North Rhine Westphalia, Germany
Aachen's cuisine stems from traditional German cooking. Its location in the Rhineland and proximity to Belgium and the Netherlands impact it greatly. The city features hearty, comforting dishes often featuring meat, potatoes, and regional produce.
Staples include pork, beef, potatoes (often prepared in various forms like dumplings or pancakes), cabbage, and various types of bread. Flavors tend to be savory and robust. Common spices include mustard, caraway, and paprika. Sweet dishes often incorporate fruit and rich pastries.
A marinated pot roast, usually beef, sometimes horse. It cooks until tender. This dish comes with a rich, slightly sweet-and-sour gravy. The gravy often thickens with 'Printen' and has flavors from raisins.
A hearty dish. Its name means "Heaven and Earth." Traditionally, it features mashed potatoes and applesauce. It often includes pan-fried black pudding (Blutwurst) and fried onions.
A potato casserole, also found.
This represents the most iconic local specialty. Printen are a type of spiced gingerbread, often rectangular and hard. Softer varieties ("Weichprinten") and chocolate-covered versions also exist.
Where to find: Specialist bakeries like Nobis Printen (multiple locations) and Klein Printenbäckerei (Büchel 28). They make excellent edible souvenirs.
A marinated pot roast, usually beef, sometimes horse. It cooks until tender. This dish comes with a rich, slightly sweet-and-sour gravy. The gravy often thickens with 'Printen' and has flavors from raisins.
Where to find: Traditional German and Rhineland restaurants. Ask your hotel for recommendations.
These are crispy potato pancakes. They typically come hot with applesauce (Apfelmus). Sometimes they appear with smoked salmon or crème fraîche. Reibekuchen forms a popular snack at markets and some traditional eateries.
Where to find: Market stalls and traditional eateries.
A jam-filled doughnut, especially popular during Carnival season.
A wide variety of cakes appear in cafes. Look for fruit tarts like Apfelkuchen (apple cake) or Käsekuchen (cheesecake).
Aachen holds several upscale restaurants. They often present modern German or European cuisine. Restaurant Zum Postwagen or La Becasse.
The city center and surrounding areas present a vast selection of mid-range restaurants.
Döner Kebap Shops: These are extremely popular and affordable.
Held on Münsterplatz (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays). It includes fresh local produce, cheeses, meats, and sometimes food stalls selling prepared dishes like Reibekuchen.
This market a deep connection to local life.
This changes the city center into a vast food and drink market during Advent.
A must-visit for festive treats.
Numerous Italian pizzerias and restaurants.
Döner Kebap and other Turkish specialties.
Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Sushi options.
Growing options for plant-based diets.
German restaurants typically recognize food allergies. Inform staff about your dietary restrictions.
For gluten-free needs, look for 'glutenfrei' on menus. While awareness grows, dedicated gluten-free bakeries or restaurants remain limited.
Learn phrases like 'Ich habe eine Allergie gegen...' (I have an allergy to...).
Carrying a small card with your dietary restrictions translated into German proves useful.
Utilize online search engines, restaurant review sites, and apps like HappyCow (for vegan/vegetarian) to find suitable dining establishments.
Inform staff about dietary restrictions upon arrival.
Specific cooking classes focused on Aachener Printen or Rhineland cuisine might be conducted by local culinary schools or private chefs.
Check local community centers or art schools for occasional workshops.
RWTH Aachen University German language courses, including intensive summer courses.
Some traditional German pubs in Aachen emulate the "Brauhaus" atmosphere. They feature hearty German fare alongside a selection of beers.
Experiencing the variety of Aachener Printen at a traditional local bakery or cafe forms an unique culinary highlight.
Feel free to try a 'Döner Kebap' from a local shop. It is a popular, affordable, and flavorful quick meal.
During the Christmas market season, the city center changes into a festive wonderland. Visit in late November or December for a truly magical experience.
Aachen's cuisine mirrors its German roots with influences from Belgium and the Netherlands, featuring hearty traditional dishes.
Consider exploring food and dining experiences through GetYourGuide. They often feature local food tours or cooking classes.
