Food and Drink
Latest articles about food, drink, and food culture.
Five Bavarian festivals with cheaper beer than Oktoberfest this September
Yeah Oktoberfest is cool, but have you ever had an Erdinger Weissbier in its hometown - or seen the festival parade in Rosenheim? Here are five alternative beer festivals to try in the 'Free State' this autumn.
A snack lover’s guide to German crisps
Why is everything paprika flavoured? From the history behind Germany's favourite flavour to the tastes newcomers yearn for, and the top ones to try – here’s the scoop on German chips.
Which drinks will Germany's coming 'sugar tax' really apply to?
A leaked paper revealed that the planned 'sugar tax' on sugary drinks could also be applied to oat milk and sugar-free sodas. Here's what we know as German leaders continue to debate the issue.
IN NUMBERS: How expensive are drinks at Oktoberfest in 2026?
The price of a litre of the good stuff at Munich's Oktoberfest goes up a bit each year. But beer is not the main expense that most visitors shell out for.
Germany scoops three spots on list of Europe's most beautiful ice cream parlours
Residents in Berlin, Frankfurt and Nuremberg have a sweet reason to feel proud after three local ice cream parlours were named among Europe’s most beautiful, combining standout interiors with artisan gelato.
What happened when I ate like the German government advises?
Germany doesn’t just offer dietary advice – it actually publishes ten weekly meal plans designed to show residents how to eat. In the finest traditions of intrepid journalism, The Local's Tom Pugh decided to investigate.
Deutsche Bahn plans alcohol ban at every train station in Germany
In an effort to improve safety for train travellers and railway staff, Germany's national railway operator says it will enforce a blanket alcohol ban at all of its stations.
How a Google Maps update exposes altered business ratings in Germany
In Germany relying solely on high customer ratings can be a risky move, but a recent Google Maps update reveals if a local business actually earned its high score or just deleted its bad reviews
How you can check for food recall warnings in Germany
Food recalls are common in Germany, and there are several reasons why products are pulled. Thankfully, it's easy to check the status of recalls and whether something you’ve bought is affected.
Four reasons to visit a German wine fest this summer
Compared to the country's beer festivals, Germany's wine fests are lesser-known gems offering a more relaxed cultural experience, writes The Local editor, Paul Krantz.
Cult Berlin fast food chain Burgermeister to open in Vienna
Berlin's beloved burger brand Burgermeister is moving into Austria with plans for at least 20 outlets – and three this year in Vienna.
Eight German wines you have to try
German wine is under pressure – but it’s never been more interesting. From everyday bottles to special‑occasion standouts, here are eight German wines worth seeking out.
'The Golden Windbag': Germany votes on most misleading food claims of the year
From innovative baking soda to pricey vitamin juice and 'libido-boosting' gummy bears, five products are competing for the title of Germany’s most misleading food claim in 2026. Here’s how to have your say.
Five German drinks to try this summer
There’s nothing quite like a cold drink on a hot summer’s day and the Germans know it well. That’s why they’ve got a variety of tasty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to cool them down in the hottest months. Here are five you should try.
'Prost!': A short history of the German Kneipe
Somewhere between a pub, a dive bar and a community living room, the mighty Kneipe is a ubiquitous cultural cornerstone in Germany. Here's a pint-sized guide to its history.
Why is there a major tofu shortage in German supermarkets?
If you've tried to pick up tofu in your local supermarket recently, you may have noticed that stocks are low or non-existent. What's going on?
Alcohol ban at two Berlin train stations begins on May 1st
Deutsche Bahn hopes that prohibiting the consumption of alcohol at Berlin’s Zoologischer Garten and Ostbahnhof stations will make the transport hubs cleaner and safer.
'Spargelzeit': Six things to know about the German love affair with asparagus
April marks a particularly joyful time in every German's calendar: the start of asparagus season. But how did this humble vegetable become a beloved cultural symbol? Here's what you need to know.
Is Germany facing an egg shortage this Easter?
While demand for eggs is soaring and bird flu has left the market 'tense,' industry experts say there’s no need for residents to panic buy just yet.
Wild garlic and nettles: The spring herbs to forage for in Germany
Foraging for edible plants can be a fun way to connect with Germany's nature and traditions. Here are some of the herbs you can find, harvest and eat in spring.
10 regional dishes you have to try while visiting Bavaria
From succulent Weißwurst to hearty Käsespätzle, Bavarian cooking is known for giving German favourites a unique alpine twist. These 10 dishes should be on anyone's lists of must-tries while visiting the region.
Culture, politics, food: What makes Europeans proud of their country?
A recent survey by the Pew Research Centre delved into what people feel proudest about in their country, with Europeans pointing to history, food and culture among the main reasons.
Germany's top regional food products and how to spot them in the supermarket
From Parma ham to Champagne, Europe protects authentic food. Here's how Germany’s own food labels reward soil, climate and craft – and help shoppers spot real quality on supermarket shelves.