Frankfurt

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Traditional Cuisine

Explore Frankfurt's authentic local dishes, including specialties like Frankfurter Grüne Soße, Handkäs mit Musik, and Apfelwein.

Sections

1. Signature Dishes of Frankfurt

a. Frankfurter Grüne Soße (Green Sauce)

  • Cultural Significance: This cold herb-based sauce is a beloved specialty of Frankfurt and the surrounding Hesse region. It is said to have been a favorite of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the famous German writer born in Frankfurt.
  • Ingredients: The sauce is made from seven specific fresh herbs (parsley, chives, chervil, borage, sorrel, cress, and salad burnet), mixed with sour cream, yogurt, or quark (a type of fresh cheese), and often flavored with mustard, vinegar, and hard-boiled eggs.
  • Preparation: The herbs are finely chopped and blended with the creamy base. It is typically served cold over boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs or alongside meats like boiled beef or schnitzel.
  • Where to Try:
    • Atschel (traditional apple wine tavern in Sachsenhausen)
    • Zum Gemalten Haus (another iconic tavern in Sachsenhausen)
  • Price Range: €10–€15 for a dish featuring Grüne Soße.
  • Dining Tip: It’s often served as a vegetarian dish, but confirm with the server if you have dietary restrictions.

b. Frankfurter Würstchen (Frankfurt Sausages)

  • Cultural Significance: These thin, smoked pork sausages have been a staple in Frankfurt for centuries and are protected under EU law, meaning only sausages made in the region can bear the name.
  • Ingredients: Made from finely minced pork, lightly seasoned, and smoked over beechwood.
  • Preparation: The sausages are traditionally boiled (not fried or grilled) and served with mustard, bread rolls, or potato salad.
  • Where to Try:
    • Kleinmarkthalle (a famous indoor market with food stalls)
    • Schreiber-Heyne (a butcher shop specializing in local sausages)
  • Price Range: €5–€10 for a serving of sausages with sides.
  • Dining Tip: Pair them with a glass of Apfelwein (apple wine) for a truly local experience.

c. Handkäse mit Musik (Hand Cheese with Music)

  • Cultural Significance: This is a quintessential Hessian dish, often enjoyed in traditional apple wine taverns. The "music" refers to the sound of diners’ conversations or, humorously, the digestive effects of the dish.
  • Ingredients: Handkäse is a sour milk cheese, marinated in a dressing of vinegar, oil, onions, and caraway seeds.
  • Preparation: The cheese is served cold, often with rye bread or pretzels.
  • Where to Try:
    • Apfelwein Wagner (a classic apple wine tavern in Sachsenhausen)
    • Zur Sonne (another popular tavern in the same district)
  • Price Range: €5–€8 per portion.
  • Dining Tip: It’s customary to eat this dish with your hands, using the bread to scoop up the cheese and onions.

d. Rippchen mit Kraut (Pork Chops with Sauerkraut)

  • Cultural Significance: A hearty and satisfying dish, this is a favorite among locals, especially during colder months.
  • Ingredients: Cured and smoked pork chops, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes or bread.
  • Preparation: The pork is slow-cooked or steamed to retain its tenderness and served alongside tangy sauerkraut and creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Where to Try:
    • Zum Eichkatzerl (a cozy tavern in Sachsenhausen)
    • Paulaner am Dom (a restaurant near Frankfurt Cathedral)
  • Price Range: €12–€18 for a full meal.
  • Dining Tip: Sauerkraut in Frankfurt is often milder and slightly sweeter than in other parts of Germany.

e. Bethmännchen (Almond Marzipan Cookies)

  • Cultural Significance: These small, sweet treats are a Frankfurt Christmas tradition, named after the wealthy Bethmann family.
  • Ingredients: Marzipan, powdered sugar, rosewater, and almonds.
  • Preparation: The marzipan dough is shaped into small balls, topped with three almond halves, and baked until golden.
  • Where to Try:
    • Konditorei Hollhorst (a traditional bakery)
    • Kleinmarkthalle (various stalls sell them, especially during the holiday season)
  • Price Range: €1–€2 per cookie.
  • Dining Tip: These are often enjoyed with coffee or tea.

2. Drinks to Accompany Your Meal

a. Apfelwein (Apple Wine)

  • Cultural Significance: Known as "Ebbelwoi" in the local dialect, this tart, fermented apple cider is the drink of choice in Frankfurt and a symbol of Hessian culture.
  • Where to Try:
    • Frau Rauscher (a popular apple wine tavern)
    • Apfelwein Dax (a family-run establishment)
  • Price Range: €2–€4 per glass, €10–€15 for a Bembel (a traditional ceramic jug).
  • Dining Tip: It’s typically served in a ribbed glass called a "Geripptes." If you’re sharing a Bembel, pour for others before yourself.

b. Ebbelwoi Spritzer

  • A lighter version of Apfelwein mixed with sparkling water, perfect for those who prefer a milder drink.

3. Dining Customs and Etiquette in Frankfurt

  1. Reservations: It’s a good idea to make reservations, especially for popular apple wine taverns or fine dining restaurants.
  2. Tipping: A tip of 5–10% is customary. Round up the bill to the nearest euro or add a few euros for good service.
  3. Sharing Tables: In traditional taverns, it’s common to share tables with strangers. Greet them with a friendly "Guten Tag" (Good day).
  4. Cash vs. Card: Many smaller establishments and taverns prefer cash, so carry some euros with you.
  5. Pace of Dining: Meals are leisurely, and it’s considered polite to stay and enjoy your time rather than rushing.
  6. Toast Etiquette: When toasting with Apfelwein or beer, make eye contact and say "Prost!"

4. Where to Explore Frankfurt’s Culinary Scene

  • Kleinmarkthalle: This indoor market is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from fresh produce to local specialties.
  • Sachsenhausen District: Known for its traditional apple wine taverns and authentic Hessian cuisine.
  • Fressgass: A street lined with restaurants, cafes, and food shops, perfect for sampling a variety of dishes.

5. Seasonal Specialties

  • Frankfurt Christmas Market: Held in December, this market is famous for its festive foods like roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and Bethmännchen.
  • Spargelzeit (Asparagus Season): In spring, white asparagus dishes are widely available and highly celebrated.

By exploring Frankfurt’s culinary landscape, you’ll not only enjoy delicious food but also gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s culture and traditions. Bon appétit—or as the locals say, "Guten Appetit!"