Food In Hamburg

Food History of Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg, a bustling port city in northern Germany, has a rich culinary heritage shaped by its access to a vast array of goods and ingredients through its busy harbor. Historically, the city's diet emphasized fish and seafood, reflecting its proximity to the North Sea and the Elbe River. Dishes like "Finkenwerder Scholle" (plaice from Finkenwerder), pickled herring, and "Labskaus" (though traditionally includes corned beef, there are fish variations) are part of Hamburg's traditional fare.

Immigration also played a significant role in the evolution of Hamburg's cuisine. The 17th and 18th centuries saw an influx of Portuguese, Dutch, and Jewish communities, which contributed dishes such as "Franzbrötchen," a cinnamon pastry influenced by French bakers. In the 19th century, the widespread popularity of the Hamburg America Line brought influences from across the Atlantic. More recently, the city's food scene has seen a renaissance, emphasizing sustainable, locally-sourced foods and international cuisine.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Hamburg for Tourists

1. Matjes Herring (Non-Veg) - A type of pickled herring, traditionally served with sides like green beans, potatoes, or apple sauce.
2. Franzbrötchen (Veg) - A sweet, buttery pastry flavored with cinnamon, similar to a French croissant.
3. Birnen, Bohnen und Speck (Veg option available) - A classic Hamburg dish combining pears, green beans, and bacon. There are vegetarian versions omitting the bacon.
4. Labskaus (Fish version is Non-Veg) - A sailor's dish traditionally made from corned beef, potatoes, and beetroot, often served with pickled herring and a fried egg on top.
5. Fischbrötchen (Non-Veg) - A popular fast food, it's a sandwich with fish, often herring, mackerel, or salmon, served in a bread roll with various condiments.
6. Rote Grütze (Veg) - A refreshing dessert made from red berries and served with vanilla sauce or cream.
7. Kartoffelsalat (Veg) - German potato salad, a staple side dish made with boiled potatoes and a variety of dressings, like mayonnaise or vinaigrette.
8. Bratkartoffeln (Veg) - Pan-fried potatoes, often with onions and bacon but can be served without bacon for vegetarians.
9. Grünkohl (Veg) - Also known as kale, this dish is popular in the winter months, typically served with boiled potatoes and vegetarian sausages.
10. Aalsuppe (Non-Veg) - A traditional soup that can have a sweet or savory taste, sometimes made with eel, though other fish can be used as well.

Top Famous Restaurants in Hamburg

Klein und Kaiserlich

Address: Kaisergalerie, Große Bleichen 23, 20354 Hamburg

Famous Food: Rote Grütze (Veg)

Das Kontor

Address: Steckelhörn 12, 20457 Hamburg

Famous Food: Labskaus (Fish version, Non-Veg)

Fischmarkt

Address: Große Elbstraße 9, 22767 Hamburg

Famous Food: Fischbrötchen (Non-Veg)

Carls Brasserie

Address: Am Kaiserkai 69, 20457 Hamburg

Famous Food: Birnen, Bohnen und Speck (Veg option available)

Herr Max

Address: Schulterblatt 12, 20357 Hamburg

Famous Food: Franzbrötchen (Veg)

Brücke 10

Address: St. Pauli Landungsbrücken 10, 20359 Hamburg

Famous Food: Matjes Herring (Non-Veg)

Kartoffelkeller

Address: Deichstraße 21, 20459 Hamburg

Famous Food: Bratkartoffeln (Veg)