Top 10 culinary specialities in Hamburg

Are you planning a gastronomic tour of Germany? Then you’re bound to stop off in the beautiful city of Hamburg. Bordered by the North Sea, it’s no great surprise that when you take a quick look at a restaurant menu, you’ll quickly notice that many meals are made up of fish and other seafood. But don’t go away, red meat lovers! In this mouth-watering classification, you’ll have the chance to discover a whole host of different dishes, with gourmet fillings and sweet desserts. Take a seat, get out your cutlery and we’ll take you on a culinary diversions!

What to eat in Hamburg

1. North Sea prawns

To give you an idea, between 32,000 and 35,000 tonnes of prawns are caught in the North Sea every year. Suffice it to say that this food is a regular feature on Hamburgers’ plates! Shrimps here can be cooked in a variety of ways: breaded, fried, sautéed, raw, boiled, grilled, etc. They generally accompany all kinds of dishes, and go well with any kind of garnish: in soup, on skewers with fish, in salads, and even in soup. Some locals even like to mix them with a runny egg… I hear it’s delicious, so it’s up to you!

2. Pharisäer

As we all know, Germany is a country famous for its alcohol and its divine beers, which are among the best in the world. It goes without saying that every region and every city has its own little marvels of exquisite nectar. Hamburg is no exception! Try the delicious drink that is “Pharisaër”. You’re probably wondering what it’s made of? Just imagine mixing rum, sugar and coffee, and you’ll get Pharisaër, which has been known to “boost” anyone who puts it in their mouth!

3. Eel Soup

It’s true that eels are rarely used for culinary purposes. People have a low opinion of this fish, preferring salmon, smoked herring, sardines or tuna. But you should know that eel in soup is one of Hamburg’s most typical dishes, mixed with a few pieces of vegetable, bacon, herbs and Knödel, which are actually small potato dumplings. This is a source of vitamin D, as well as protein to maintain muscle mass. And that’s all there is to it!

4. Herring (Matjes)

If we had to name one fish as the star of this ranking, it would undoubtedly be the herring. It’s simple, you’ll find them everywhere in Hamburg: in small local markets, in supermarkets, in the top restaurants… Young and old love them, and there are so many ways to cook them that you just can’t get enough! They are usually served with potatoes or a small salad and white onions to accentuate the crunchiness of the dish, which goes perfectly with the soft meat of the fish.

5. Kale and smoked sausage

We know what you’re thinking. So far so meaty. We’ve got just the thing for you, with “Grünkohl Und Pinkel”, a hearty dish that’s generally very popular with travellers. The food in the spotlight? It’s undoubtedly the smoked pork sausage, which will forever be engraved in your memory as one of the best meats you’ll ever taste. With a little bacon, potatoes, oatmeal and cabbage, you’ll have this mouth-watering dish.

6. Pear, beans and bacon

Whoever thought of mixing fruit with a savoury dish that also contains meat? This is one of the most unique dishes you’ll ever eat… and it’s in Hamburg! This old recipe is in fact a typical dish that celebrates the start of autumn and warms the body in preparation for winter. Traditionally, pears, bacon and green beans are served with potatoes, which (as you’ll have gathered) are very much in demand in northern Germany. Let’s break the mould and mix sweet and savoury!

7. Friesentorte

We’ve already told you about sweet pears, but now it’s the turn of ‘Friesentorte’ to delight your taste buds with its unctuous sweetness. This dessert is certainly number 1 in the North, especially in Hamburg. You’ll find it everywhere, and there’s no better way to end the day after visiting the city than with a delicious slice of this refined dish with whipped cream and plum jam. Some people like to add walnut pieces to the recipe, as well as a little alcohol for an intoxicating aroma. Guten Appetit!

8. Rollmops

This time it’s herring again that takes pride of place, but you have to admit that it really deserves it. This North Sea delicacy brings sunshine to your plate, and is an excellent source of vitamins. “Rollmops” is actually made from fillets of white herring that have been marinated for at least 35 days in a sauce made from vinegar, sugar, onions, salt, pepper and mustard. Then wrap it in a large gherkin, and that’s it! Makes an excellent aperitif with a glass of white wine.

9. Schwärzwlder Kirschtorte

Does the word “Black Forest” ring a bell? This cake, which is a staple of French pastry-making, is so popular all over the world that many countries and even regions have made it one of their best pastries. Hamburg is no exception. The “Schwärzwlder Kirschtorte” stands out for its refinement and allure? Hamburgers love to add ripe cherries on top. With a cup of coffee, or why not a typical German beer, it’s an explosion of flavours on the palate!

10. The Labkaus

What better way to finish this ranking than to introduce you to the Labkaus. A unique dish, unlike any other, featuring a variety of foods. What makes it stand out in particular? The beef in brine with a runny egg on top. It’s a much-loved and much-eaten dish throughout northern Germany. The locals add potatoes, a few slices of herring (the one and only), onions, beetroot and other vegetables such as gherkins.