Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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1. Kölsch & Brauhaus zum Schlüssel

Traditional Cologne beer served in small mugs. Visit this historic brewery for an authentic experience.

Historic Atmosphere: Brauhaus zum Schlüssel is one of the oldest breweries in Cologne, offering a unique and traditional ambiance.
Pure Kölsch Brewing: The beer served here is brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law) of 1516.
Tasting Variety: Try several Kölsch varieties, each with their own unique flavors and brewing techniques.

Miniature sausages served in a roll with mustard. Try them at the lively Früh beer hall.

Lively Atmosphere: Früh is one of Cologne's most popular and bustling beer halls, offering a unique experience.
Traditional Snack: Kölsche Wurstchen is a traditional street food in Cologne, perfect for a quick bite.
Wide Beer Selection: Früh offers a wide variety of Kölsch beers to complement your Kölsche Wurstchen.

Heaven and Earth dish featuring potatoes, bacon, and onions. Try it at Fleischerei Schmitz.

Family Recipe: Fleischerei Schmitz has been using the same family recipe for Himmel un Ääd since 1923.
Comfort Food: This hearty dish is perfect for a cold day in Cologne, offering warmth and comfort.
Homemade Quality: All ingredients are freshly prepared daily, ensuring the best quality for this traditional dish.

Braised beef tripe and dumplings served in a rich gravy. Try it at Im Walfisch.

Historic Restaurant: Im Walfisch is one of the oldest restaurants in Cologne, dating back to 1695.
Regional Specialty: Gürze & Gürtelchen is a traditional dish from the Rhineland region, not commonly found outside of Cologne.
Comforting Dish: This hearty dish is perfect for a cold day in Cologne, offering warmth and comfort.

Sweet pastries filled with fruit and cream. Try them at Broichhof Bakery.

Fresh Ingredients: All Krüppelkuchen are baked fresh daily using high-quality ingredients.
Traditional Bakery: Broichhof is a traditional family bakery, known for its Krüppelkuchen since 1927.
Variety of Fillings: Choose from a variety of fillings, such as apple, cherry, and plum.

Red berry compote served with vanilla sauce and dough dumplings. Try it at Zum Dickehen.

Historic Inn: Zum Dickehen is one of the oldest inns in Cologne, dating back to 1537.
Traditional Dessert: Rote Grütze is a traditional Rhineland dessert made with red berries, perfect for a sweet ending to your meal.
Seasonal Availability: Rote Grütze is best enjoyed during the summer months when fresh berries are in season.

Fish sandwich served on a roll. Try it at the Cologne Fish Market.

Fresh Seafood: The fish used in Fischbrötchen is fresh and sourced daily from the nearby North Sea.
Lively Market Atmosphere: The Cologne Fish Market offers a lively atmosphere, perfect for experiencing local culture.
Variety of Choices: Choose from a variety of fish options and toppings to create your perfect Fischbrötchen.

Potato pancakes served with apple sauce. Try them at Zum Walfisch.

Historic Restaurant: Zum Walfisch is one of the oldest restaurants in Cologne, dating back to 1695.
Comfort Food: Kartoffelpuffer are a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cold day in Cologne.
Traditional Side Dish: Kartoffelpuffer are often served as a side dish with other traditional dishes, such as Himmel un Ääd.

Half chicken served with potatoes and sauerkraut. Try it at Wirtshaus am Dom.

Historic Restaurant: Wirtshaus am Dom is one of the oldest restaurants in Cologne, dating back to 1390.
Regional Specialty: Halver Hahn is a traditional dish from the Rhineland region, not commonly found outside of Cologne.
Comforting Dish: This hearty dish is perfect for a cold day in Cologne, offering warmth and comfort.

Blood sausage served with potatoes. Try it at Kolumbus.

Traditional Restaurant: Kolumbus is a traditional restaurant that has been serving Kolschwurst since 1906.
Regional Specialty: Kolschwurst is a traditional dish from the Rhineland region, not commonly found outside of Cologne.
Hearty Dish: This hearty dish is perfect for a cold day in Cologne, offering warmth and comfort.

Traditional cakes from the Berg region served at Broichhof.

Fresh Ingredients: All Bergische Kuchen are baked fresh daily using high-quality ingredients.
Traditional Bakery: Broichhof is a traditional family bakery, known for its Bergische Kuchen since 1927.
Variety of Flavors: Choose from a variety of Bergische Kuchen flavors, such as marzipan, chocolate, and fruit fillings.

Roasted pork knuckle served with dumplings and sauerkraut. Try it at Zum Schlachthof.

Historic Restaurant: Zum Schlachthof is one of the oldest restaurants in Cologne, dating back to 1593.
Comfort Food: Schweinshaxe is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cold day in Cologne.
Regional Specialty: Schweinshaxe is a traditional dish from the Rhineland region, not commonly found outside of Cologne.

Pancake-like dish made with eggs and onions. Try it at Zum Imker.

Historic Restaurant: Zum Imker is one of the oldest restaurants in Cologne, dating back to 1574.
Comfort Food: Eierkuchen is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cold day in Cologne.
Traditional Side Dish: Eierkuchen is often served as a side dish with other traditional dishes, such as Himmel un Ääd.

Potato fritters served with apple sauce. Try them at Bummelmann.

Traditional Snack: Reibekuchen is a traditional street food in Cologne, perfect for a quick bite.
Fresh Ingredients: All Reibekuchen are made fresh daily using high-quality ingredients.
Comforting Dish: These potato fritters are perfect for a cold day in Cologne, offering warmth and comfort.

Smoked beef specialty served in a variety of dishes. Try it at Köbes.

Traditional Restaurant: Köbes is a traditional restaurant that has been serving Kölsche Speck since 1906.
Regional Specialty: Kölsche Speck is a traditional dish from the Rhineland region, not commonly found outside of Cologne.
Versatile Dish: Kölsche Speck can be enjoyed in various dishes, such as Kölsche Wurstchen and Himmel un Ääd.