called a German version of pickles.It is made from fermented shredded cabbage and has a distinctive sour taste.It is often used as a side dish or as a side dish.In Germany, where meat dishes are abundant, it is a great source of being able to neutralize the weight of the flavor.It is attracting attention as a fermented food in terms of health, and may be expected to have an intestinal regulating effect?
You may think that it's different from Japanese pickles, but the texture has a gentle, lightly pickled cabbage feel.You might be surprised at how sour it is at first, but once you get used to it you'll get hooked.

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2. Grated ginger

This is something I came across in the German market and got interested.The paste was grated with ginger, and I felt the Western version of wasabi-like position.
However, it is characterized by a warm, warm aroma that is different from the spicy taste that is so smooth like Japanese wasabi.It seems to be useful in a variety of ways, such as mixing it with meat dishes or using it as an accent for sandwiches.It's not often seen in Japan.If you find it, try it.

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3. Döner Kebab

In fact, there are a lot of Turkish immigrants in Germany.kebabis incredibly popular.Kebab sandwiches, which are sandwiched between bread with thin slices, vegetables, yogurt sauce, and more, can be eaten everywhere in the city.Moreover, the flavors vary depending on the restaurant and there are a wide variety of sauces, so once you get hooked, you'll want to compare them more and more.
Even in Germany, there are people who say, "Berlin kebabs are the best!", and sometimes the conversation gets excited, "No, no, that restaurant in Munich is the best!"It may have a different flavor than the kebabs you eat in Japan.Why not try it for lunch or dinner during your stay?

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4. Kartoffelsalat

Simply put, it's a potato salad, but unlike the Japanese mayonnaise-rich type, the German version isSweet with vinegar or oilThings are the mainstream.In some regions, mayonnaise is also available, but the traditional local method is that it has a strong sour taste and a refreshing flavor with parsley and herbs.
You may be wondering, "I'm used to Japanese potato salad, so what do you think?", but in Germany, where meat dishes are popular, this refreshing feeling is a great addition to this kind of refreshing feeling.The portions are quite filling, so it's so satisfying that it could be the main dish.

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German desserts and sweets

Germany has plenty of sweets too.When I go to cake shops or bakeries, I get caught in the sight of a bunch of cakes and baked goods.Here we will introduce some unusual sweets.

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Donauwelle

A cake that means "waves of the Danube."Vanilla and chocolate fabric are separated on top and bottom, and features a marble pattern with cherry.This is a rich cake covered in buttercream and chocolate, so it might be a must-have for sweet tooths!
It has a strong sweetness, so it's great to eat with strong coffee or tea.The cross-section of the fabric has a wave-like pattern, making it look cute.If you see it at a cake shop, be sure to give it a try.

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A must-have drink when you go to Germany

So far, we have focused on food,When you think of Germany, beer is definitely the.However, there are many more beer than beer, so let's take a look at it a little.

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1. Beer (all Germany)

Germany is also worldwideBeer Country.There are countless brands and types, and the local beer and styles vary depending on the region.For example, in Southern Germany, Weizen beer is popular, with a cloudy look and fruity aroma.Pilsner is the mainstream in Northern Germany, so it's interesting to compare them while traveling.
The "Oktoberfest" which will be held in October is famous.This is a festival that beer lovers would love to visit at least once.

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2. Radler

Even people who don't like beer can easily try it out.Beer with carbonated lemonadeRadler is.The low-level and gentle mouthfeel makes it easy to squeeze.It's really great in the hot summer, and locals often drink it when they have a barbecue outdoors.
Some people may think, "Mixing lemonade with beer is a bad thing!", but in Germany it's completely fine.You could probably call it a "beer cocktail."If you see it in a store, feel free to try it.

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3. Apfelschorle

I would recommend to those who don't like alcoholCarbonated apple juice, Upfer Chore.It's refreshing and modestly sweet, so it's easy to match with any meal.
In Germany, there are various carbonated drinks called "Schorle," and the common mix of fruit juice and carbonated water is the result.They are usually available in restaurants, so even people who don't drink beer don't often have trouble eating out.It's very popular for both children and adults.

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In conclusion: German food is rich and fun!

What did you think?To list it like this,"Germany is not just sausages and beer." I think you will realize that.
There are surprisingly many variations and there are completely different charms depending on the region, so it's even more fun to eat while traveling.Of course, there is a fair amount of food costs to eat out wherever you go, but it's not like there are a lot of luxury shops that cost tens of thousands of yen like in Japan.There are stable and many restaurants with moderate price rangesAnother characteristic of Germany.The advantage is that it is less likely to make a big mistake when choosing a store.
Especially if you're a meat lover, be sure to visit a variety of restaurants and food stalls.Authentic meat dishes and sausagesPlease enjoy it.Of course, there are also restaurants that offer fish dishes and vegetarian dishes.I hope your trip to Germany will be a wonderful time filled with delicious food.

If you are interested in Germany or German-speaking countries, please see other articles.Clicking hereIf you're interested, please take a look.

See you next time in the article! Tschüss! (Thuss / "Bye Bye" in German)