German and Austrian eating is usually robust and hearty with meals consisting of combinations of meats, sausages, salads, soups and dumplings in large servings. The quality of German and Austrian food is usually very good. Tasty white asparagus, cauliflower and potatoes, seafoods and dairy products form the basis of the diet.
Meals usually start with a soup containing vegetables, dumplings, meatballs or meat.
The main course is meat served with vegetables. Each vegetable has its own traditional sauce, so that cauliflower is always served with a plain white sauce and carrots with parsley sauce. There is a vast selection of traditional German sausages, which can be eaten raw or cooked. German deserts consist of compote, custards, puddings or pastries. German and Austrian restaurants generally serve huge servings and are good value.