Top 10 traditional German Christmas dishes that cannot be missed

When Christmas comes, Germany is filled with a joyful atmosphere in the red, white and green of pine trees, bright candles, and bright lights. Along with the gentle snowy scene, bustling Christmas markets stretch throughout the old town, captivating people with the fragrant aroma of traditional dishes. On Christmas Eve, Germans gather around the table, sharing joy and enjoying dishes with a strong local flavor.

From fragrant sausages to soft, sweet gingerbread, every German Christmas dish carries a classic flavor that has been passed down from generation to generation. Each flavor, each spice is carefully selected, like a touch of lyrical harmony on a cold winter night. Discover the unique Christmas dishes that cannot be missed, to feel the typical German culinary culture and experience the sweet cold of this festive season.

1. Stollen (Dresden Christmas Bread)

Stollen is one of the symbols of German Christmas dishes (Photo source: Collected)

Stollen is one of the most iconic German Christmas treats, especially the Dresden version. It is a sweet bread made from flour, yeast, butter and dried fruits such as raisins, pickled citrus peels and almonds. The surface is covered with a thick layer of powdered sugar, creating an image that resembles the baby Jesus wrapped in white swaddling clothes.

The recipe for Stollen has been passed down for centuries and is strictly protected by the Dresden Stollen Association. Every year, the city of Dresden holds a Stollen festival with a giant cake weighing many tons, attracting thousands of visitors to come and enjoy.

2. Lebkuchen (Nuremberg Gingerbread)

Lebkuchen is a traditional gingerbread (Image source: Collected)

Lebkuchen are traditional gingerbread cookies, especially popular in the city of Nuremberg. They are made from flour, honey, and spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and citrus peel. This German Christmas treat comes in a variety of shapes, from hearts to stars, and is often decorated with almonds and fruit preserves.

The tradition of making Lebkuchen in Nuremberg dates back to the 14th century and is protected by the EU as a geographical indication. The cakes are not only a food but also a Christmas decoration, with beautiful wishes and drawings on the surface.

3. Gänsebraten (Roasted Goose)

Gänsebraten is a traditional dish in German Christmas dinner (Photo source: Collected)

Gänsebraten, or roast goose, is the traditional main course for a German Christmas dinner. The goose is seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs and roasted in the oven until the skin is golden brown and the meat is tender and flavorful. The dish is often served with knödel (steamed dumplings) and stewed red cabbage. The tradition of eating goose at Christmas originated in honor of Saint Martin, and has become an integral part of German Christmas food culture.

4. Glühwein (Mulled wine)

Glühwein is an indispensable drink during the German Christmas season (Photo source: Collected)

Glühwein is an indispensable drink during the Christmas season in Germany. This is a type of red wine that is heated with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, orange peel and sugar. This drink not only helps to keep you warm in cold weather but also creates a typical festive atmosphere at Christmas markets. Each region has its own Glühwein recipe, some places add rum or amaretto to enhance the flavor. This drink is often served in special ceramic cups printed with Christmas motifs.

5. Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Star Cookies)

Cinnamon star cookies (Image source: Collected)

Zimtsterne are star-shaped cookies made with almond flour, egg whites and cinnamon, covered with a glossy white glaze. They have a distinct cinnamon flavor and a slightly sweet taste, making them a popular Christmas dessert. Making Zimtsterne is an important family tradition, often done during Advent. They are not only eaten but also used to decorate the Christmas tree. Don't miss out on this German Christmas treat!

6. Potato Salad with Sausages (Potato Salad with Sausages)

This is a traditional dish for Christmas Eve dinner (Photo source: Collected)

This is a traditional German Christmas dish served at Christmas Eve dinner (December 24) in many German families. Potato salad is made with boiled potatoes, onions, pickles, and mayonnaise or vinaigrette, served with hot sausages. This simple dish reflects the Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve, and is an easy dish to prepare so that the family can spend more time together.

7. Christstollen (Fruit Bread)

Christstollen is a special version of Stollen cake dedicated to Christmas (Image source: Collected)

Christstollen is a special Christmas version of Stollen. This German Christmas treat has a distinctive shape with a fold in the middle, symbolizing the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. The inside of the cake is filled with dried fruits, nuts and delicious spices. Each German family usually has their own Christstollen recipe that is passed down from generation to generation. The cake can be made a few weeks before Christmas to allow the flavors to develop and deepen.

8. Spekulatius (Spice Cookies)

Spekulatius is a thin, crispy cookie with a distinctive flavor (Image source: Collected)

Spekulatius are thin, crispy biscuits flavored with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. They are usually made in traditional wooden molds with beautiful carvings depicting stories about Saint Nicholas. Spekulatius are not only eaten as a snack but also used to decorate Christmas trees and as Christmas gifts. The characteristic aroma of the biscuits contributes to creating a Christmas atmosphere in every family.

9. Printen (Aachen Gingerbread)

Printen is a special gingerbread of Aachen city (Photo source: Collected)

Printen is a special gingerbread from the city of Aachen, made with molasses, spices and sometimes coated with chocolate or almonds. It has a firmer texture than regular Lebkuchen and a rich, distinctive flavour. The recipe for Printen is closely guarded and can only be made in Aachen. It is not only a Christmas treat but also a popular souvenir.

10. Dominosteine ​​(Multilayer chocolate cake)

Each small piece of Dominosteine ​​contains all the flavors of Christmas (Image source: Collected)

Dominosteine ​​is a sweet cake made of several layers: gingerbread base, fruit preserves, almond cream and chocolate coating. It was invented after World War I as a popular version of Praline. Dominosteine ​​is small but full of Christmas flavor. It is usually beautifully packaged and is a popular Christmas gift.

German Christmas food is not only delicious food but also a way to experience the country's long-standing culture and traditions. Each dish has its own story and plays an important role in creating the warm, typical German Christmas atmosphere. Whether you are a local or an international tourist, enjoying German Christmas cuisine will definitely leave you with unforgettable memories.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-giang-sinh-o-duc-v15874.aspx