What and Where to Eat in Hamburg

Hamburg has plenty to offer visitors. From impressive museums to outstanding food and drink, the city is truly unique. Located on the Elbe River and close to the North Sea, Hamburg enjoys mild summers. The city abounds in outdoor activities, especially water sports. And if you’re looking to unwind, Hamburg’s nightlife is vibrant and lively.

Just like other foodie capitals, Hamburg offers dining options across the entire city. From traditional German dishes to a huge variety of international cuisines. Classic Hamburg gastronomy focuses more on lighter dishes, featuring fish and vegetables. Local fare is heavily influenced by its proximity to the North Sea—fish and shrimp are among the most common ingredients you’ll find in Hamburg recipes. One of the city’s most famous bites is the Fischbrötchen, which literally translates to “fish sandwich.”

10 Typical Dishes to Try in Hamburg

1. Fischbrötchen, Fish Sandwich

Ask locals about Hamburg’s food, and you’ll immediately hear about Fischbrötchen. This iconic fish or shrimp sandwich is the street food Hamburg is best known for. You’ll find many variations, but a classic version includes pickled herring, raw onions, pickles, and remoulade. Pick up a Fischbrötchen from kiosks along the Elbe, or from Hamburg’s numerous food trucks dotted around the city.

2. Currywurst, Curry Sausage

Currywurst is a German sausage covered in a special curry-spiced sauce and served with a bun. You’ll find currywurst all over Germany—it’s a beloved staple of the national street food scene. The best versions are served at small stands. In Hamburg, locals recommend Mö-Grill Mönckebergstraße for an authentic Currywurst experience.

3. Hummersuppe, Lobster Soup

Hummersuppe is a creamy lobster soup and a staple due to Hamburg’s port heritage. No wonder it’s popular—lobster is the star ingredient. Like most soups, Hummersuppe is typically ordered as a starter before your main dish.

4. Rundstück Warm, Hot Beef or Pork Sandwich

If you’re vegetarian, Rundstück Warm is not for you. This warming open-faced sandwich usually features slices of warm roast beef or pork, drenched in rich gravy. It’s commonly served with pickles, mustard, and a small salad.

5. Aalsuppe, Eel Soup

Aalsuppe is a classic Hamburg specialty, translated as eel soup. Interestingly, it originally contained no eel at all—the name once meant “all soup” (aol suppe) referring to whatever leftovers were around, from ham bones to vegetables. Eel was added later, and today eel is a signature ingredient. Aalsuppe is a must-try for foodies in Hamburg.

6. Königsberger Klopse, Juicy Meatballs

Königsberger Klopse are traditional German meatballs made with minced veal, or sometimes beef or pork, mixed with breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, and white pepper. The result is a tender but dense meatball, usually served in a caper sauce with roasted beets and boiled potatoes.

7. Kartoffelpuffers, Potato Fritters

Nearly all German restaurants in Hamburg will serve Kartoffelpuffers. These crispy potato fritters are a staple of German cuisine and a favorite Hamburg street food. Think of them as similar to rösti or hash browns—grated potatoes, flour, and eggs, shaped into patties and fried. Enjoy them as a snack or as a side to Hamburg-style stews and grilled meats.

8. Hamburger Pannfisch, Fish Dish

Pannfisch Hamburger is a classic dish made from pieces of fish fillet topped with a spicy mustard sauce. One of the best-known Hamburg restaurants for Pannfisch Hamburger is Daniel Wischer. Pannfisch is typically served with boiled potatoes.

9. Finkenwerder Scholle, Plaice with Bacon

This fried plaice specialty is named after Hamburg’s Finkenwerder district. The dish is made by stuffing plaice with crispy bacon, crabmeat, and onion, then baking it in the oven—although some chefs prefer pan-frying. Finkenwerder Scholle is featured in most Hamburg restaurants.

10. Franzbrötchen, Cinnamon Pastry

Hamburg has a vibrant coffee culture. When enjoying a cup, order a Franzbrötchen—a cinnamon roll, buttery and crumbly, and hard to resist. Franzbrötchen is typically eaten at breakfast, but you’ll also find versions with chocolate chips or raisins.

7 More Must-Try Hamburg Foods

1. Gruenkohl: stewed kale, German sausages, mixed vegetables and fried potatoes

2. Brathering, marinated herring lightly floured

3. Labskaus, minced meat with beetroot, boiled potatoes, and pickled herring

4. Rote Grütz, fruit dessert

5. Bratkartoffeln, fried potatoes with bacon

6. Butter Bei Die Fische, oven-baked fish dish with lots of butter

7. Birnen, Bohnen & Speck: pears, beans and bacon