When you consider German food, you might immediately picture sauerkraut and pork knuckle. However, stroll through any lively German city today, and you’ll uncover a far more vibrant and flavorful narrative unfolding on the streets. Due to migrations and an increasing appreciation for global cuisines, Germany’s street food landscape has transformed into an enticing blend of cultures, scents, and flavors that extend well beyond the conventional.

When it comes to cuisine, Germany has not held the best reputation. However, the nation has significantly more to present today than pig knuckle and sauerkraut. The German street food landscape today features an extensive selection of tasty dishes, significantly influenced by migration over the past few decades.

Curry sausage

Currywurst is a staple in the Ruhrpott region all the way to Schanze, Hamburg, being sold on the streets (and indeed as permeating the minds of commuters and office workers alike). Most people consider it a spicy type of sausage well accompanied by curry sauce and served with rolls or French fries. It has been reported that one catering company declared it the most popular buffet snack among German employees over 28 times in a row until 2020. It seems, however, that in recent years the adoption of vegetarianism has overtaken traditional currywurst, dropping it to third place. At least the vegetarian options are almost as appealing these days.

Döner Kebab

Unquestionably, Döner Kebabs resonate with a lot of young people. After a number of years of campaigning, Berlin students finally managed to get a kebab stand at their university in 2023. Plus, a grab-and-go meal is a flatbread stuffed with a myriad of delightful meats, lettuce, other vegetables, and delicious sauce. It brings a whole new meaning to the word “delicious.” There is a reason why kids hilarious half-seriously campaign for politicians to implement price controls on kebabs – the prices are outrageous.

Kumpir

Kumpir. This comes as no surprise. If there is a country that admires everything potato, then Germany tops the list. This is a Turkish traditional dish. With your most desired toppings, cut large potatoes in halves, put them in the oven to bake and they are done.

Brezel

A crispy-chewy treat that is an apt choice when you have a craving while enjoying a beer garden or a concert is the Brezel or Pretzel. They say the more the merrier and this phrase stands true for most pretzels. Bavarian Brezen and Swabian Laugenbrezeln ,who are known for their thick arms, fat belly and thin arms, are two of the most renowned Brezel. Undeniably the best way to enjoy brezels is plain, but a layer of cream cheese or butter doesn’t hurt.

Falafel

Vegetarian falafel is often served in kebab bars, and it consists of deep-fried chickpea balls that are served like meat. There’s nothing like tasting falafel right when it’s made. It is best served on a flatbread and accompanied with apricot, peanut, or sesame sauce—although every restaurant has their own way of doing things. In Germany, most falafel snack bars are run by people from Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Sudan.

The food cart boom in Germany is not simply about new tastes; it’s a culmination of cultural shift and community building. From the distinctive spice of the currywurst to the döner kebab, and even the cinnamon roll, each dish offers a glimpse of the fusion cuisines in Germany. The next time you visit Germany, ditch the preconceptions and let your sense of smell lead you—it might just guide you straight to your new favorite dish.