Frankfurt’s food scene is a delicious mix of tradition, bold flavours, and local charm. From handkäse mit musik, a pungent cheese with a quirky name, to apfelwein, the city’s beloved apple wine, there are many local specialities that you won’t necessarily find elsewhere in Germany. Plus, some of the most famous traditional German foods can also be found in the city.
Exploring the local cuisine is one of the best ways to experience Frankfurt, and whether you’re dining in a traditional apfelweingaststätte or grabbing a quick bite from a street food stall, you’ll find plenty of options to try.
From must-try Frankfurt specialities to classic favourites you’ll find across the city, this guide covers all the best German food to eat in Frankfurt and where to find it.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Read more in my disclaimer.
What food is Frankfurt famous for?
Frankfurt has a rich culinary heritage with several unique foods and drinks that you might not find on a typical list of traditional German food. These dishes are beloved by locals and can be found in most traditional restaurants across the city.
I was lucky enough to explore Frankfurt’s food scene with a local, who introduced me to some of the city’s best-kept culinary secrets. Here are some Frankfurt specialities that you should try:
- Handkäse mit musik
- Apfelwein
- Schnitzel with green sauce
- Mispelchen
4 Frankfurt specialities to try
Handkäse mit musik
If you’re a fan of bold flavours, then handkäse mit musik is a must-try. This Frankfurt speciality is a pungent, sour cheese topped with onions and vinegar, usually served with a side of bread and butter.
The name is as quirky as the dish itself – literally translating to “hand cheese with music.” The handkäse part is simple enough, referring to the traditional method of shaping the cheese by hand. The jury’s out for mit musik, with a few explanations floating around – but Frankfurt locals will tell you it refers to the flatulence you’ll experience after eating raw onions, vinegar and sour cheese!
Apfelwein
Frankfurt’s signature drink is apfelwein – a tart, fermented drink that falls somewhere between cider and wine. Apfelwein is served up in a traditional Bembel jug and is often mixed with sparkling water or lemonade to take the edge off the sharp taste.
Apfelwein is so quintessentially Frankfurt, that it has its own type of bar – the apfelweingaststätte. These “apple wine restaurants” can be found all over the city, where locals gather to enjoy a glass or two. If you’re in Frankfurt in August, don’t miss the annual Apfelwein Festival, where the city comes alive with music, food, and, of course, plenty of apfelwein.
Frankfurter schnitzel with green sauce (grüner soße)
You’ve probably had schnitzel before, but have you had Frankfurter schnitzel? What makes it unique is the grüne soße (green sauce) – a creamy, herb-packed sauce made from a mix of seven locally grown herbs. It’s the perfect complement to the crispy pork schnitzel and a side of potatoes.
Not in the mood for schnitzel? No problem – you can try grüne soße served cold with boiled eggs and potatoes instead.
Mispelchen
At the end of a traditional dinner in Frankfurt, you might see a mysterious shot appear with a little round fruit floating in it. This is mispelchen, a Frankfurt speciality and a must-try when visiting the city.
Mispelchen consists of a shot of Calvados brandy served with a small medlar fruit (a tangy, peach/plum-like fruit). First, sip the brandy, then eat the fruit as a chaser. It’s the perfect way to round off a night out in Frankfurt!
Where to eat traditional food in Frankfurt?
Most German restaurants in Frankfurt will have all of these Frankfurt specialities on the menu. Locals will head to the Sachsenhausen neighbourhood, known for its apfelweingaststättes.
If you venture here, especially to the old town area (Alt-Sachsenhausen), you won’t need my help finding a good spot for apfelwein and local food – the bars basically line the streets! But here are a few local restaurants in Frankfurt to get you started:
Discover the top things to do in Frankfurt during your trip.
More traditional German food to eat in Frankfurt
As well as Frankfurt’s local food offerings, you’ll find plenty of traditional food from across Germany to try in the city. Here’s some of the best German food you can eat in Frankfurt.
Currywurst
Currywurst hails from Berlin and, unlike Frankfurt’s specialities that date back hundreds if not thousands of years, has been around since the late 1940s. Sliced sausage is drenched in a rich curry ketchup sauce, often topped with a spice mix and various other toppings. Some sauces are so spicy they have an age restriction and require an ID check before you can order them!
Currywurst has become one of the most popular fast food offerings in Germany and you’ll find it easily around Frankfurt – from street food stands to dedicated shops.
Where to try it: To try currywurst in Frankfurt, head to Best Worscht in Town, where you can customize your spice level and choose from a range of sauces. The wurst comes with a side of fries and bread to mop up all the delicious sauce.
Spezi
Try Germany’s own fizzy drink creation – Spezi. The drink, a mix of cola and orangeade, originated in Bavaria and has become a beloved soft drink across Germany. The name itself is a nod to its Southern German roots – Spezi means good friend or buddy.
You’ll find Spezi everywhere, from supermarkets to corner shops, and there are two main brands to choose from: the classic Spezi brand or Paulaner Spezi. Try both and decide which one you prefer!
Where to try it: Most supermarkets and corner stores.
Pretzel
Hailing from Southern Germany and dating back as far as medieval times, the German pretzel (or bretzel) has grown to become one of the most iconic traditional German snacks. It’s made from a simple dough, shaped into the signature twisted knot, then baked until golden brown with its classic crisp crust and soft, chewy inside.
You can find German pretzels in most bakeries in Frankfurt, supermarkets, and other outlets such as beer gardens. They may be served as a side to German sausage, with mustard, or sandwich style with fillings such as Spundekäs.
Where to try it: Ditsch – a popular bakery chain specializing in pretzels.
Haribo
Probably the most famous candy brand worldwide, Haribo began in Bonn – and there’s even a nod to the city in the name! The company invented the gummy bear back in the 1920s and has been creating cool gummy snacks ever since. Even if you’ve had Haribo before, Germany has a lot of unique flavours and special editions that you won’t see elsewhere, so you’ll want to try some on your trip to Frankfurt!
You’ll have to venture to Bonn to visit the famous Haribo factory outlet, but you can still find Haribo all over the city in Frankfurt – at supermarkets, department stores and more. Make sure you save some to take home as the perfect souvenir.
Where to try it: Müller, and most supermarkets.
Spundekäs
Another dish that goes down very well in a German beer garden, Spundekäs is a type of cheese spread with sour cream, garlic, paprika, and often onion added. Spundekäs originates from the Rhineland-Palatinate region and has strong links to the wine culture here (it goes very nicely with a glass of Riesling!). It’s also very popular in nearby Frankfurt.
Spundekäs is often served with pretzels or fresh bread, making it an ideal starter or snack to enjoy in one of Frankfurt’s traditional taverns.
Where to try it: Beer gardens and apfelweingaststätten, or as a pretzel filling at Ditsch.
From traditional Frankfurt specialities to classic German comfort food, there’s something for every taste, and with this guide in hand, you can easily discover all the best traditional German food in Frankfurt. So, whether you’re planning a trip to the city or just curious about its cuisine, I hope this guide has inspired you to try something new!
Have you been to Frankfurt and tried any of these dishes? Or do you have a favourite German food you think deserves a mention? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Liked this post? Share it!
