Frankfurt Cuisine in Hanau: The Foodie Guide

Hanau, the Brothers Grimm town on the Main, lies in the middle of the Rhine-Main region and shares a culinary tradition with Frankfurt: hearty, down-to-earth and with apple wine in the glass. This guide explains which dishes belong to Frankfurt cuisine, what to look for when choosing a restaurant and how to plan your restaurant visit in Hanau.

If you would rather search specifically for rated addresses, our lists can help, for example the best steak restaurants in Hanau, the best Italian restaurants or the best upmarket restaurants.

The Classics of Frankfurt Cuisine

These dishes shape Hessian cuisine in the Rhine-Main region. In Hanau, look out for which of them are on the menu.

• Handkäs mit Musik: tangy sour-milk cheese, dressed with onions and a vinegar-and-oil marinade

• Frankfurt green sauce: cold herb sauce made with seven herbs, classically served with boiled jacket potatoes and hard-boiled eggs

• Ribs with sauerkraut: cured smoked pork ribs, usually with mashed potato

• Himmel un Ääd: mashed potato with apple sauce, served with fried black pudding

• Bethmännchen: small marzipan balls with three almond halves, a classic at Christmas time

💡 Tip: Order a glass of apple wine with it. In the region, it simply belongs with hearty food.

Apple Wine Culture

Apple wine, also called Ebbelwoi or Stöffche in the region, is traditionally served in a Bembel jug and drunk from a ribbed glass. As a rule of thumb, tart apple wine goes well with green sauce, while hearty meat dishes also harmonise with sweeter apple wine. If you do not drink alcohol, many places serve apple juice with sparkling water. Ask the venue which cider press the apple wine comes from.

How to Recognise a Good Venue

• The menu is compact and changes with the seasons.

• The green sauce is freshly prepared and not served from a tub.

• Locals dine there at lunchtime too.

• There is regional apple wine and a good choice of alternatives.

Modern Interpretations

Alongside classic inns, there are kitchens that rethink Hessian dishes in a contemporary way, such as green sauce as a dip, a Handkäs carpaccio or more lightly cooked meat dishes. Such places usually show themselves through a shorter menu and often through set menus combining tradition and novelty. For special occasions, it is worth a look at the list of the best upmarket restaurants in Hanau.

Seasonal Specialities

Spring and Summer

• Green sauce with the first herbs of the year

• Asparagus with potatoes and ham in asparagus season

• Apple wine spritzer on the terrace

Autumn and Winter

• Game dishes with hearty side dishes

• Roast goose around St Martin's Day

• Bethmännchen at Christmas time

💡 Tip: Book early in asparagus season and in the run-up to Christmas, as popular venues fill up quickly.

With Children and in a Group

Families benefit from venues with a children's menu, high chairs and enough space. Many Frankfurt dishes can be ordered in smaller portions, such as boiled jacket potatoes with green sauce. For groups, booking early is advisable. Ask about separate rooms or set menus. If you have children with you, plan an ice cream in between, for example at one of the best ice-cream cafés in Hanau.

Sitting Outdoors

In summer, terraces and beer gardens are in demand. The paths along the Main and in the city centre invite you to take a walk before or after your meal. If you are heading to Schloss Philippsruhe, you can easily combine a walk and a stop for food. Check beforehand whether your chosen venue has outdoor seating, and book in good weather.

Prices and Budget

Traditional inns are usually cheaper than upmarket restaurants. Set lunches are cheaper than dinner in many establishments. Specific prices are on the menus, which many venues publish online. A quick look beforehand avoids surprises.

📍 Discover more: Explore more recommendations for Hanau on our city page.

Conclusion

Hanau offers a good introduction to Hessian cuisine, without the crowds of Frankfurt's city centre. Try the classics, look for seasonal menus and reserve at busy times. You will find more rated restaurants in our lists, such as the best steaks in Hanau.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Handkäs mit Musik?

A sour-milk cheese dressed with vinegar, oil and onions. The onions are the proverbial "music".

Are there vegetarian Frankfurt dishes?

Yes. Green sauce with boiled jacket potatoes and eggs is vegetarian, as is Handkäs mit Musik. Ask how the side dishes are prepared. An alternative is the list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Hanau.

When is green sauce in season?

The fresh herbs are available mainly in spring and summer, which is why the sauce appears on menus especially often then.

Do I need to reserve?

At the weekend, in asparagus season and in the run-up to Christmas, a reservation is recommended. Groups should always book in advance.