Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Essen, Germany
1. Bremen Rouladen
A traditional German dish made by rolling thin slices of beef around bacon, onions, and pickles, then simmered in a rich gravy. Try it at Alte Brauhaus Essen.
- Unique Ingredients: Bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor to the dish.
- Historic Restaurant: Alte Brauhaus Essen is one of the oldest restaurants in the city.
- Rich Gravy: The gravy, made from beef broth and red wine, adds depth to the dish.
2. Essen Kessel
A hearty stew made with various meats, vegetables, and beans, cooked slowly until tender. You can find Essen Kessel at Restaurant & Brauerei Zeppelin.
- Slow-Cooked: The long cooking process allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Historic Brewery: Restaurant & Brauerei Zeppelin has been brewing beer since 1874.
- Variety of Meats: Different types of meats give the stew a unique texture and flavor profile.
3. Westfälische Klöße
Soft dumplings made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, served with gravy. They are a must-try at Wirsching's.
- Soft Texture: The soft, pillowy texture of the dumplings is a comforting treat.
- Long-standing Restaurant: Wirsching's has been serving traditional Westphalian cuisine since 1827.
- Versatile Gravy: The gravy can be tailored to your taste, from mild to spicy.
4. Rote Grütze
A sweet berry compote served with vanilla sauce and whipped cream. Enjoy it at Café Krug.
- Fresh Berries: Café Krug uses fresh, local berries for their Rote Grütze.
- Historic Café: Café Krug was founded in 1902 and is a beloved institution in Essen.
- Versatile Toppings: You can choose from various toppings, such as vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream.
5. Essener Senfkügelchen
A small ball of mustard made from a local recipe, available at the Essen Market.
- Local Recipe: The mustard is made using a traditional Essen recipe.
- Unique Shape: The small, round shape of the mustard balls is instantly recognizable.
- Flavor Intensity: The mustard has a strong, tangy flavor that complements sandwiches and sausages.
6. Essener Bratwurst
A traditional German sausage made from pork, served with sauerkraut and mustard. Try it at Bratwurst Rieke.
- Traditional Recipe: Bratwurst Rieke has been following the same recipe since 1902.
- Fresh Ingredients: The sausage is made using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Historic Restaurant: Bratwurst Rieke is one of the oldest and most famous bratwurst stands in Essen.
7. Essener Fettbrötchen
A soft, fluffy roll filled with various spreads such as butter, cheese, or liverwurst. Try it at Backwerk Essen.
- Soft Texture: The rolls have a soft, light texture that melts in your mouth.
- Local Bakery: Backwerk Essen is a popular local bakery known for its fresh, high-quality products.
- Versatile Fillings: There are numerous fillings to choose from, catering to different tastes.
8. Essener Bleekuchen
A thin, crispy flatbread made from rye flour, traditionally served with cheese. Try it at Kaesebrot Essen.
- Crispy Texture: The Bleekuchen has a satisfying crunch that gives way to a soft, chewy interior.
- Local Ingredients: Kaesebrot Essen uses local rye flour and cheese in their Bleekuchen.
- Historic Bakery: Kaesebrot Essen has been baking since 1875, making it one of the oldest bakeries in Essen.
9. Essener Rindswurst
A large, beef sausage served with bread and mustard. Try it at Wurstelpracht.
- Large Size: The Essener Rindswurst is a hearty meal in itself.
- Traditional Recipe: Wurstelpracht uses a traditional Essen recipe for their sausages.
- Historic Stand: Wurstelpracht is one of the oldest and most famous sausage stands in Essen.
10. Essener Leckerküche
A dessert made with poppy seeds, breadcrumbs, and sugar, served with whipped cream. Try it at Café Krug.
- Sweet Flavor: The Leckerküche has a sweet, nutty flavor that is a delightful end to a meal.
- Historic Café: Café Krug was founded in 1902 and is a beloved institution in Essen.
- Unique Texture: The Leckerküche has a unique texture, with a crunchy exterior and soft interior.
11. Essener Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte
A classic German chocolate cake made with cherries, Kirsch liqueur, and whipped cream. Try it at Café Krug.
- Cherry Flavor: The rich cherry flavor is a standout in this classic dessert.
- Historic Café: Café Krug was founded in 1902 and is a beloved institution in Essen.
- Whipped Cream Topping: The whipped cream topping adds a light, airy touch to the dense chocolate cake.
12. Essener Kuchen mit Apfelmus
A fruit cake served with apple sauce. Try it at Wirsching's.
- Fruit-filled Cake: The cake is filled with various fruits, giving it a sweet, fruity flavor.
- Long-standing Restaurant: Wirsching's has been serving traditional Westphalian cuisine since 1827.
- Versatile Toppings: You can choose from various toppings, such as apple sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream.
13. Essener Quarkbällchen
Small balls made from Quark cheese, served with jam. Try them at Backwerk Essen.
- Creamy Texture: The soft, creamy texture of the Quarkbällchen is a comforting treat.
- Local Bakery: Backwerk Essen is a popular local bakery known for its fresh, high-quality products.
- Versatile Toppings: There are numerous jams to choose from, catering to different tastes.
14. Essener Leberkäse
A soft loaf made from minced meat and breadcrumbs, served with mustard. Try it at Bratwurst Rieke.
- Soft Texture: The Leberkäse has a soft, tender texture that is easy to eat.
- Traditional Recipe: Bratwurst Rieke has been following the same recipe since 1902.
- Historic Restaurant: Bratwurst Rieke is one of the oldest and most famous bratwurst stands in Essen.
15. Essener Dampfbübel
A sweet pastry filled with apples, served with vanilla sauce. Try it at Café Krug.
- Sweet Flavor: The Dampfbübel has a sweet, apple-filled flavor that is a delightful treat.
- Historic Café: Café Krug was founded in 1902 and is a beloved institution in Essen.
- Versatile Toppings: You can choose from various toppings, such as vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream.