When people think of German food, it is often sausages, bread and sauerkraut that springs to mind, but if you stay in a property in Germany, you will soon discover that there is much more to the nation’s cuisine.

As with any country, you will find regional specialities wherever you go and you will also discover that there are some German habits when it comes to food that you simply must try.

‘Kaffee and Kuchen’ – or coffee and cake – is one such example that you will discover all over the nation. Spending an afternoon drinking a hot beverage and indulging in a thick slice of gateaux is commonplace at weekends – and surely something you won’t be able to resist during a stay in property in Germany.

Regional specialities to try on trips to property in Germany

Many of the dishes cooked in Germany can be described as hearty, featuring meat – usually pork or beef – potatoes and rich flavours.

In the north of the country, you may come across a meal known as Labskaus, which is made using meat, fish, potatoes and vegetables. The speciality originated in Hamburg but is now popular all over the region. Corned beef is mixed with mashed potato and beetroots and then served with a pickled herring.

Meanwhile, in the south Himmel und Erde – which translates as heaven and earth – is something you should try if you want to sample authentic German cuisine. Sliced apples, potatoes and blood sausages are pan-fried together and served up to make a warming meal.

There are also seasonal, as well as regional, specialities and if you stay in German property between May and June, you are likely to see white asparagus on many menus as both a side dish and an entire meal in itself.

Stay in property in Berlin for a varied choice

When it comes to food in Germany, no where will you find a wider variety than in the capital city, Berlin.

Here you can sample some of the country’s staples, including Bratwurst and Currywurst – both types of sausage are available from street vendors all around the city – as well as high-quality restaurants serving up dishes such as schnitzel accompanied by potato dumplings.

If you want to have a taste of numerous different things then heading out for brunch on a Saturday or Sunday is highly advisable. Numerous restaurants – particularly in the Prenzlauerberg and Friedrichshain districts of the city – offer an all-you-can-eat buffet, usually for less than ten euros.

Here you can try the heavy German bread, cold meats and cheese that are often served for breakfast, followed by a range of hot meals and, of course, pastries and other sweets and cakes.

You should also remember that the city is home to large Turkish and Greek immigrant populations, so you will be able to find authentic cuisine from these southern European nations in restaurants around the city if you stay in property in Berlin.

Discover gourmet cooking during a stay in property in Germany

If you want to find some truly high-class cooking during you stay in property in Germany then you may be well-advised to head to Bergisch Gladbach, which is situated just outside Cologne, as it boasts not one, but two three-star Michelin establishments.

The Gourmet Restaurant Lerbach, which can be found in Schlosshotel Lerbach, is headed up by Nils Henkel, who uses local ingredients to create his culinary masterpieces.

Meanwhile, the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg is home to Vendome, another high-quality eatery, where Joachim Wissler is head chef.  Here you can sample unusual dishes such as guinea fowl, roasted calf’s head and raw goose liver marinated in bitter dark chocolate.