What Food To Try in Hanover and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Hanover for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Hanover cafes and restaurants
$13.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $9.83
$62.8
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $54.59
$9.7
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.73
What to Try in Hanover
Must-try Dishes
Fischbrötchen - Fish Sandwich - This is a simple, satisfying sandwich featuring fresh herring, shrimp, or mackerel in a crusty roll, often topped with onions and pickles. You’ll find locals munching on this delightful street food, especially near the market during lunch hours.Grünkohlsuppe - Kale Soup - A heartwarming dish made from kale, potatoes, and sausages, simmered to perfection for a comforting texture. This local favorite shines in winter and is often enjoyed by families during a cold evening meal.
Hänchen - Roasted Chicken - Roasted to crispy-skinned perfection, this chicken is marinated in spices and served with a side of sauerkraut or potatoes. It’s commonly ordered on Sunday afternoons as families gather for a relaxed dinner at home.
Hannoversche Käsespätzle - Hanoverian Cheese Noodles - Soft egg noodles mixed with rich cheese and crispy onions, served hot, making for a hearty meal. Perfect for a cold day, this is a staple at local taverns during social gatherings.
Grillwurst - Grilled Sausage - A hearty pork sausage that’s juicy and flavorful, often served in a bun with mustard. Commonly eaten at festivals or street fairs, locals tend to favor it with a bit of curry ketchup on the side.
Leberkäse - Bavarian Meatloaf - A dense, spiced meatloaf slice, served hot or cold, often on a fresh roll, garnished with mustard. You can grab this filling dish for breakfast or lunch at local bakeries, though it’s easily mistaken for a common sandwich.
Pfifferlinge - Chanterelle Mushrooms - These seasonal mushrooms are often sautéed and served with creamy sauce over noodles or potatoes. Best enjoyed in late summer, locals love to savor them while they’re fresh and plentiful at seasonal markets.
Matjesfilet - Herring Fillet - This pickled herring dish is served with onions, apples, and sometimes additional spices, creating a surprising sweet-salty balance. Enjoyed year-round, it's a classic option for a light lunch, though it surely takes some acclimatization for those not used to the flavor profile.
Desserts & Drinks
Glühwein - Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) - A cozy blend of red wine spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and star anise, served hot. Typically enjoyed at Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) during the winter months, it warms you up while you browse through cheerful stalls.Bier - Bier (local beer) - Light and crisp, Hanover's beer is often made with pale malts and hops, resulting in refreshing flavors. Locals love to enjoy it at outdoor beer gardens, especially during warm evenings—a perfect way to unwind after work.
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte - Black Forest Cake (cherry chocolate cake) - Decadent layers of chocolate sponge cake filled with cherries and whipped cream, this dessert has a rich and luscious texture. It's a must-have at celebrations and birthday parties, often garnished with chocolate shavings.
Waffeln - Waffeln (Belgian waffles) - These sweet, crispy waffles topped with powdered sugar are a classic street food treat. Best enjoyed warm with a drizzle of chocolate during bustling markets or fairs, they’re a delightful snack on the go.
Eis - Eis (ice cream) - Creamy and artisanal, local ice cream features flavors like elderflower and currant, making it a refreshing treat in summer. You'll often see locals enjoying a scoop during leisurely strolls along the Maschsee, making every bite feel like a mini celebration of the season.
Food and Groceries in Hanover
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.31 |
| Bananas | $2.14 |
| Oranges | $2.45 |
| Potatoes | $1.54 |
| Apples | $2.83 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.58 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.11 |
| Imported Beer | $1.67 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.53 |
| Milk 1L | $1.17 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $17.19 |
| Chicken | $10.61 |
| Cigarettes | $8.73 |
| Rice | $2.14 |
| Local Cheese | $11.46 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
You’ll often see locals gathering for lunch between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, filling eateries from the bustling city center to quieter neighborhoods. This midday rush really reflects the rhythm of Hanover’s work culture, with many offices emptying out as employees take their breaks.
In terms of dining, you’ll notice price ranges vary significantly across the city. For instance, a hearty lunch at a casual bistro can set you back around €10 to €15, while pricier spots in the Altstadt might charge €25 or more for a similar meal, particularly if you're tempted by seasonal specialties in fall, like hearty pumpkin dishes. It's not unusual to pay upwards of €30 for dinner in more upscale locations.
Payment customs here are pretty straightforward. Most places accept cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller vendors or cafes, where a €5 to €10 purchase might not meet the card minimum. Oh, and don’t forget that it’s quite common for a service charge to be included in your bill, often around 10-15%. Tipping is appreciated but generally not expected beyond rounding up the total or adding a euro or two for exceptional service.
If you’re planning to catch lunch early—around 11:30 AM—most restaurants are more relaxed then, avoiding the lunchtime rush that peaks quickly around noon. Dinner is typically served later here, with locals often dining between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
You can find some distinct dining areas in Hanover. The Linden district is known for its laid-back vibe and diverse culinary options, from traditional German fare to international cuisine. Meanwhile, the city center offers a mix of convenience and variety, though it can be pricier—€15 to €20 easily for a basic meal.
One local dining custom worth noting is the post-work "Biergarten" culture, where colleagues adjourn for a drink in the early evening, often over a shared platter of pretzels or sausages. It’s a lovely way to unwind.
The common mistake I see visitors make? Often, they'll underestimate how early most restaurants close, especially on weekdays—8:00 PM for many casual places. It’s best to make reservations if you’re eyeing a specific spot on a weekend or during peak times, as places can fill up quickly, especially when the weather’s nice.
As we move into winter, the city’s dining scene does shift dramatically. You'll notice a growing number of cozy, semihidden spots offering hearty comfort foods, perfect to warm up with after a cold day out. The seasonal ingredients will shift too, with root vegetables and rich broths taking center stage. Dining becomes more of a communal outdoor gathering experience when the weather warms up again, showing just how adaptable the local food culture is.
In terms of dining, you’ll notice price ranges vary significantly across the city. For instance, a hearty lunch at a casual bistro can set you back around €10 to €15, while pricier spots in the Altstadt might charge €25 or more for a similar meal, particularly if you're tempted by seasonal specialties in fall, like hearty pumpkin dishes. It's not unusual to pay upwards of €30 for dinner in more upscale locations.
Payment customs here are pretty straightforward. Most places accept cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller vendors or cafes, where a €5 to €10 purchase might not meet the card minimum. Oh, and don’t forget that it’s quite common for a service charge to be included in your bill, often around 10-15%. Tipping is appreciated but generally not expected beyond rounding up the total or adding a euro or two for exceptional service.
If you’re planning to catch lunch early—around 11:30 AM—most restaurants are more relaxed then, avoiding the lunchtime rush that peaks quickly around noon. Dinner is typically served later here, with locals often dining between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
You can find some distinct dining areas in Hanover. The Linden district is known for its laid-back vibe and diverse culinary options, from traditional German fare to international cuisine. Meanwhile, the city center offers a mix of convenience and variety, though it can be pricier—€15 to €20 easily for a basic meal.
One local dining custom worth noting is the post-work "Biergarten" culture, where colleagues adjourn for a drink in the early evening, often over a shared platter of pretzels or sausages. It’s a lovely way to unwind.
The common mistake I see visitors make? Often, they'll underestimate how early most restaurants close, especially on weekdays—8:00 PM for many casual places. It’s best to make reservations if you’re eyeing a specific spot on a weekend or during peak times, as places can fill up quickly, especially when the weather’s nice.
As we move into winter, the city’s dining scene does shift dramatically. You'll notice a growing number of cozy, semihidden spots offering hearty comfort foods, perfect to warm up with after a cold day out. The seasonal ingredients will shift too, with root vegetables and rich broths taking center stage. Dining becomes more of a communal outdoor gathering experience when the weather warms up again, showing just how adaptable the local food culture is.