Cologne's Culinary Delights: Food And Drink To Try

Cologne, Germany, is a city brimming with culinary delights. Whether you're a meat-lover, a sweet-toothed snack enthusiast, or a drink connoisseur, there's something for everyone. The city's food isn't just sustenance—it's a cultural voyage, a narrative spun in the language of mustard-smothered bratwurst and delicate Reibekuchen. So, what should you eat and drink in Cologne?

Local delicacies and drinks

Cologne's culinary landscape is a rich tapestry of flavours, influenced by its thousand-year-old history. The Romans, who founded the city in 38 BC, introduced various culinary techniques, such as utilising local herbs and crafting meat preparations that are still used in Cologne's dishes today. The city's position on the Rhine River also played a significant role in shaping its cuisine, as it facilitated the trade of spices, wines, and novel ingredients from neighbouring regions like Belgium and France, as well as distant lands to the East.

Himmel un Äd (or Himmel und Äd/Ääd/Äerde)

Also known as "Heaven and Earth", this dish combines black pudding, fried onions, mashed potatoes (representing earth), and apple sauce (symbolising heaven). It is a delightful mix of sweet and savoury flavours and is usually served with a rye roll.

Halve Hahn

Despite its name, which means "half chicken", this dish is not a chicken preparation at all. It is, in fact, a simple yet delicious open-faced sandwich made with a thick slice of mature Dutch cheese, rye bread, raw onion, and mustard. It is said to date back to the 15th century and is often enjoyed as an afternoon snack with a glass of Kölsch beer.

Kölscher Kaviar (Cologne Caviar)

Also known as "Kölsche Kaviar", this dish is a cultural parody and a satire of high society. It consists of blood sausage served with a rye roll, mustard, and raw onion.

Schnitzel

Schnitzel is a traditional German dish found throughout the country. It is typically made with meats such as pork or veal, which are pounded thin, coated with breadcrumbs, and then fried. It can be served plain with a squeeze of lemon or accompanied by various sauces, such as mushroom gravy.

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten is a marinated, slow-roasted meat dish that is a speciality of the Cologne/Rhein region. It is usually made with beef or, traditionally, horse meat. The meat is soaked in vinegar and cooked in a stew pot, resulting in a unique, tangy, and sweet flavour. It is often served with sides such as potato dumplings, mashed potatoes, red cabbage, or pickles.

Bratwurst and Currywurst

These are country-wide favourites and a must-try for meat lovers visiting Germany. Bratwurst is a fine German pork sausage that is typically fried or grilled, while currywurst is steamed, fried, and topped with curry ketchup. Both are popular street food options.

Reibekuchen (Rievkooche/Rivekooche)

Reibekuchen are crisp and savoury potato pancakes made with grated potatoes, onions, and seasoning. They are typically served with a dollop of apple sauce or apple puree and can be found at most German restaurants in the city.

Apfelschnecken

If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love Apfelschnecken, a sugary apple doughnut-type pastry dusted with sugar.

Streuseltaler

This is a yeast dough pastry with a butter crumble and fondant, another treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Kölsch

No discussion of Cologne's cuisine would be complete without mentioning Kölsch, the local beer. This light, top-fermented beer is exclusive to the city and is an integral part of its culture and traditions. It is often paired with local dishes for a complete Kölsche dining experience.

Traditional German dishes

German cuisine is known for its simplicity and hearty portions, and Cologne is no exception. Here are some traditional German dishes that you can find in the city:

Himmel un Äd (Heaven and Earth)

A dish that dates back to the 18th century, Himmel un Äd combines black pudding, fried onions, mashed potatoes, and apple sauce. The name translates to 'Heaven and Earth', representing the apples from the trees and the potatoes from the ground. It is a delightful mix of sweet and savoury flavours, and you can often find it served with a rye roll.

Halve Hahn

Despite its name, which means 'half chicken', Halve Hahn is not a chicken dish at all. It is, in fact, a simple yet delicious open-faced sandwich made with a thick slice of mature Dutch cheese, rye bread, butter, raw onion, and mustard. It is said to date back to the 15th century, and you can find it on almost every beer house menu in Cologne.

Kölscher Kaviar (Cologne Caviar)

This dish is a cultural parody, with the name originating as a satire of high society by the patrons of beer houses. Kölscher Kaviar consists of blood sausage served with a rye roll, mustard, and raw onion. It is a simple yet tasty combination.

Schnitzel

A well-known German dish, Schnitzel is made by pounding meats such as pork and veal until thin, coating them with breadcrumbs, and then frying them. It is often served plain with a squeeze of lemon or with sauces like mushroom gravy. You can find schnitzel in many variations and dishes throughout Germany.

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten is a traditional German dish of marinated meat. In Cologne and the Rhein region, it is called Rhenish Sauerbraten, and the vinegar-soaked beef is served with a sweet lingonberry and raisin gravy, potato pancakes, and apple sauce. The meat is typically beef but was traditionally horse meat.

Bratwurst and Currywurst

A countrywide favourite, Bratwurst is a German pork sausage that is generally fried or grilled. Currywurst is a variation where the sausage is steamed, then fried, and topped with curry ketchup. Both are popular street foods and can be found at most German sausage vendors.

Sweet treats

If you have a sweet tooth, you will love Cologne. The city is filled with bakeries offering an array of treats, including sugar-coated pastries and doughnuts. Here are some sweet treats to indulge in while visiting Cologne:

Apfelschnecken

Apfelschnecken, or "apple snail donuts," are a type of pastry that swirls into the shape of a snail shell. They are filled with chopped apple pieces and dusted with sugar. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Streuseltaler

Streuseltaler is a yeast dough pastry with a unique combination of textures and flavours. It has a buttery crumble topping and is filled with fondant, providing a sweet and indulgent experience.

Weckmann

The weckmann is a sweet treat often found at the Cologne Christmas Markets. It is a pastry made from Stuten, a sweet leavened dough, and is shaped like a little man with raisins for eyes and a clay pipe. It has a soft and fruity flavour, similar to a fruit-filled brioche.

Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)

Although Apple Strudel is traditionally an Austrian dessert, it is also very popular throughout Germany, and you will find it on the menus of many restaurants in Cologne. It consists of an unleavened dough casing filled with grated apple, brown sugar, lemon, cinnamon, and nuts.

Chocolate Creations

Cologne is also known for its chocolate treats. Visit the Lindt Chocolate Museum to watch the chocolatiers craft their creations, or indulge in a slice of cake and a hot chocolate at the Chocolate Grand Cafe.

Best restaurants and cafes

Cologne's culinary landscape is as rich as its thousand-year-old history. The food in Cologne isn't just sustenance; it's a cultural voyage, a narrative spun in the language of mustard-smothered bratwurst and delicate Reibekuchen. The city's position on the Rhine River has bolstered its stature as a nexus of trade and commerce, bringing a constant flow of spices, wines, and novel ingredients.

Cologne's culinary identity is solidified with its local dishes, some unique to the city alone. The city's typical brewery restaurant culture makes it uniquely sociable and unconventional. The city is energized by more than 1,000 different restaurants, over 100 bars, and more than ten starred restaurants. The bills of fare range from vegan to hearty, from home cooking to gourmet dining, and from Kölsch beer to creative cocktails.

Peters Brauhaus

Peters Brauhaus is a traditional German beer house in Cologne that serves plenty of local beer and food. Located close to Kölner Dom, the 100-year-old establishment is known for serving 26 types of Kölsch (Cologne's local beer), which is continuously topped up until you cover your empty glass with a beer mat. Peters Brauhaus has an extensive menu of tasty local dishes, including Himmel un Ääd, Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Halve Hahn, and schnitzel.

Brauhaus Früh am Dom

If you want to experience a traditional old Cologne establishment, head to Brauhaus Früh am Dom (Früh brewery at the cathedral). This traditional brewery has been around since 1904 and is a meandering labyrinth of chambers, each with its own atmosphere. You can enjoy a Kölsch beer and typical regional dishes served by the waiters at ancient bare tables. The food is very good and reasonably priced, making it an excellent way to immerse yourself in traditional Cologne food, drink, and ambiance.

Hausbrauerei Päffgen

A local brewery and beer house that has been brewing and serving its own version of Kölsch on the same premises since 1884. This cosy and down-to-earth spot has a traditional German menu that includes many Cologne specialties. There is an entire cheese section, led by the traditional dish of Halve Hahn, as well as Päffgen specialties such as homemade sausage and beet-roasted pork. Portions are large and reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is about as traditional as you'll get in Cologne.

Bei Oma Kleinmann

Bei Oma Kleinmann is a casual restaurant located on the party street of Zülpicher Straße in West Cologne. It is well known for being one of the best restaurants in Cologne for schnitzel. The local hotspot serves huge pork and veal schnitzels with a variety of toppings and sides, from the traditional schnitzel with potatoes and salad to the 'Bombay' with pineapple curry sauce and the 'Olaf Maria' with anchovy fillets and capers. It is so popular that it's advisable to book a table in advance.

Mad Dogs

Moving away from traditional beer houses, Mad Dogs is a modern fast-food restaurant in the Belgian Quarter of Cologne that serves some of the best hot dogs in the city. The signature hot dog, the Made Dog No.1, comes with a wiener sausage, fried onion, gherkin, ketchup, and mayo. There are also several other options, including the BBQ dog, the chilli dog, and the curry dog, as well as unique international dishes such as the oriental express. The hot dogs are served in American diner-style baskets, made fresh but quickly, and come with several different types of fries or salads.

Cafe Reichard

Cafe Reichard is a large and elegant cafe with a huge outdoor terrace and amazing views across to Cologne Cathedral. The old-fashioned cafe dates back to 1855 and offers a breakfast buffet and lunchtime salad buffet, as well as a number of cooked German dishes such as Röstis and soups. Be sure to try their apfelstrudel (apple strudel), which is one of the best in Cologne.

Local drinks

Cologne's drinking culture is casual and sociable. The city has more pubs and taverns per capita than any other major German city, and its brewery restaurants have been symbols of Kölsch tradition and culture for over 500 years.

Kölsch

The local beer, Kölsch, is a must-try when in Cologne. It is a light, top-fermented beer that is a mix between lager and ale. It is warm-fermented before being placed in a cold climate, making it a refreshing drink for a warm summer day in Cologne.

Kölsch is served in a 200ml glass called a 'Stangen'. When you order one, the waiter will bring you a beer and mark your beer mat. They will keep bringing you beers until you place your beer mat on top of your glass to indicate that you do not want another.

Apfelschorle

For those who do not drink alcohol, Apfelschorle is a good alternative. It is apple juice mixed with carbonated mineral water, similar to non-alcoholic apple cider.

Sünner Gin and Vodka

Sünner gin and vodka are also local drinks to try in Cologne.

Frequently asked questions