Frankfurter Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): Frankfurt's most famous dish - cold herb sauce made from seven specific herbs (parsley, chervil, chives, borage, sorrel, burnet, cress) mixed with sour cream, yogurt, and hard-boiled eggs. Traditionally served with boiled potatoes and eggs. Best season: spring when fresh herbs available. Try at: Adolf Wagner, Zum Gemalten Haus.
Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi/Apple Wine): Frankfurt's signature alcoholic drink - dry, tart fermented apple cider served in traditional blue-grey Bembel pitchers and diamond-patterned glasses (Gerippte). Alcohol content ~5-6%. Often mixed with water (Gespritzter) or lemonade (Süßgespritzter). Taverns serve it at cellar temperature. Essential Frankfurt experience in Sachsenhausen taverns.
Handkäs mit Musik (Hand Cheese with Music): Small sour milk cheese marinated in oil, vinegar, onions, and caraway seeds. 'Music' refers to digestive effects. Acquired taste - strong smell and flavor but authentic local specialty. Pairs perfectly with apple wine and dark bread.
Frankfurter Rippchen: Cured and smoked pork chop served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. Hearty traditional German comfort food. Also called 'Rippchen mit Kraut.'
Frankfurter Würstchen: The original Frankfurt sausage - thin smoked pork sausage, different from American hot dogs. Served hot with mustard and bread or potato salad. Authentic versions only found in Frankfurt region.
Bethmännchen: Traditional marzipan cookies topped with three almond halves (representing three sons of Bethmann family). Slightly sweet, delicate flavor. Originally Christmas treat, now available year-round in bakeries.
Traditional Apple Wine Taverns (Sachsenhausen): Adolf Wagner, Atschel, Zum Gemalten Haus, Dauth-Schneider - authentic atmosphere, communal tables (shared seating normal), hearty portions, reasonable prices
Fine Dining: Frankfurt has multiple Michelin-starred restaurants including Lafleur (2 stars), Seven Swans (1 star, vegetarian), and Gustav (modern German)
International Cuisine: Bahnhofsviertel neighborhood offers outstanding Korean, Vietnamese, Turkish, and Indian restaurants. Frankfurt's multiculturalism reflected in diverse food scene
Markets & Quick Eats: Kleinmarkthalle - market stalls serve fresh prepared foods, perfect for lunch. Try different vendors for authentic variety
Cafés: German café culture strong - excellent coffee and cakes. Try Frankfurter Kranz (Frankfurt Crown Cake) - buttercream layer cake with crunchy praline coating
Frankfurt increasingly accommodates dietary needs. Many restaurants offer vegetarian options; vegan options growing. Use phrases: 'vegetarisch' (vegetarian), 'vegan' (vegan), 'glutenfrei' (gluten-free), 'allergisch gegen...' (allergic to...). Traditional taverns have limited vegetarian options beyond cheese and salads, but modern restaurants very accommodating.
Major chains: REWE, Edeka (larger selection, open later), Aldi, Lidl (discount), dm and Rossmann (drugstores with snacks). Generally open Mon-Sat ~8am-8pm or later. Closed Sundays except train station locations. Self-checkout requires inserting coins/bills before scanning items.