Fränkischer Karpfen

Known affectionately by many as the 'Franconian pond cow', carp is a Franconian national dish. In many areas, carp is bred in ponds and prepared in a number of traditional restaurants, usually either cooked in fat or in fish broth. It is quite popular as a food during Lent.

The fish is very tasty, and can be prepared in many different ways; filleted, steamed for casseroles, boiled in soups, etc. In recent years, carp fillet in the form of crispy 'carp chips' has become a highly sought-after menu item. In honor of the carp, the region of Franconia has even developed a special bike path: the Franconian carp bike path runs through a landscape dotted with carp ponds, and provides cyclists with a great deal of information on fisheries and aquaculture in Franconia.