From Curry to Schnitzel: Navigating German Cuisine as an Indian Expat

One of the joys of moving to a new country is discovering its cuisine. However, when it comes to Germany, adapting to the local food scene can be a challenge for Indian expats. German cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, but it can be quite different from what Indian expats are used to. In this blog post, we’ll offer some guidance on how Indian expats can explore German cuisine, find authentic Indian food, and adapt to different dining customs.

Explore the Local Cuisine

German cuisine varies from region to region, with each area having its own specialties. For example, Bavarian cuisine is known for its hearty meat dishes like Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), Wurstsalat (sausag salad), and Weisswurst (white sausage). Meanwhile, in the Rhineland, one can find Himmel un Äd (a combination of potatoes, apples, and black pudding) and Reibekuchen (potato pancakes).

Indian expats can try these dishes and also experiment with different regional variations. They can explore local restaurants, food markets, and street food stalls to get a taste of German cuisine. Street food, in particular, is a great way to try authentic German dishes that are not found in restaurants. For example, Currywurst, a sausage served with ketchup and curry powder, is a popular street food in Berlin and other cities.

Find Authentic Indian Food

While German cuisine is delicious, sometimes you may crave the taste of home. Fortunately, there are many Indian restaurants and grocery stores in Germany that cater to expats. Indian expats can try different Indian dishes like biryanis, curries, and tandoori chicken, among others, at these restaurants. They can also visit local Indian grocery stores to find familiar ingredients and spices to cook with at home.

Some Indian grocery stores even offer fresh produce, including Indian vegetables like okra, eggplant, and bitter gourd. Indian expats can also find a wide range of snacks, sweets, and ready-to-eat meals at these stores. By shopping at Indian grocery stores, they can not only find familiar foods but also connect with the Indian community in Germany.

Adapt to Different Dining Customs

Dining customs in Germany may be quite different from what Indian expats are used to. For example, Germans typically eat dinner earlier than Indians (around 6-7 pm), and it’s common to eat bread with every meal. It’s also considered impolite to leave food on your plate, so be sure to only take what you can eat. When dining out, it’s customary to leave a small tip (around 5-10% of the total bill).

Indian expats may also find that Germans tend to eat less spicy food than what they are used to. This does not mean that the food is bland, but it may be less spicy than what they are used to. However, they can always ask for more spices or condiments if needed.

Embrace New Experiences

Moving to a new country is an opportunity to try new things and broaden your culinary horizons. By trying new dishes, visiting local restaurants and markets, and adapting to different dining customs, Indian expats can make the most of their culinary adventures in Germany. They can also learn more about German culture and cuisine by attending food festivals, cooking classes, and cultural events.

Conclusion

Navigating German cuisine as an Indian expat can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to explore new flavors and cultures. By trying new dishes, visiting local restaurants and markets

and adapting to different dining customs, Indian expats can make the most of their culinary adventures in Germany. They can also learn more about German culture and cuisine by attending food festivals, cooking classes, and cultural events.

Overall, German cuisine may be different from Indian cuisine, but it’s no less delicious. By exploring local food scenes, finding authentic Indian food, and adapting to different dining customs, Indian expats can enjoy the best of both worlds. Moving to a new country can be daunting, but by embracing new experiences and being open to trying new things, Indian expats can create a rich and fulfilling life in Germany.