Germany: what's for lunch?
 

What's the most common lunching option in big cities (Munich, Dresden, Nuremberg for example) in Germany?

Before you write that off as a dumb question, let me explain. I've traveled to quite a few European countries and over the years seen meal habits change drastically. For example, my first trip to the UK, lunch was in the pub, cafe or teashop, my last trip it seemed many of those were out of business in the big cities and lots of people grab a sandwich or quick meal from a grocer or M&S. We found grabbing a quick lunch most days allowed us to maximize our activity time.

I haven't been in Germany in nearly 20 years, so my knowledge of the local food customs is sadly out of date. Do we look for a sit-down place, or grab a quick bit for lunch? Is there a decent casual chain people could suggest? We do specialty dinners, hotel breakfasts and would like an efficient lunch.

I travel solo in Germany a lot and do not like a big sit down drawn out lunch. I go quick and light.

Most big cities have a Vapiano. I like them for a lunch or a pasta dinner. You order at the counter, then pick it up. Pay when done. Nice food.

Dean and David is another chain which has a lot of fresh lunch options. You order, pay, and pick up your food.

Sometimes I hit a Kebap shop in the main train station or in a central square. You can order it and eat it there, or find a seat in the square.

I also recommend the main train station for lunch. It is full of fresh, cheap, quick options.

What a question: pork!

Seriously though, the suggestions of bitterproffit are all spot on.

I'd like to add that you will find a large number of "bäckerei" where you'll easily find ready to go sandwiches and other to-go food, as well as pastries, drinks and coffee.

Try to avoid the "budget" ones, as they generally sell yesterday's product.

That really depends on your preference. If you want to sit down you can go for Vapiano, small Asian restaurants (most often run by Chinese or Vietnamese people), some burger restaurant chains like "Hans im Glück" or if you prefer just to have some take away look for bakeries, Döner Kebap shops or your typical international fast food chains inc. McDonald's, Burger King, Subways, etc.

Just to clarify - we're not looking for chain fast food (McD's, BK, etc.) but rather something faster than a 3 course sit-down meal, and preferably with a local touch. Skipping lunch is not an option, my companion has metabolic problems and needs regular meals. Dean and David, Vapiano sound like good fits. While not exactly a local flavor, Vietnamese is a favorite - can anybody suggest a place with good vermicelli bowls in Munich, Regensburg, Dresden or Leipzig?

malmostoso, pork's fine, but where? And what preparation? Having once accidentally ordered veal brain sausage, I'd prefer not to make an ordering mistake like that again.

Your question is not really answerable. Lunch habits in major cities in Germany are really no different from those in New York, Paris, or Sydney. Some people will have three courses with wine, others will have a sausage/kebab at a stand (ie NY hot dog cart), some will eat in their company canteen, some will bring their own lunch. I personally can't stand Vapiano (restaurant prices for self-serve fast food) but I accept that others have a different view. If you are asking about specific restaurants of a certain cuisine in specific cities, I'd be glad to help (albeit my recommendations will not be the cheapest!)

Tell me where you'd go for lunch in Dresden or Leipzig if you were looking for local cuisine.

Yuck, that must not have been fun!

I can only offer you accurate recommendations for Munich. As far as pork goes you'll find three main preparations: roast ("braten"), knuckle ("schweinshaxe"), and schnitzel. Each is served with a typical side: schnitzel generally comes with fries, knuckle with kraut, roast with oven potatoes. Of course variations are possible. In Munich you'll find these dishes at any brewery or typical looking restaurant.

In what area of Munich will you be working? It'll be easier to recommend a place or two.

Dresden: try Zum Schiesshaus

Leipzig: Weinwirtschaft, or Weinstock

Go for Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, Saure Zipfel and Schäufele.

I'd have been happier if the veal brain sausage had remained a mystery to me. I was pregnant at the time of that escapade, and let's just say I parted company with it at record speed.

My companion has food allergies, so places/chains with multilingual menus are a must. My college German didn't include gourmet food vocabulary.