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What Food To Try in Leipzig and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Leipzig for 2024.

National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Leipzig cafes and restaurants
$11.5 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $6.55
$54.6 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $43.67
$8.7 
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.73

What to Try in Leipzig

Must-try Dishes
Fried Potatoes - Bratkartoffeln (crispy potatoes) - These are pan-fried potatoes often served with onions and bacon, yielding a satisfying crunchy texture. Locals enjoy them at breakfast or as a side dish in casual eateries.

Thüringer Sausage - Thüringer Rostbratwurst (grilled sausage) - A spicy, flavorful sausage seasoned with marjoram, usually grilled over charcoal. You’ll find locals savoring this delicious street food at markets or outdoor festivals – perfect for a quick bite while on the go.

Meatloaf - Leberkäse (specialty meat dish) - Finely minced meat mixed with seasonings, then baked until golden brown, often served with mustard. It's commonly eaten during lunch at a butcher shop, where you'll see locals lining up for a fresh slice.

Meat and Dumpling Dish - Dampfknödel (steamed dumplings) - These fluffy, soft dumplings are traditionally filled with seasoned meats and served with rich gravy. They're a beloved local specialty often enjoyed during family gatherings or Sunday dinners.

Surprising Combination - Linsensuppe (lentil soup) - A hearty soup featuring lentils enriched with smoked meat or sausages, seasoned nicely. Locals typically enjoy this comforting dish during cooler months, especially on Sundays after a long week.

Seasonal Dish - Spargel mit Sauce Hollandaise (asparagus with hollandaise sauce) - This white asparagus, lightly boiled and drizzled with a creamy hollandaise sauce, is a springtime favorite. It's a classic spring dish best enjoyed at special family meals or during asparagus festivals.

Vegetarian Option - Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) - Made with boiled potatoes, mustard, and onions, this tangy salad is hearty enough to serve as a main. You'll find it as a family-style dish at many local restaurants, especially during celebrations.

Rich Stew - Gulasch (meat stew) - This thick, savory stew of beef, onions, and spices is typically served with crusty bread or potatoes. It’s a staple in pubs where locals gather for dinner, especially in colder weather when comfort food is a must.

Desserts & Drinks
Hibiscus Tea - Hibiskustee (fruity herbal infusion) - A refreshing drink made from brewed hibiscus flowers, often enjoyed either hot or cold, depending on the season. You’ll find locals sipping this in parks during summertime picnics, especially as temperatures rise — it's a lovely way to cool down.

Gose - Gose (sour wheat beer) - A unique, slightly sour and salty wheat beer flavored with coriander and salt, brewed in Leipzig since the 18th century. Locals often drink it chilled in traditional pubs, especially on warm evenings, where sharing a jug among friends is common. (By the way, don't be surprised if it’s served with a slice of lemon!)

Sächsische Eierschecke - Sächsische Eierschecke (layered custard cake) - A delectable pastry comprised of a buttery base, rich custard filling, and a creamy topping that gives it a unique texture. This treat is a festive favorite during local celebrations, such as Christmas markets, where a warm slice is perfect on a chilly evening.

Eisbecher - Eisbecher (ice cream sundae) - This cold dessert is a dreamy combination of local ice cream topped with whipped cream, fruits, and chocolate sauce, served in a tall glass. You’ll find locals indulging in this treat especially after a long day of walking around in summer; it's basically a post-adventure essential.

Stollen - Christstollen (Christmas fruitcake) - A rich fruitcake filled with dried fruit, nuts, and marzipan, typically enjoyed during the holiday season. It’s common to gift and share stollen with loved ones at Christmas, and a tip for enjoying it is to let it sit a few weeks before slicing — it only gets better!

Food and Groceries in Leipzig

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.64
Bananas $1.88
Oranges $2.28
Potatoes $1.76
Apples $2.61
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.5
0.5L Local Beer $0.9
Imported Beer $1.25
Wine Rating >4.0 $6.55
Milk 1L $1.24

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $15.91
Chicken $8.84
Cigarettes $8.19
Rice $1.81
Local Cheese $13.24

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

In Leipzig, lunchtime typically kicks off around 12 PM and stretches until 2 PM, with many locals rushing to nearby eateries for a quick meal. I've often seen office workers flocking to casual spots in the city center or the trendy Plagwitz district, where you can snag a filling plate for about €8-€12. In contrast, higher-end places, especially in Gohlis, can charge anywhere from €20 upwards for a main course, though the quality often matches the price.

Payment customs in Leipzig generally lean toward card transactions, which are accepted almost everywhere. It’s not uncommon to walk into a place and find a sign saying “cash only,” but those instances are dwindling. Tipping is customary as well, with around 10% of the bill being the standard; just round up your total or leave a small bill when you pay.

A common visitor misconception is thinking that dinner starts late, like in southern European countries. Here, locals usually sit down for their evening meal around 6 PM to 8 PM, valuing an early night over late dining. This timing can lead to busy restaurants in the early evening, especially on weekends, so it's wise to make a reservation if you have your eye on a specific spot.

The market scene is vibrant, particularly on Thursdays and Saturdays at the weekly farmers' market in the city center. It’s the best time to try traditional foods, like Leberkaese or locally sourced sausages, generally priced around €4-€7. Just be prepared for a crowd, particularly late morning when the market is in full swing.

Oh, and before I forget, in the early winter, many locals turn to hearty stews, making soup shops particularly popular during colder months, which can affect availability and often lead to longer wait times. Embracing seasonal trends in cuisine has become quite common as well, with many restaurants adapting their menus to showcase locally harvested ingredients.

As for a typical local dining custom, sharing dishes is becoming increasingly popular, with many diners ordering several small plates to enjoy a variety of flavors. This way, you get to taste more of what the local culinary scene has to offer.

In the coming months, with the holiday season approaching, I anticipate an uptick in prices at restaurants and cafes, as seasonal ingredients become focal points in many kitchens. It’s also likely I’ll see a shift toward winter comfort foods, a great reflection of how Leipzig’s food culture adapts with the seasons.