European food habits

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein

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Introduction

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This ebook was created in April 2021, in the third year of the Erasmus + project "Join the European table", in cooperation with the six partner schools from Tarragona (Spain), Lahr (Germany), Siedlce (Poland), Debrecen (Hungary), Hennebont (France) and Trikala (Greece).

The project deals with the flow of refugees to Europe in recent years and the integration of refugees in the countries involved in the project.

The book can help refugees to get to know and understand European customs better.

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Table of content


I. German food habits

II. Hungarian food habits

III. Polish food habits

IV. French food habits

V. Greek food habits

VI. Spanish food habits

VII. Refugees food habits + interferences with European habits

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(click on the chapter you want to read)

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I. German food
habits & traditions

Table of content

1. German eating habits

2. Traditional food

3. Delevelopment & trends

1. Eating habits

In Germany, we usually eat three main meals throughout the day, which are supplemented in the morning and afternoon by snacks such as fruits. We start the day with breakfast, for which we take a lot of time. The classic German breakfast consists of various types of bread and rolls, jam and coffee, tea or cocoa. 

If you prefer to start the day with a hearty breakfast, you can choose between different types of cheese and sausages. A hearty breakfast also includes boiled eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit and cereals or cornflakes and a glass of juice. On weekends, many people like to invite friends to enjoy a late breakfast together and to talk extensively. 

Lunch is usually eaten between 12 o´clock and 2 pm. It usually consists of a hot meal with fish or meat, vegetables and a side dish of potatoes, pasta or rice or soup.

Those who don’t have the opportunity or desire to cook for themselves or eat in a school or company cafeteria, like to buy a snack at a fast food chain or at a fast food restaurant around the corner.

There, they get sausages in all forms, French fries, meatballs or potato salad. The fast food offer is also complemented by doner kebabs, pizza, wraps or Asian food. Since many people work all day long, it is common for families to prepare a hot meal only in the evening. As a result, the habit of

a "hot" lunch has changed a little over time.

Dinner is served from 6 pm. At the latest at 8 pm everyone has eaten. As the name suggests, it is a rather smaller cold meal, where different types of bread, cheese and cold cuts as well as salad are eaten. In general, bread is an important part of German cuisine. In Germany, a total of more than 200 types of bread are baked. In addition to whole grain bread there are also rye mixed bread or white bread to be had.

During the week, while the majority of the population is working, there is nothing more until dinner. On the weekend, on the other hand, people like to invite family or friends to the so-called "coffee and cake". Generally, different types of cakes are baked depending on the season. In summer, for example, you get freshly baked plum cake or strawberry cake. In winter, Christmas stollen and fruit bread are served, both contain dried fruits. Some cakes are also known abroad, such as apple cake or Black Forest gateau, which is famous for our region.

Children at school or professionals at work often have a "Vesper" as a second breakfast. This consists of bread topped with cheese, sausage or other toppings suitable for eating out of hand. “Vesper” often includes fruit, vegetables, yogurt or a boiled egg.