Cologne's Culinary Delights: A Foodie's Guide To The City

Cologne's food scene is a destination for delicious German dishes, with a culinary landscape as rich as its thousand-year-old history. The city's position on the Rhine River has made it a hub of trade and commerce, influencing its cuisine with an array of flavours and techniques.

When in Cologne, you must try the local delicacy, Himmel und Äd (or Himmel un Ääd), a combination of black pudding, fried onions, mashed potatoes, and apple sauce. This dish represents the fusion of sweet and savoury flavours, and the city's connection to its agricultural and religious roots. Another local favourite is Halve Hahn, an open-faced sandwich with Dutch cheese, rye bread, and pickles.

For the meat lovers, there's the giant pork knuckle, slow-cooked to perfection, and the classic combo of sauerkraut and sausage. If you're craving something hearty, try the Pork Knuckle and Potato Dumplings or the Rheinischer Sauerbraten, a marinated beef dish slow-cooked and served with potato dumplings and red cabbage.

Cologne also has a vibrant beer culture, with Kölsch being the local brew. Früh am Dom, a classic Kölsch brewery, and Schreckenskammer, one of the oldest Brauhauses, are great places to savour this traditional beverage.

For fine dining, Restaurant maiBeck and Ristorante Alfredo, both Michelin-starred restaurants, offer gourmet experiences with traditional dishes.

So, whether you're exploring the bustling markets or dining in a traditional Brauhaus, Cologne's culinary offerings will surely leave a lasting impression.

Local specialities

When in Cologne, you'll want to dive into the local cuisine to truly experience the city's culture and history. Here are some local specialties to try:

Himmel und Äd (Heaven and Earth): This dish is a delightful combination of black pudding, fried onions, mashed potatoes ("earth"), and apple sauce ("heaven"). It perfectly blends sweet and savoury flavours, reflecting the fusion of influences in Cologne's culinary landscape.

Rheinischer Sauerbraten: A traditional marinated beef dish, slow-cooked to tender perfection. It is often served with potato dumplings and red cabbage. The sauce is made with vinegar, sugar, and spices, creating a unique tangy and sweet flavour.

Halver Hahn: Don't be fooled by the name—this dish does not contain chicken! It is an open-faced sandwich with a thick slice of Dutch cheese, rye bread, and pickles. Halver Hahn makes for a delicious and quick bite while exploring the city.

Sauerkraut and Sausage: A classic German combination. Tangy sauerkraut, made from fermented cabbage, pairs perfectly with juicy sausages and a dab of spicy mustard. You'll find this hearty dish on offer in most German restaurants in Cologne.

Pork Knuckle and Potato Dumplings: For a true meat lover's delight, try the Pork Knuckle, also known as "Hämmche" or "Schweinshaxe". This dish features tender, slow-cooked pork knuckle served with potato dumplings and sometimes red cabbage.

Reibekuchen: Indulge in Cologne's version of the potato pancake. These crisp and savoury treats are made from grated potatoes, onions, and seasoning. Reibekuchen are typically enjoyed with apple sauce or apple puree, making for a delicious snack or side dish.

In addition to these specialties, you can also explore the city's diverse food scene, which includes Italian, Japanese, Indian, and Lebanese cuisine, among others.

German restaurants

German food is highly regional, and in Cologne, traditional food is mostly served in Brauhäusern, or 'restaurants' tied to a brewery. Here are some of the best German restaurants in the city:

Früh Brauhaus

Located near the Dom, Früh Brauhaus is a classic Kölsch brewery with excellent beer and mouthwatering local dishes. It's always buzzing with locals and tourists, and you can enjoy your meal with a view of the iconic Cologne Cathedral.

Schreckenskammer

One of the oldest and most charming Brauhäusern in Cologne, Schreckenskammer offers a rustic and cosy atmosphere to enjoy your Kölsch beer. Don't be scared away by the name, which translates to "Chamber of Horrors"—it's actually a great spot to experience the local beer and the city's friendly vibe.

Max Stark

One of the last few Brauhäusern to serve Rheinischer Sauerbraten the traditional way, Max Stark is a great choice for those seeking authentic, regional cuisine. Their Sauerbraten is a sliced roast of horse marinated in wine and served with a sweet and sour sauce with raisins.

Gruber's

Gruber's is an Austrian restaurant with a nice terrace offering a calm, green escape in the middle of the city. They serve the "real" schnitzel and have both traditional Austrian dishes and a fine-dining menu.

Oma Kleinmann

Oma Kleinmann is famous for its schnitzel and has been recommended by multiple sources as a great place for traditional German food.

Lommerzheim

Recommended by a local on Reddit, Lommerzheim serves the "best damn pork chops and fries" in Cologne, along with Kölsch beer.

Brauerei Pfaffen, Haus Töller, Haus Unkelbach

These three restaurants are also recommended by locals for their very good German cuisine.

Haus Müller

For a more exquisite experience, Haus Müller offers a bit of a higher-end German dining experience.

Brauhaus Scholzen

To try a variety of great schnapps, head to Brauhaus Scholzen.

Johann Schäfer

Located in the Südstadt, Johann Schäfer offers traditional German food with a modern twist.

Secco

While not typically German, Secco in Ehrenfeld offers tasty meals, wine, and a cozy backyard.

Gasthaus Scherz

For authentic Schnitzel (an Austrian dish), head to Gasthaus Scherz, located directly next to Station Suelzburgstr. They also have a cozy backyard for dining.

Kleine Glocke

For authentic Rheinischen Sauerbraten, made with horse meat, check out Kleine Glocke.

Haus Schwan

Haus Schwan in Lindenthal is a good option if you want to avoid the touristy spots and try typical kölsche dishes.

Traditional dishes

Himmel und Ääd (or Himmel un Äd or Himmel und Ärt ): This dish, which translates to "heaven and earth", is a delightful combination of black pudding, fried onions, mashed potatoes (representing earth), and apple sauce (symbolising heaven). It is a delightful mix of sweet and savoury flavours.

Rheinischer Sauerbraten: A Sauerbraten is a heavily marinated meat dish, typically cooked with beef or horse meat. The meat is sliced and served with a rich, tangy gravy, along with sides like potato dumplings, mashed potatoes, red cabbage, or pickles. The marinade includes vinegar, wine, herbs, and spices, resulting in a unique, sweet and sour flavour.

Halver Hahn: Despite the name, this is not a chicken dish. It is an open-faced sandwich made with a thick slice of Dutch cheese, rye bread, and pickles. It is a perfect quick bite while exploring the city.

Sauerkraut and Sausage: A classic German combination, this dish features tangy sauerkraut made from fermented cabbage, served with juicy sausages and spicy mustard. It is a favourite among locals and is offered in most German restaurants in the city.

Pork Knuckle and Potato Dumplings: Known as "Hämmche" or "Schweinshaxe" in German, this dish is a Cologne staple. It consists of tender, roasted pork knuckle served with potato dumplings and sometimes red cabbage.

Reibekuchen: Reibekuchen, also known as "Rievkooche" or "Rivekooche", are crisp and savoury potato pancakes made from grated potatoes, onions, and seasoning. They are typically enjoyed as a snack or side dish, served with apple sauce or apple puree.

Kölsche Kaviar: Cologne's version of caviar is actually blood sausage served with raw onions on rye bread.

Vegetarian options

When it comes to vegetarian options in Cologne, there is a wide range of choices to suit different tastes. Here are some recommendations for vegetarian dishes and restaurants to try during your visit:

Himmel un Äd

This traditional Cologne dish is also known as "Heaven and Earth," representing a combination of simple yet delicious ingredients. It typically includes mashed potatoes, black pudding or "Leberwurst" (a type of liver sausage), fried onions, and apples. The mix of sweet and savoury flavours creates a unique culinary experience. You can find this dish at many traditional Brauhäusern (brewery-tied restaurants) throughout the city.

Reibekuchen

Reibekuchen, also known as "Rievkooche" or "Rivekooche," are crispy and savoury potato pancakes made from grated potatoes, onions, and seasoning. They are typically served as a snack or a side dish, often enjoyed with apple sauce or apple puree. You can find Reibekuchen at most German restaurants in Cologne.

Apfelschnecken

For a sweet treat, try Apfelschnecken, which are pastries shaped like snail shells and filled with chopped apple pieces and dusted with sugar. These delicious pastries can be found at bakeries and cafes throughout the city.

Sattgrün

Sattgrün is a vegan restaurant in Cologne that offers good and affordable plant-based options. It is a great choice for those looking for a fully vegetarian dining experience.

Brasserie Marie

Brasserie Marie is a small French restaurant recommended by local chef Julia Komp. It offers a cosy atmosphere and traditional French dishes such as artichokes with a dipping sauce. This restaurant is a good option for those seeking a blend of German and French culinary influences.

Phaedra

Phaedra is a Mediterranean restaurant with Greek influences, located in the south of Cologne. They offer sharing plates and a small set menu, with outdoor seating available. This restaurant provides a taste of Greek cuisine in a charming setting.

La Société and Ito

For sushi and sashimi lovers, La Société and Ito (owned by the same group) are excellent choices. They offer fresh fish and expertly cut sashimi, along with a tasting menu. These restaurants provide a fine dining experience with a focus on Japanese cuisine.

In addition to these suggestions, you can explore various vegetarian options at Brauhäusern, such as Früh am Dom, Schreckenskammer, and Brauhaus Scholzen. These traditional brewery-tied restaurants offer a range of typical Cologne dishes and are worth visiting for an authentic culinary experience.

Drinks

When in Cologne, you'll want to try the local beer, Kölsch, which is not just the city's local brew but also the most popular. It's a top-fermented beer, widely consumed and cherished by locals. The term "Kölsch" doesn't just refer to the beer, but also signifies Cologne's traditional culture and dialect. Früh am Dom, a classic Kölsch brewery, is located right next to the iconic Cologne Cathedral and offers excellent beer and mouthwatering local dishes. Schreckenskammer is another notable location to savour a glass of Kölsch; it's one of Cologne's oldest and most charming breweries, where you can enjoy your drink in a rustic and cozy atmosphere.

If you're looking for non-alcoholic options, Apfelschorle is a popular choice in Cologne and throughout Germany. It's a refreshing drink made by mixing apple juice with carbonated mineral water, similar to non-alcoholic apple cider.

Frequently asked questions