Table of Contents

Schleswig Holstein Cuisine

Labskaus

A traditional seafaring dish made with corned beef, mashed potatoes, and beetroot, often served with a fried egg, pickled herring (Rollmops), and gherkins. It’s a unique mix of flavors from the sea and the land. 1)

Knieperkohl

A sour cabbage dish, similar to sauerkraut, made from a mix of white cabbage, kale, and other greens. It’s typically served with smoked pork, sausages, or bacon, especially during winter. 2)

Birnen, Bohnen und Speck (Pears, Beans, and Bacon)

A rustic and curious combination of green beans, sweet pears, and hearty bacon or ham, cooked together for a sweet-and-savory flavor. It’s a beloved autumn dish in Schleswig-Holstein. 3)

Mehlbüdel

A traditional steamed dumpling made from flour, eggs, and butter, often served as a dessert with fruit compote or as a savory dish with bacon and gravy. It’s a versatile part of the region’s cuisine. 4)

Rote Grütze

A popular dessert in northern Germany, this fruit pudding is made from red berries (such as raspberries, strawberries, and red currants), thickened with a bit of starch, and often served with vanilla sauce or cream. 5)

Finkenwerder Scholle

A flatfish dish named after the Finkenwerder district of Hamburg but widely eaten in Schleswig-Holstein. The plaice is fried with bacon, onions, and butter, giving it a rich and savory flavor. 6)

Grünkohl mit Pinkel

A hearty winter dish featuring kale (Grünkohl) cooked with sausages (Pinkel), bacon, and mustard. It’s a favorite during the colder months and is especially popular during winter festivals. 7)

Holsteiner Sauerfleisch

A pickled pork dish where the meat is cooked and marinated in a vinegar-based broth with spices like bay leaves and juniper. It’s served cold, often with fried potatoes and a tangy remoulade. 8)

Matjeshering

Young herring, cured in a mild salt brine and served with onions, apples, and sour cream. It’s a popular summer dish in Schleswig-Holstein, enjoyed in salads or as a sandwich filling. 9)

Schleswig-Holsteinischer Apfelauflauf

An apple casserole made from layers of apples, breadcrumbs, sugar, and butter, baked until golden and caramelized. It’s a simple, comforting dessert, reflecting the region’s love for apples. 10)

Fliederbeersuppe

A traditional elderberry soup, often served with semolina dumplings or baked apples. It’s a sweet and fruity dish, typically enjoyed as a warm dessert during late summer and fall when elderberries are ripe. 11)

Scholle Finkenwerder Art

Another famous plaice dish, but this time prepared with shrimp and bacon. The fish is pan-fried and served with North Sea shrimps, making it a perfect representation of Schleswig-Holstein’s coastal flavors. 12)

Kieler Sprotten

Smoked sprats, a type of small fish from the Baltic Sea, named after the city of Kiel. These fish are smoked whole and eaten as a snack or appetizer, often with bread and butter. 13)

Buchweizentorte

A buckwheat cake filled with whipped cream and fruit, such as cranberries or plums. Buckwheat is a traditional ingredient in Schleswig-Holstein, and this cake is a delicious example of how it's used in local desserts. 14)

Schnüüsch

A classic summer vegetable stew made from young potatoes, carrots, peas, and beans, cooked in a creamy broth. Often served with fresh herbs, this dish highlights the fresh produce of the region. 15)