TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Bavarian Foods
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Zwiebelrostbraten is a traditional dish that's served in most German and Austrian restaurants in Bavaria and Vienna, respectively. The dish is usually made with a combination of beef (sirloin steak), onions, flour, oil, butter, paprika, Dijon mustard, cream, beef stock, salt, and pepper.
The onions are sliced into rings, dipped in a mixture of flour and paprika, fried in oil, and set aside. The steaks are lightly pounded, seasoned with salt and pepper, coated with flour and paprika, fried in oil and butter on both sides, and removed from the pan.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Quarkbällchen, meaning quark balls, is a traditional snack that is typically made by combining quark, flour, eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and baking powder. Milk, melted butter, cinnamon, lemon zest, and corn or potato starch are also sometimes added to the combination.
The quark mixture is shaped into small balls which are deep-fried until golden brown on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Once done, the fried balls are usually coated in powdered or granulated sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Thought to hail from Bavaria, this sweet treat is generally enjoyed as an afternoon snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Nürnberger Bratwürste are small, thin sausages originating from the city of Nürnberg in the Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany. They are typically about 7 to 9 centimeters (2.75 to 3.5 inches) long and weigh around 20 to 25 grams each, making them much smaller and thinner compared to other types of German sausages.
The sausages are made from finely ground pork, often mixed with a blend of spices that typically includes marjoram, salt, pepper, and sometimes a hint of ginger or nutmeg, with marjoram being a signature ingredient that gives them their distinctive flavor.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Wurst
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Steckerlfisch (from steckerl, meaning a small pole or a stick in Bavarian) is a staple fish specialty in beer gardens and at folk fests and fairs throughout Germany, especially in the regions of Bavaria and Franconia.
It consists of a whole fish that’s been gutted and cleaned, then threaded on a stick and grilled over hot embers. Although early versions typically used freshwater white fish and trout, the selection of fish expanded with time, and it nowadays includes saltwater fish too, with mackerel as the most prominent choice.
The fish is typically either marinated or dusted with seasoned flour before cooking and once done, it is usually served in paper.
This rich, silky egg custard is thickened with gelatin and combined with whipped cream. It is traditionally served cold, and is usually garnished with pieces of fresh fruit or drizzled over with sweet sauces. Although its origins are quite unclear, it is known that Bavarian cream hails from either Germany or France.
Many French chefs worked in Bavaria during the 17th and 18th century, so it is believed that they learned the recipe there. Some believe that the dish was invented by a famous French chef Marie-Antoine Carême, who wrote a recipe for it in the early 18th century.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
The term Schweinshaxe is typically used in the southern parts of Germany, predominantly in Bavaria, and it usually refers to a whole pork knuckle that is roasted for hours until it is thoroughly cooked and the skin becomes golden brown and crispy. Pork knuckles are a staple in traditional German cuisine, and they come with various names such as hachse, haxe, haxn, knöchla, hechse, hämmchen, and bötel, mainly depending on the region and a slightly different preparation process.
Eisbein is the northern version of the dish that is typically cured or pickled and then boiled. Though it is commonly found in restaurants throughout the country and the region, Schweinshaxe is a quintessential dish at the popular folk festival Oktoberfest.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Wiesn Hendl is the Bavarian roasted chicken, traditionally seasoned only with salt and sometimes parsley, then grilled and sold as half a chicken or whole chicken. During the roasting process, the chicken is often doused with melted butter. It can be found in many beer gardens and it is especially popular during Oktoberfest.
When served, hendl is usually accompanied by potato salad or large pretzels called brezn.
VARIATIONS OF Wiesn Hendl
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Schweinebraten is a traditional pork roast originating from Bavaria. It is typically prepared for Sunday lunch and consists of sliced pork roast that's served with homemade gravy, semmelknödel (bread dumplings) or potato dumplings, and either sauerkraut or rotkohl (red cabbage).
When properly prepared, the meat should be succulent and very tender. The best part of pork to use for this dish is boneless pork shoulder. Before the preparation, pork is often rubbed with mustard, marjoram, or minced garlic, giving it a bit of extra flavor.
MOST ICONIC Schweinebraten
View moreServiettenknödel are German bread dumplings, or Semmelknödel that derive their name - napkin dumplings - from the way they are traditionally cooked: wrapped tightly and steamed inside a cloth napkin called serviette in German.
They are typically made with pieces of stale bread rolls, baguettes, or pretzels, milk, eggs, lard, and softened onions. The bread mixture is usually seasoned with salt and pepper, and it is often enhanced with freshly chopped parsley and nutmeg for extra flavor.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Semmelknödel
Dampfnudeln is a traditional dish made by steaming yeast dough dumplings in water, milk, and butter. After the liquids have evaporated, the dumplings are fried in butter until they develop a crispy crust on the bottom, while the top remains soft from the steaming process.
Dampfnudeln can be prepared in a savory or sweet versions. The savory version is a Palatinate specialty, steamed in salt water, typically without a filling, and it is usually accompanied by a thick potato soup. The sweet versions are usually filled with fruit jams and accompanied by vanilla custard or fruit compotes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Bavarian Food Producers
Metzgerei Obermaier is a family-owned butcher shop and artisanal producer of premium meat products based in Pliening, near Munich. With a long-standing tradition and dedication to quality, this butcher shop offers a wide range of fresh meats, traditional sausages, and cured delicacies crafted using authentic recipes.
Every product is made from carefully selected locally sourced meat, blended with special spice mixes, and aged under controlled conditions to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The modern production facility integrates all processing stages, from slaughtering to final preparation, strictly adhering to European quality and hygiene standards.
BEST Metzgerei Obermaier Meat Products
Käserei Champignon Hofmeister is a German cheese producer located in Bavaria. The company was established in 1908, and it specializes in producing soft cheeses, including the famous Cambozola, a blue-veined cheese that blends characteristics of Gorgonzola and Camembert.
Käserei Champignon Hofmeister uses traditional handcrafting techniques alongside modern technology to ensure the quality of their products. Their cheeses are made using milk from local farms, ensuring high freshness and quality standards.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019, 2018

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022, 2019

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2022, 2020, 2018, 2016
BEST Käserei Champignon Hofmeister Cheeses
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold
2024

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2021

European Beer Star - Gold
2020
BEST Brauerei Aying Franz Inselkammer Beers
The Hans Wirsching wine estate is one of the most traditional and renowned estates in Franconia. Our family has been growing grapes for several centuries. Currently, Andrea Wirsching manages the estate. On 90 hectares in and around Iphofen, we produce mainly dry white wines – that is our specialty.
The most important grape varieties are Silvaner, Riesling, Scheurebe, and white Pinot varieties (Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris).
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2022

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2016
St. Kilian Distillers is a German single malt whisky distillery founded in 2012 in Rüdenau, Bavaria. Located in a former textile factory, the distillery is named after St. Kilian, an Irish-Scottish missionary who worked in Würzburg. St. Kilian Distillers is renowned for its innovation and diverse product range, including special editions created in collaboration with famous personalities and musical bands.
Their "White Dog" won the award for the best in the world in 2018.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2023, 2022

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023

European Spirits Challenge - Silver
2023
BEST St. Kilian Distillers Spirits
Agnes Bernrieder GmbH Getränkevertrieb is a family-owned company established in 1983, specializing in the distribution of beverages. The company is headquartered at Münchener Straße 30, 85667 Oberpframmern, Germany. Operating under the BERNRIEDER GETRÄNKE brand, it offers a wide range of high-quality products, including non-alcoholic beverages, wines, champagnes, and spirits.
In addition to retail sales, BERNRIEDER GETRÄNKE provides supplementary services such as beverage delivery, event and celebration services, and trade fair support, making it a standout in the beverage distribution sector. The company is also the proud producer of KAIZA 5 Gin, a premium gin inspired by the free-spirited essence of South Africa.
AWARDS

World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2024, 2022

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
BEST Kaiza 5 Spirits
AWARDS

Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2020

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2021, 2020

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2021
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022, 2021
BEST Zamora Company Global S.L.U. Wines
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
BEST Brauhaus Faust Beers
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2021
BEST Privatbrauerei M.C. WIENINGER Beers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Bavarian Food Products
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2020, 2016
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold
2024

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021

European Beer Star - Gold
2020
Montagnolo Affiné is a soft, creamy blue cheese from Germany, known for its rich, indulgent flavor. The cheese is triple-cream, which gives it a luxurious, buttery texture that melts in the mouth. The blue veins provide a mild, tangy flavor, making it less sharp than typical blue cheeses.
The aging process enhances the complexity of its flavors, balancing earthy notes with a slight sweetness.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
Kaiza 5 Gin is a premium gin inspired by the free-spirited essence of South Africa, designed to blend exotic aromas with the traditional character of gin. This carefully distilled gin is crafted in small batches to ensure superior quality and consistent flavor.
Its profile features a perfect harmony of classic botanicals like juniper and coriander, combined with vibrant citrus notes and exotic plants inspired by African flora. With an alcohol content of 43%, it comes in an elegant 500 ml bottle that reflects the sophistication of the brand.
AWARDS

World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2024, 2022

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
An ode to freshness and maturity, this award-winning Premier Cru Brut Blanc Champagne will transport you to the lushness of the French countryside after rain. With crisp apples, juicy plums, and an earthy, vegetal edge, the nose pays homage to a variety of garden flavours.
All while subtle notes of cinnamon and exotic fruits linger further afield, unfolding at the perfect moment and staying for a prime length.
AWARDS

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2021

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2021, 2020
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2021
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023

International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sweet Wine 2023 - Alois Kracher Trophy
2023
Cambozola is a semi-soft blue cheese that combines the creamy texture of a brie with the distinctive flavor of Gorgonzola. It is often characterized by its mild, slightly tangy taste that appeals to a wide range of palates. This cheese is aged longer than traditional brie, giving it a unique consistency and depth of flavor.
Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed on a cheese platter, melted over dishes, or paired with fruits and wines.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2019

Global Cheese Awards - Best
2019
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2014








TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Bavarian Foods” list until March 27, 2025, 3,177 ratings were recorded, of which 2,744 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.