When I tell people that I studied abroad in Europe, they immediately bring up food. They mention how jealous they are that I was able to eat homemade pasta from Italy and fluffy crepes from France. Germany is not typically on their list as a foodie hub. It does not have the reputation of a country with rich culinary delights, yet I personally have a strong affinity for the cuisine, likely due to my own German heritage and upbringing.

My brother Matt and I spent a few days exploring Berlin and Munich. Our beverage and culinary adventures in Germany were some of my favorite study abroad memories. We drank Glühwein at the foot of the Neuschwanstein Castle. Sipped hot cocoa at a winter carnival at Potsdamer Platz. Chugged ein Maß of beer at Hofbräuhaus. We ate traditional German foods like pretzels, wiener schnitzel, bratwurst, pork knuckle, and gulasch soup, as well as more modern versions of these classic favorites.

One particularly interesting adaptation was at Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Matt noticed a hole-in-the-wall shop with a sign that read ‘Currywurst’. He recognized the name from a History Channel show and suggested that we try it out. The sausages were boiled then fried and sliced into inch thick bites. They were basically hot dogs smothered in a curry ketchup and they were surprisingly delicious. I chose to add a layer of fried onions and jalapenos below the thick layer of red goodness. I also got a side of creamy potato salad that refreshed my palate from the kick of curry and jalapenos.

After enjoying the currywurst, we walked by Kamps bakery and I eyed down a crumbly, gooey, cookie looking treat. I discovered that this mystery baked good was known as streuseltaler and I needed to try it.

It was a thin layer of doughy, moist yellow cake that was topped with streusel. The whole treat was then covered with a sticky white icing glaze. DEEEEEEELICIOUS! This is a dessert that I’ve searched for back home in Philadelphia, but still have not had success finding it.

What are your thoughts on German cuisine?