Page Text: Top foods in Dortmund, Germany
Top foods in Dortmund, Germany
by George Black
1. Currywurst - a classic start
2. Bratwurst - a strong continuation
3. Frankfurter - a universal offering
4. Doner kebabs - a break from the classics
5. Potato sausage - a not-so-crazy idea
6. Wiener schnitzel - austere and classy
7. Berliner - a sweet interlude
8. Gyros - a Greek curiosity
9. Lahmacun - something more exotic
10. Falafels - a solid finisher
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The third-largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund hardly lacks in pedigree or standing. It used to be an Imperial Free City, it survived the destruction of the Thirty-Years' War, and it still manages to be the pillar of industry and development even after the classic industrial might gave way to high-tech research. Dortmund is also home to the Technical University of Dortmund and Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, making it a centre of culture and science as well. In a distinguished place like that, getting to know the food scene is always a pleasure.
1. Currywurst - a classic start
Currywurst
Currywurst is a fried sausage with a special sauce, based on ketchup (or tomato paste) and curry powder.
#1 of 513 fast food in Dortmund
Fast food, German
Petrikirchhof, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Closed now $$$$
No one would deny that German sausages are the most stereotypical kind of food you can imagine when talking about the country's gastronomical scene. However, there's also no denying that the sausages are great, and the reputation that bore the stereotype is stellar. A classic example would be currywurst , the traditional steamed and fried sausage, usually pork, but in the hands of inventive chefs, almost any meat can be adapted to the recipe. Naturally, the sausages should be served with curry ketchup, a sauce based on spiced ketchup or tomato paste topped with curry powder.
Wurst Willi would be a great option for currywurst.
2. Bratwurst - a strong continuation
Bratwurst
Bratwurst is one of the most famous of German sausages. It is made from pork, beef or veal and usually grilled. Bratwurst is typically served with potatoes and sauerkraut.
#64 of 1730 restaurants in Dortmund
Fast food
Mittelstraße 1, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Closed now $$$$
Another sausage on our list, this time a proven classic. The recipe for bratwurst dates back to the Middle Ages, and recipes actually vary depending on the part of Germany you're in when you feel the need for some strong sausage. The basis is still the same, though, as it is always a sausage from chopped meat. The main ingredient is traditionally pork, but beef and veal are usually incorporated amongst a blend in modern iterations of the dish. Naturally, this makes bratwurst rather hefty and strong.
How about some bratwurst at Imbiss Hohe Straße?
3. Frankfurter - a universal offering
Frankfurter
Frankfurter is made from a mixture of pork and beef, stuffed into thin sheep casings and lightly smoked to give the finished product a pleasant smoky flavor and golden brown color.
#26 of 1730 restaurants in Dortmund
Italian
Goeben Straße 1, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
ClosedOpens at 4PM $$$$
The next item on our list is yet another sausage, this time hailing from another distinguished city, Frankfurt. The frankfurter sausages became popular around the globe thanks to the versatility and applicability of the recipe that's far more interesting than regular old hotdogs. There are actually several variations of the sausage under the same umbrella term, and all of them have something special to offer, but the important part is always the same - a pork or beef sausage suitable for grilling or boiling.
La Romantica Da Franco Dortmund has many local and non-local offerings like that.
4. Doner kebabs - a break from the classics
Doner kebabs
Doner kebab is a layer of tender boneless meat of chicken, lamb or beef, seasoned with spices. The dish is slowly fried on a rotating vertical metal rod near the hot coals.
#16 of 844 cafes in Dortmund
Greek
Hohe Str. 5, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
ClosedOpens at 12PM $$$$
Finally, an offering on our list that isn't a sausage! It's been noted by many that kebabs are becoming increasingly popular in Germany. Some attribute it to the changing social structure and diversification of the cultural environments, some think it's the effect of globalization, but the food is tasty in any case. Doner kebabs in particular are made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The sliced meat of a doner kebab may be served on a plate with various accompaniments, stuffed into a pita or other type of bread.
Great doner kebabs can be found at Filia.
5. Potato sausage - a not-so-crazy idea
Potato sausage
It is also known as vederai and it is a simple Lithuanian dish stuffed with grated potatoes and onions. You can enjoy a vegetarian sausage or try this dish filled with chopped bacon.
#2 of 777 pubs & bars in Dortmund
German
Betenstraße 1, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
ClosedOpens at 11AM $$$$
We're back to sausages again, but this time with an unexpected twist. There are different kinds of sausages in Germany, over a thousand varieties, in fact, yet most of them are associated with meat. However, potato sausages are a very real thing. Despite them not being as well-known as other varieties, they are actually quite beloved by the locals. The main problem is that very few chefs can actually make proper potato sausages, so hunting down the right place is a challenge.
Wenkers am Markt is one of such places in Dortmund.
6. Wiener schnitzel - austere and classy
Wiener schnitzel
A very thin piece of tender veal, breaded in flour, eggs and breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden brown.