The Popular Type Of Food Tourists Will Have Trouble Finding In Germany

Germany is known for a lot of things among the travel community. From its fairytale-like historic destinations to little-known islands perfect for a luxurious beach vacation, the European country is buzzing with equal parts charm and adventure. So whether you're out exploring medieval castles, hitting up one-of-a-kind trails, or digging into a delicious pretzel (or as the Germans call them, "brezels"), there's a little something for everyone.

However, when it comes to cuisine and flavors, it's safe to say that there are certain types of foodies who might be in for a disappointing surprise once they touch down in Deutschland. And no — this has nothing to do with quality. Love spicy food and traveling to Germany soon? We regret to inform you that ... you probably won't find much of it during your trip. Because while hearty sausages and rich beers might be all the norm in Germany, chilies and spice are typically hard to come by.

In fact, per Redditor u/schwoooo during a conversation about spicy food in Germany, the local consensus is simple: "If you go out to eat and you enjoy heat, then prepare to be disappointed, as most places call a mild tingle 'spicy'."

So, why is spicy food so hard to come by in Germany? The simple answer is ... locals just aren't used to it, which means there's not really much demand for it. While a love of spice is somewhat related to genetics, it's can be acquired through basic conditioning. This means that, the more spice you eat, the more you'll eventually be able to tolerate it — and, in some cases, fall head over heels for it. And since traditional German food isn't dependent on spicy chilies and fiery flavors — and instead focuses on sweet, bitter, and sour flavors — there aren't as many opportunities for Germans to learn the love of spice.

That said, for travelers craving a touch of heat during their visit, their best bet is to either head to a grocery store where locals agree they can potentially shop for some mildly spicy ingredients, or head to a foreign restaurant — think Thai or Indian — and make sure you say a simple, yet powerful, phrase to help you get your fill: "extra scharf," aka "extra spicy."

The lack of spice doesn't mean that Germany isn't capable and ready to serve up some pretty tasty dishes. For starters, there's the tried and true schnitzel: a tender piece of meat covered in egg, flour, and breadcrumbs, and then fried. This classic is typically served with fries — yum! For something a little heartier, order an eintopf — Germany's version of a one-pot stew made with broth, veggies, potatoes, and meat. Other local staples include sauerbraten (a pickled pot roast), rouladen (bacon and pickles wrapped in meat), and käsespätzle (a layer of German "mac and cheese" topped with crispy onion).

Lastly, for diehard spice lovers, the closest you might get to feeling a bit of a tingle while dining is currywurst. A nightlife staple, the dish is made with sliced sausage drowned in a tomato-based curry sauce and served with either bread or fries.