Düsseldorf may not be the first city in Germany that comes to mind when you think of culinary travel destinations. But maybe it should be. At Art of Touring, we are local experts and we believe that Düsseldorf is one of Germany’s most underrated culinary destinations. Its food scene is rich, surprising, and absolutely worth exploring.
From hearty local classics to vibrant Asian cuisine shaped by one of Europe’s largest Japanese communities, Düsseldorf offers a diverse food scene.
Whether you’re a street food lover or a fine dining enthusiast, the city has something delicious to offer. You can learn about all of these delicious traditions on a culinary walking tour of Düsseldorf! From Reibekuchen and Ramen to Altbier and Killipitsch, our guides will open your eyes to some of the surprisingly delicious food and drinks from around the region. If you prefer to explore on your own, we reveal all of the best dishes to try in Düsseldorf in this post.
What Food & Drink You NEED to Try in Düsseldorf
Himmel und Erde
What is it: Blood Pudding & Potatoes
This evocatively named dish, translating to “Heaven and Earth,” combines apples from the trees (heaven) and potatoes from the ground (earth). A signature Rhineland meal, Himmel un Ääd pairs creamy mashed potatoes with tart applesauce, topped off with slices of blood sausage (Blutwurst) or sometimes fried onions and bacon.
The contrast between the sweet apple and the rich, savory sausage is a hallmark of regional German cuisine. Eating Himmel und Erde is a nostalgic and surprisingly satisfying experience. You can find Himmel und Erde in many traditional Brauhaus (brewpubs) around the city. It’s hearty, flavorful, and undeniably German.
Reibekuchen
What is it: Fried potato pancakes
Few things say “comfort food” in Germany quite like Reibekuchen. These crispy golden potato pancakes are a staple in Rhineland cuisine. Traditionally made from grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour, these patties are shallow-fried until perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
In Düsseldorf, you’ll most often find Reibekuchen served with Apfelmus (applesauce). Don’t knock it before you try it. It’s a delightful sweet-and-savory combination that locals swear by. Some variations also come with smoked salmon or a creamy herb dip. You’ll spot them at local pubs, markets, and especially around Christmastime.
Mustard
No exploration of Düsseldorf’s culinary scene is complete without sampling its world-famous mustard. Bernhard Bergrath founded Germany’s first Senf (mustard) factory in Düsseldorf in 1726. It was later acquired by Löwensenf, one of the most well-known mustard brands in the world.
Düsseldorf mustard is smooth, creamy, sour-tangy, and spicy with horseradish flavor. Forget the yellow stuff from a squeeze bottle. This is gourmet-grade fire in a jar. Mustard is a source of local pride in Düsseldorf and an essential part of many meals. Mustard is most commonly paired with sausages, but you can also find it on sandwiches and even in salad dressings.
We recommend visiting the flagship Löwensenf Mustard Shop in the old town to sample unique flavors of mustard. Plus you can pick up a jar or two as an edible souvenir. Of course, you can also enjoy it the authentic way, slathered on a sausage in a local beer hall.
Soleier
What is it: pickled eggs
A favorite bar snack, especially around Easter, Soleier are pickled hard-boiled eggs that pack a punch. They’re typically soaked in a brine made of vinegar, salt, onions, and spices for several days. Locals enjoy them by cracking the shell, slicing the egg, and adding a touch of mustard, oil, and vinegar to each bite. Sometimes you might even a splash of pepper or Tabasco. The result? A tangy, protein-rich snack that pairs perfectly with a pint of local beer.
Carlsplatz Market
For a taste of Düsseldorf’s rich culinary diversity all in one place, Carlsplatz Market is a must-visit. This open-air market is a feast for all the senses, featuring fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and regional specialties alongside international delights.
Try freshly made fish sandwiches, regional sausages, artisanal bread, or even a glass of local wine. There are plenty of cozy outdoor tables os you can linger. The market is also a great spot to chat with local vendors and discover seasonal specialties, like white asparagus in spring or wild mushrooms in fall.
Asian Food to Try in Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is home to the largest Japanese community in Germany (and one of the largest in Europe), which means that authentic, high-quality Asian cuisine is readily available throughout the city. Japanese restaurants are especially dense in the area around Immermannstraße, nicknamed “Little Tokyo.” Don’t overlook Korean, Chinese, and Thai food, either. Düsseldorf’s international community means there’s no shortage of diverse culinary experiences to be had.
Japanese Food
Whether you’re craving sushi, ramen, donburi, or yakitori, Düsseldorf’s Japanese food scene rivals that of Tokyo in quality and variety. Restaurants like Naniwa, Takumi, and Nagaya are institutions in the city, offering everything from rich, steaming bowls of tonkotsu ramen to delicate nigiri crafted with precision.
Japanese bakeries also dot the cityscape, serving sweet treats like melonpan, matcha cakes, and mochi. Pair that with a visit to a Japanese supermarket and you’ll find Düsseldorf is a dream destination for lovers of East Asian cuisine.
Local Drinks in Düsseldorf
Altbier
What is it: copper-colored local beer
If there’s one drink you must try in Düsseldorf, it’s Altbier. It is Düsseldorf’s local beer! Smooth, malty, and slightly bitter, “Alt” translates to “old,” referencing the top-fermentation method used before lagers became widespread. Altbier is served in small 300ml glasses (called “Stangen”), allowing it to stay cold and fresh from the first sip to the last.
You’ll find Altbier flowing freely in Düsseldorf’s many brewpubs, including iconic spots like Uerige, Füchschen, Schumacher, and Zum Schlüssel. Each brewery offers its own subtle twist on the classic Altbier, and locals love to debate which one reigns supreme. Our advice? Try them all and decide for yourself.
Killepitsch
What is it: herbal liquer
Looking for something stronger than beer? Meet Killepitsch, a herbal liqueur that’s as bold and unique as the city itself. This isn’t a Jägermeister knock-off. It’s a legendary, locally crafted spirit with its own personality.
The origin of Killepitsch goes back to World War II, when Willi Busch and his friend Hans Müller-Schlösser were hiding in a Düsseldorf air raid shelter. In a moment of grim humor, Willi joked that he was ready to be “killed”, as long as he got to enjoy a good drink first. That offhand remark inspired the name: Killepitsch — “kill me, (but) I get a sip.”
After the war, the Busch family turned the joke into a reality. In 1955, they opened a small bar called Et Kabüffke in the Altstadt, where Killepitsch was served for the first time. Killepitsch is no ordinary Kräuterlikör (herb liquor). Its dark red color comes from a complex blend of over 90 herbs, berries, and spices. Aged in stainless steel for months, the result is a smooth, complex liqueur with layers of sweetness, spice, and bitterness. At 42% alcohol, it’s strong, but balanced. It is best served ice cold as a digestif or a cheeky pre-dinner drink.
