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What to eat in Central Europe? Top 4 Central European Dips

Last update: Fri Mar 21 2025
Top 4 Central European Dips
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01

Dip

POLAND
4.2
Gzik
Gzik infographic
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The basic version of this traditional Polish spread consists of fresh cottage cheese, yogurt, milk, and chives, while some varieties occasionally incorporate radish, onions, or hard-boiled eggs. The seasonings and the texture of gzik are easily adjusted to taste and preference, and even though it can be used as a dip or a sandwich spread, it is traditionally served alongside boiled potatoes.

02

Dip

MAINZ, Germany
4.1
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Originally from Mainz, meenzer spundekäs is a type of traditional cream cheese dip or spread. It typically consists of a mixture of cream cheese, quark, sour cream, finely chopped onions, and garlic, seasoned with sweet paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.


The dip is usually topped with sliced onions and served with salty pretzels. It is typically paired with a glass of wine or a cold beer. Boiled potatoes and radishes can also accompany the dip, or they can be smeared on bread. Rich and creamy, this cheese dip is a staple at restaurants and wine taverns throughout the region. 
03

Spread

ŽILINA REGION, Slovakia
3.7
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Described as a simple, paprika-spiced cheese spread, liptauer is one of the classic dishes that usually consists of different type of fresh or cream cheeses, blended with ground paprika and a variety of fresh herbs and spices. Even though there has been a long dispute over the true origin of this classic Central European spread, its name certainly derives from the German term used for the Slovak Liptov region.


Due to its presence in traditional Hungarian and Austrian cuisine, it is believed to have been created during the period of Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Today, it appears in numerous variations throughout many European countries, and it is usually enjoyed as a dip, a spread, or a creamy, spicy accompaniment to grilled meat.

MOST ICONIC Liptauer

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04

Spread

EASTERN GERMANY, Germany
n/a
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Schmand und glumse is a traditional dip or spread originating from East Germany. It’s usually made with a combination of onions, sour cream, yogurt, olive oil, hard-boiled eggs, chives, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Originally, this dip and spread was made with schmand, a type of thick cream with a minimum of 20% fat, but sour cream is used today as a substitute.


The onions are blanched, drained, cooled, and finely chopped. Yogurt is mixed with sour cream and olive oil until smooth, and the mixture is then enriched with onions, eggs, chives, lemon juice, sugar, and seasonings. Schmand und glumse is chilled, and it’s then served as a dip for potatoes cooked in their skins or as a bread spread.

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Central European Dips