Frankfurt Am Main Hesse, Germany Travel Guide
Frankfurt's cuisine is mainly traditional Hessian, known for its hearty and rustic character. Historically, it focused on readily available local ingredients. The city's role as a trade hub also meant early exposure to various culinary traditions.
Ingredients include pork (especially sausages), potatoes, apples, the seven "Frankfurter Grüne Soße" herbs, sauerkraut, onions, and hearty rye bread. Flavor profiles are often tangy, savory, and rich.
A cold sauce made with a specific blend of seven fresh herbs mixed with sour cream or quark, served with boiled potatoes and eggs.
The traditional local drink, a tart and refreshing beverage, defining Frankfurt's culinary identity.
A pungent, sour milk cheese marinated in oil, vinegar, and onions, served with caraway seeds and rye bread.
Experience Frankfurt's true flavors by trying these signature dishes and beverages.
A cold, creamy sauce made from seven specific fresh herbs. Served with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, or in the capacity of an accompaniment to boiled beef or Schnitzel.
Find it in traditional Hessian restaurants, especially in Sachsenhausen.
A small, round, semi-transparent sour milk cheese. It is marinated in oil, vinegar, and onions, often with caraway seeds, and served with rye bread.
Look for it in Apfelwein taverns.
Thin, parboiled pork sausages, lightly smoked, served in pairs with mustard and bread. Rippchen mit Kraut are cured and smoked pork cutlets served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.
Find them in traditional German eateries.
Small, marzipan-based pastries decorated with three almonds. Traditionally for Christmas, sometimes available year-round.
A rich layer cake shaped like a crown, typically made with buttercream, jam, and crunchy nut brittle.
Frankfurt boasts several acclaimed fine dining restaurants for a fancy culinary experience.
Comfortable dining options giveing good value and diverse cuisine.
Affordable options for quick bites, fresh produce, and local specialties.
Frankfurt's diversity ensures a wide array of international cuisine, including Italian, Turkish, Asian (Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese), Indian, West Asian, and American restaurants.
The Bahnhofsviertel and Berger Straße (in Bornheim) are good areas to explore.
Beyond traditional dishes, Frankfurt's street food scene features popular items like Currywurst (grilled sausage with spiced ketchup), Döner Kebab, and classic Bratwurst in a roll.
Widely available at Imbisse (snack bars) throughout the city.
Growing options, dedicated restaurants, and menu labels.
Halal in Turkish/Middle Eastern restaurants; Kosher in specific establishments.
Awareness growing; communicate needs, consider a translation card.
HappyCow App, online forums, clear communication.
Experience the unique atmosphere of taverns in Sachsenhausen, with communal tables, rustic decor, and a focus on Hessian food and drink. This is a cultural institution.
Found in zones like Alt-Sachsenhausen.
Restaurants in high-rise buildings offer panoramic views of the city's impressive skyline, providing a memorable dining experience.
Visit for stunning city vistas.
While less formalized, exploring local markets like the Kleinmarkthalle or dining at traditional Apfelwein taverns in Sachsenhausen offers a genuine glimpse into local life and community interactions.
Goethe-Institut Frankfurt offers intensive German language courses. Volkshochschule Frankfurt provides a range of language courses from beginner to advanced.
White asparagus season in spring (April-June) is a major culinary highlight. Many dining places showcase special asparagus menus during this time.
Young, partially fermented wine, available in autumn. It is often served with Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart), a seasonal pairing.
Glühwein (mulled wine), Bratwurst, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and gebrannte Mandeln (roasted almonds) are popular during the merry season.
Apple juice mixed with sparkling water, a refreshing and popular German drink.
A common choice for all ages.
Sparkling water is very common and often served with meals.
Usually available still or sparkling.
The city's signature drink, apple wine, is a defining element of its culinary identity, typically served in a Bembel and drunk from a Geripptes.
An indoor market hall with fresh produce, meats, and various small food stalls providing local and international specialties for lunch or snacks.
Frankfurt's culinary background includes robust, comforting Hessian dishes centered on local elements like pork, potatoes, and distinct herbs.
Frankfurt's food scene combines traditional Hessian flavors with a diverse international palate.
