Food, Beer, and Local Traditions: Tasting the Real Germany
A pint of Guinness in Dublin. A croissant in Paris. A pizza in Italy.
Our most memorable travel moments often revolve around food — and for good reason. When you enjoy a country’s food, you’re capturing the flavour of a culture and learning about its people and history. And from the very first bite or sip, you’re on your way to living like a local.
With that in mind, we’ve put together 10 top tips for tasting your way around Germany, from simple street food to boisterous beer halls.
1. Start with a street food classic
Currywurst is practically a rite of passage in Germany, especially in Berlin.
Find a stand with a steady queue, order, and eat it there and then. You’ll love the combination of sausage, ketchup, and curry spice.
It’s a perfect snack if you’ve just arrived on a flight from Dublin to Berlin — quick, comforting, and cheap.
2. Take a seat at a shared beer hall table
Beer halls can feel a little lively (read: rowdy) from the outside, but once you’re in, they’re surprisingly welcoming.
You’ll usually find long wooden tables, a steady flow of conversation, and no pressure to rush. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, you’ll find your place quickly enough. Order a local beer, something simple to eat, and let yourself be swept up in the atmosphere.
If you’re in Bavaria, there’ll probably be singing at some point, which is always a fun way to see German culture in action.
3. Order something unfamiliar (and trust it)
German menus aren’t always fully translated into other languages.
That’s part of the fun. Choose a dish you don’t recognise — or point at someone else’s plate — and see where it leads. Meals here are often hearty, comforting, and filled with meat and vegetables.
Even if you find your surprise dish isn’t to your liking, you won’t leave hungry. And you’ll have learned something new about your palate and the place you’re visiting.
4. Try Frankfurt’s green sauce in the city it belongs to
Grüne Soße is one of those dishes that’s forever tied to Frankfurt.
You’ll find it across the city, where it’s often served as a sauce with potatoes and eggs. Usually consisting of seven specific fresh herbs and sour cream, it’s light, slightly sharp, and a nice contrast to the richer dishes you’ll come across elsewhere.
5. Spend time in a proper beer garden
Beer gardens are a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon, especially during the warmer months (although there are often blankets for chilly days, too).
You sit, you order, and you stay as long as you like. Tables are shared, conversations are open, and there’s usually room for everyone — people are happy to bunch up.
Germany’s brewing tradition runs deep, with centuries of skill in every glass. It’s still very much part of everyday life today, and the locals are usually happy to recommend a beer or tell you a little about the brewing process.
6. Wander a market and eat as you go
Markets are where food feels most connected to daily life. There you’ll find traditional German bread, local cheeses, and small-batch drinks, as well as a variety of international dishes like Turkish kebabs and Polish pierogi.
Pick something up, find a place to stand or sit, and enjoy it at your own pace. It’s an easy way to feel part of things, even if you’re only passing through.
7. Follow the locals (they know best)
A good rule of thumb: if a place feels lived-in rather than designed, you’re probably in the right spot.
Tourist restaurants are fine if you want to sit in a high-visibility place and eat familiar food, but there’s nothing like eating with the locals to show you how life in Germany is really lived.
Look for short, simple menus and a steady flow of people coming and going. You don’t need much more than that.
8. Leave room for cake (seriously)
If you see a bakery or café window with rows of sweet treats, make sure to go in. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Germany takes its cakes and pastries quite seriously — think Apfelstrudel, Black Forest gâteau, and plum tarts — and there’s a whole rhythm built around a light, sweet bite in the afternoon. It’s not rushed, and it’s not just for special occasions.
Find a seat, order whatever looks best, and take a break from walking. There are few things more enjoyable than people-watching on holidays with coffee and cake.
9. Book a food tour with an expert
If you want to get beyond the obvious, it’s worth spending a few hours with someone who knows the food scene properly.
A good local guide will take you to places you’d likely walk past, like small bakeries, neighbourhood favourites, and market stalls with a bit of history behind them. You’ll try a mix of things, hear a few stories, and come away with a better sense of how food fits into everyday life.
It’s a nice option if you’re travelling solo and want a bit of company, but it works just as well for couples or families looking for something a little different from the usual sightseeing. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and let your guide know of any food allergies or intolerances.
10. Leave room in your luggage for edible souvenirs
Whether you fly to Frankfurt, Berlin, or further afield, you’re bound to come across things you’ll want to bring home, whether it’s a jar of mustard, some artisan jam and chocolates, or maybe a bottle of local wine.
A small tip: leave a bit of space in your bag before you fly.
If you take a direct flight to Germany with Aer Lingus, you can choose whatever luggage option suits you best. It’s much easier to plan for more weight than trying to rearrange everything the night before your flight — and you’ll be glad of it when you’re unpacking your delicious German treats back at home.
