From the enchanting Black Forest that inspired world-famous fairytales to the modern marvels of automobile manufacturing in Stuttgart, there are bountiful draws for exploring Germany’s southwestern state – and for us, the region’s vast culinary pleasures are at the top! With an array of bites that encompass exquisite Michelin-starred restaurants, fun and flavorful street cuisine, and fresh local products, foodies flock here savor the flavors beyond the country’s typical beer, bretzel, and schnitzels. Get a taste for Baden-Württemberg by delighting in these distinct regional dishes!

KÄSESPÄTZLE This is a must-eat dish when visiting Germany’s southwest! Originally invented in the Swabia region of Baden-Württemberg, Käsespätzle is comprised of two key components – spätzle (a delightful hand-made egg pasta) and rich cheese – topped with fried onions and chives. It’s like a sophisticated, distinctly-flavored version of mac-and-cheese with a German twist. Learn to cook and eat like the locals with a personalized Käsespätzle cooking class!

MAULTASCHEN Another pasta-like dish from the Swabia region, Maultaschen are handmade dough-pockets stuffed with meat, herbs, and spices, that are boiled and typically served in a broth. They may resemble ravioli, but are typically larger in size and offer a very specific flavor that can only be created with the fresh meats and ingredients of small-farm-town Germany. Try your hand at making these dumplings with a Maultaschen cooking class!

LANGE ROTE What’s a visit to Germany without trying a traditional sausage? Each region boasts its own type of specialty wurst, and in the famed heritage town of Freiburg, the Lange Rote is king! This very long, skinless, red-ish-colored link is a must-try street food. Though often served on a round, disproportionate bun, you can ask for it 'halbiert’ to get the sausage cut in half. Embark on a Freiburg Market Tour to discover these local sausages and more!

BLACK FOREST CAKE Chocolate! Cherries! A match made in heaven – and this divine desert is heavenly, indeed! Imagine the rich flavors and tantalizing textures of tiered chocolate sponge cake brushed with kirsch liquor, layered with cream, stuffed and topped with cherries. This is a regional favorite and something worth savoring not only with your taste buds, but visually – watch one get assembled in person with a cake-making demonstration!

WHITE ASPARAGUS Germans are known to be quite enthusiastic about the annual Spargelzeit – or, asparagus season. With rich soils, the Black Forest area is known for highly fruitful harvests of various vegetables and produce – asparagus being one of the most beloved. Not only are there asparagus festivals (with crowned asparagus queens!) but Baden-Württemberg has its own Asparagus Route, an 84-mile stretch of asparagus fields along the Rhein River, dotted with quaint towns and historical sites. This region is known for its specialty white asparagus, often served with hollandaise.

WINE With fertile soils and idyllic climate for vine growth, Baden-Württemberg is a world-renowned wine region with a selection of award-winning varietals. Its gleaming capital of Stuttgart is a top spot for wine lovers, being Germany’s only major city with its own municipal winery! Hosting an annual Wine Village festival, visitors can sip on over 500 wines and partake in local festivities. In Stuttgart, its easy to pair fine foods with each sip, as the city is chock-full of top-tier eateries, including 23 impressive Michelin-starred establishments in the area!

You can start your adventure to taste the best bites of the region by flying into Stuttgart Airport – a convenient hub with an abundance of amenities including an airport lounge and convenient car rentals. There are now non-stop flights between Atlanta and Stuttgart! Learn more on how to get there! 

Ready to start your culinary journey? Connect with your favorite travel professional today!