Discover German tastes and eating habits

Cuisine is not just about delicious dishes, but also deeply reflects the culture and lifestyle of each country. In Germany, the typical cuisine is expressed through the choice of ingredients, sophisticated processing methods and unique enjoyment style. If you intend to vocational training in Germany, Understanding the tastes and eating habits of the people here will help you quickly adapt and fully enjoy the unique culinary experiences. Join SHD Academy to discover the unique features of German culinary culture through the article below!

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History of German cuisine

German tastes and eating habits influenced by history, culture and natural elements. They often love protein-rich dishes such as sausages, cold cuts, combined with bread and potatoes - typical ingredients in German cuisine. Besides paying attention to flavor, Germans also pay great attention to nutritional balance and quality of ingredients. At the same time, they maintain the habit of eating on time, valuing science and moderation in each meal. 

Usually, German breakfast and dinner are quite light, while lunch is the main meal with hot dishes. Besides, German dining style also emphasizes order and politeness at the dining table, showing a typical disciplined lifestyle.

German culture and eating habits

German culture and dining habits clearly reflect a disciplined lifestyle, respect for order and politeness. Unlike Vietnamese people who often chat during meals, Germans always keep silent when eating to show politeness. When invited to eat, each person will pay for their own portion instead of letting the host pay for the whole meal. In addition, Germans are very punctual, being late even for a few minutes can be considered impolite. If you join a meal at a German's house, you should wait for the host to arrange seats before starting the party.

German cuisine also has distinct differences between the North and the South, reflecting the natural conditions and culture of each region. Northern Germany is influenced by Northern Europe with light dishes, using a lot of fish and potatoes. In contrast, Southern Germany favors bold flavors with pork, sausages and beer, bearing the mark of Austrian and Swiss cuisine. This diversity creates a unique character in German cuisine, bringing a rich experience for international students.

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What do Germans like to eat?

Germans are especially fond of meat dishes, the most popular being pork, beef and poultry. Among them, German sausage (Wurst) with hundreds of different varieties is not only a familiar dish but also a culinary symbol of this country. In addition, smoked meats and grilled dishes such as Sauerbraten are also very popular with people thanks to their rich, delicious flavor.

Besides meat, potatoes also play an important role in German meals. Potatoes are prepared in a variety of ways from mashed, boiled to fried, creating a rich menu. Along with potatoes, Black bread made from whole wheat, especially Pumpernickel, is also an indispensable food in the daily diet.

Germans often use spices such as pepper, mustard, dill and vinegar to create a distinctive flavor, rich but not too spicy. In addition, they also love cakes such as Black Forest or Bienenstich and often eat them with coffee in the afternoon as a typical cultural feature.

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German meals of the day

German tastes and eating habits Daily meals are built and arranged reasonably, ensuring adequate energy supply but still emphasizing balance and simplicity.

German breakfast

Breakfast in Germany plays an important role in the daily diet. Germans have a habit of starting the day with simple but energy-rich dishes. Bread is an indispensable food, often eaten with butter, fruit jam or honey. In addition, cheese, sausages and cold cuts such as Schinken or Salami are also very popular. 

A German breakfast is not complete without a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa. Some people like to eat cereals with yogurt or milk, especially Müsli – a mixture of cereals, nuts and dried fruits. In general, the German breakfast is quite flexible, can change according to personal preferences, but still ensures enough energy for the new day.

In addition to breakfast, Germans also have a snack to replenish energy and maintain focus on work. Usually, Germans choose snacks such as bread, sausages, fruits or yogurt, combined with tea or coffee for this meal.

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German lunch

Lunch is the main meal of the day for Germans, usually from 12:00 to 14:00. Unlike many Asian countries, lunch in Germany has large portions and often includes a main course with a side dish. Potatoes are a popular ingredient, appearing in many dishes such as french fries, mashed potatoes or potato salad. 

Meat dishes are also popular, especially German sausages (Bratwurst), grilled meats (Schnitzel) or stews like Sauerbraten. Germans also love traditional pasta dishes like Spätzle – soft egg noodles, often served with cheese sauce or stew. 

German lunches are often finished with a light dessert such as apple pie (Apfelstrudel) or custard pudding. Due to the pace of modern life, many Germans tend to have a quick lunch in the cafeteria or bring their lunch to work.

>> Reference: What is life like in Germany? Daily life habits of Germans.

German dinner

German dinner usually takes place around 6pm – 7pm and tends to be simpler than lunch. Instead of a hot meal with many dishes, Germans often have Abendbrot – which means “dinner with bread”. They eat black bread or rye bread with cheese, sausages, cold cuts, pickles or mustard, creating a light but nutritious meal.

However, some families still maintain the habit of having hot dinners with dishes such as soup, salad or salmon fillet. Especially on important occasions, dinner can become more elaborate with grilled dishes or traditional dishes such as stews, bringing a cozy and cozy atmosphere.

In addition to food, drinks are also an indispensable part of German dinner. Beer and wine, especially from famous wine-producing regions such as Rhine or Bavaria, are often chosen by people here to enjoy in the evening. Although not too lavish, German dinner is still an important time for family members to gather and share after a long day of work.

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The discovery German tastes and eating habits Not only does it help you understand more about the culture, it also brings you an interesting and memorable culinary experience when studying vocational training in this country. Hopefully, the above article has provided you with useful information, helping international students easily adapt to eating habits and integrate better when studying vocational training in Germany. If you are also planning to study vocational training in Germany, you can refer to more information in the section News belong to SHD Academy Or contact hotline (+84) 336 760 276 for detailed advice and support!