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Insights into American versus German Food Culture

Writer's picture: Sara WilkinsonSara Wilkinson

Updated: Jan 27

That different food cultures exist is obvious to everyone, especially when you go to a restaurant that serves food from a different culture than your own or when you travel overseas. In some cultures, instead of silverware they use their hands. Then you have cultures where they add a certain spice to most of their foods, while others focus on food culture rituals. Growing up as half-American half-German, I became familiar with the food culture differences between Germany and US and find them quite interesting and worth writing about.


General Differences

In general, American food is more sweet and greasy. For one, Germans eat pretty healthy. Even their chocolates are with less sugar and Germans don't eat fast food as much as the Americans do. For example, American chocolate contains more Hershey syrup, while German chocolate doesn't have Hershey syrup but cocoa in it.


German Tradition: "Coffee & Cake"

In Germany, if you meet up with your German friend it is a very common tradition to have "coffee and cake" either at the nearby café or bakery or at your friend's home. While drinking your coffee and eating cake, you use the time to chat and catch up with each other. (Fun fact: Germans enjoy whip cream with less to no sugar on their cakes). In the US, meeting at restaurants or fast food places or ordering food in and enjoying it with your close friends is more common.


The American Microwave

Eating from scratch and hardly using a microwave is quite European, while in the US, life without a microwave is unimaginable. Finding all sorts of frozen meals that can be microwaved is very typical in the US. It's convenient, quick and easy if you can avoid cooking something, and just need to heat it up for a couple minutes. However, that does not necessarily make it healthy for you. Germans don't really use microwaves. Since generations, Germans have lived off of their plants in their garden. Ever since immigrants came to the US, they brought their own food cultures with them.


Mexican versus Turkish Fast Food Places

It might be a surprise to know that you hardly find Mexican food places in Germany. This means you would not find a TacoBell over there. Instead Turkish or Greek food stands are everywhere and is considered fast food for Germans. This goes back to the history of both countries. The majority of immigrants in the US come from Mexico, which makes their food quite popular in the US. Whereas, Germany contains more Turkish immigrants.


My Favorite German Meal with Potatoes

One of my favorite German meals that my mother used to cook a lot was potatoes, spinach and boiled eggs on top. I have cooked this for friends who come to visit me and they always enjoyed it even if some would prefer it more spicy or with meat. It's a different meal that you would not find on the menus in America. However, I would recommend trying it.





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Hey. It's Jason how are you. It's been a while

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Jan 30

Hey how have you been? It's been so long since we talked. I'm still working.

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