Luxembourg Specialties you should know
Luxembourg is a small country, but it has a variety of delicious dishes to offer. Many of these dishes are typical of Luxembourg and have a long tradition. You should know these dishes if you travel to Luxembourg. Our culinary journey through Luxembourg showed us how important it is to know dishes from your travel destination. It was clear to us before our trip that Luxembourg has culinary specialties.
Our personal experiences with Luxembourg specialties
What we didn't know, however, were the names of these dishes. It was only in the local restaurants that we realized that we would have better dealt with this before we arrived. At first we didn't understand a word that was on the menu. Menus are written in Luxembourgish. These may perhaps be understandable for visitors from neighboring Saarland. They definitely weren't for us. Even though the country is multilingual and almost everyone speaks German or French. And so we had the waiter introduce each dish to us in detail before ordering. On our travels as travel bloggers This is usually not optimal. Because time is usually very short on these trips.
There was Grompere Kichelcher. Cuddly stain. Andouillette. Träipen. Kallefskaap. I could continue the list of Luxembourg's culinary specialties. But what is that? We were able to deduce some things after getting used to Luxembourgish, but not everything. We couldn't have the waiter translate the menu for us every time. By the time he finished his translation, we had already forgotten what the dishes were. Therefore, our visits to the restaurant turned out to be an adventure. It was always a surprise what ended up on our plate. That's why you should definitely get a few specialties of the country. This makes traveling there easier.
Map of our culinary journey through Luxembourg
Eat in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, food is more than just a necessity - it is an important part of culture and social life. Luxembourgish cuisine is characterized by its diversity and its unique blend of different culinary traditions. Luxembourgish cuisine has been significantly influenced by the neighboring countries of France, Germany and Belgium. This created a fusion of flavors and techniques that create unique dishes.
In Luxembourg you will also find a large selection of regional products that are often used in the kitchen. This includes fresh vegetables such as potatoes, beans and cabbage, as well as meat and sausage products such as pork, lamb and Mettwurst. Luxembourgish dishes are often hearty and filling. Therefore they are perfect for cold days.
In addition, Luxembourg also offers a variety of international cuisines, from French to Italian, from Asian to Mediterranean. Cities have a wide range of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy the different flavors of the world. And don't forget the Luxembourg wines! Luxembourg is also known for its excellent wines, particularly Riesling and Crémant, a sparkling wine. These wines are the perfect accompaniment to the country's delicious dishes.
Overall, Luxembourg offers a wealth of culinary experiences, from traditional dishes to international specialities. Whether you're a foodie or just want to explore the local cuisine, Luxembourg has something for everyone.
The Luxembourg top chef Lea Linster – The Luxembourg kitchen today
Lea Linster is Luxembourg's star chef. She runs the top restaurant Lea Linster Cuisinière in Frisange, where she serves haute cuisine from Luxembourg. In one of her previous restaurants she brought down-to-earth cuisine from Luxembourg to the table. Lea Linster attaches great importance to the simple dishes of her native Luxembourg. It also turns mashed potatoes or pea soup into a culinary highlight. In your Cookbooks* (Advertisement) she not only presents recipes from haute cuisine, but also the simple cuisine of Luxembourg. Luxembourg cuisine today also draws on the country's traditional recipes.
A Crime Story from Luxembourg
We have seen for ourselves that Luxembourg has culinary specialties. A crime novel I read recently reminds me of this. Tom Hillenbrand's investigator is star chef Xavier Kieffer. He lives in Luxembourg. So it's no wonder that culinary delights play a role in these thrillers. I devoured his thriller Bitter Schokolade. Not only does he present the capital's gastronomic scene and the upper and lower towns in detail. He also describes dishes that the star chef and others serve in their restaurants.
Bitter Chocolate: A Culinary Crime Thriller. Xavier Kieffer is investigating*
In volume 6 of his crime series, Kieffer meets his childhood sweetheart Ketti again, whom he hasn't seen for years. She now produces chocolates in her chocolate factory near Brussels. During a meeting, she collapses in front of him, fatally wounded. Unknown people shot them. Does her murder have anything to do with the fair trade chocolate that she has grown in the Congo? Hillenbrand weaves a story around the delicacy, which, however, has a bitter aftertaste due to the machinations of certain people. For that reason alone, this crime novel is well worth reading.
You can order the crime thriller from Amazon*.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
I also used Hillenbrand's crime novel to learn more about the country's specialties. The crime thriller is a treasure trove for this. After his return from Paris, his protagonist Xavier Kieffer decided to serve the guests of his restaurant specialties from Luxembourg. There is therefore hardly a better teacher. It's always exciting when he prepares his menu for the next day. So I end up collecting his menu suggestions on a notepad that's next to my reading chair.
Luxembourg Specialties
Kieffer's breakfast usually consists of croissants or brioches with coffee. It immediately reminds me of our breakfast with view of the old town . His chases through the city and his visits to the Old town are like a déja vu. In my mind I follow his paths through the city. Even his visits to the government district and the hotels of the city evoke images of a city, as we got to know it, when we were there.
Luxembourg typical products
In Luxembourg, we discovered some typical products that characterize the country's culinary heritage. The region is known for its wines and crémants, which come from the slopes of the Moselle. We also tried Luxembourg sausage, a specialty with a strong flavor. Luxembourg honey, often produced by small beekeepers, was a particular highlight. Local cheeses, such as "Kachkéis", also reflect the diversity of Luxembourg cuisine. These products offer a deep insight into the traditions and tastes of Luxembourg.
However, the matter of food gets more complicated with the main meals. The names of the dishes are not as easy to recognize as croissants or brioches. Some names can be derived from Luxembourgish into German after we get used to the pronounciation. With others, however, it is more difficult.
If you fancy a salad, Feierstengszalot, a cold beef salad, is just the thing. Huesenziwwi, braised rabbit with chocolate sauce, is also a Luxembourg delicacy. Another speciality is the "Gromperekichelcher", potato pancakes, often served with apple sauce or cranberries. And don't forget the "Kniddelen", small dumplings made from potato or flour dough, often served as a side dish with meat dishes.
Sweet specialties in Luxembourg
Luxembourg offers a variety of sweet specialties that will delight every palate. In the local bakeries and patisseries you will find a wide selection of delicious treats. The traditional recipes, which are often passed down from generation to generation, are particularly popular. Whether fine pastries or lovingly prepared desserts, the variety is impressive. A visit to Luxembourg would not be complete without trying these sweet delicacies.
Typical sweets in Luxembourg
- Bamboo cake: A traditional tree cake, often served on special occasions.
- Quetsch tart: A plum cake that is especially popular in autumn.
- Luxemburgerli: Small macaroons that originally come from Switzerland but are also very popular in Luxembourg.
- Kachkeis: A sweet cheese, often eaten as a dessert.
- Boxing man: A sweet yeast dough pastry in the shape of a little man, especially popular on St. Nicholas Day.
- Eclairs: Filled and glazed choux pastries that can be found in many bakeries.
- Wedding light: Pastries traditionally prepared on All Saints Day.
Traditional Luxembourgish dishes – What is typical Luxembourg food?
What makes Luxembourg food typical are traditional dishes such as Judd mat Gaardebounen and Bouneschlupp. Pork neck with broad beans is even considered the national dish in Luxembourg.
Luxembourgish specialties
Luxembourg offers a rich culinary diversity, heavily influenced by its neighboring countries. When visiting, be sure to try the region's typical specialties, which combine local traditions and influences. Here are some of the best Luxembourg dishes you shouldn't miss. This list of the names of Luxembourg specialties will help you with more dishes to try when visiting a restaurant.
| Grompere Kichelcher | potato pancake |
| Huesenziwwi | rabbit ragout |
| hassle stain | a traditional dish made from rumen |
| andouillette | sausage made from offal |
| Träipen | filled blood sausage |
| Kallefskapp | calf's head |
| Graf Pati | terrine made from liver, pork, bacon, eggs, wine and spices |
| Feststengszalot | meat salad |
| gebotschte Gromperen | fried potatoes |
| Biwwelamoud | Boeuf à la mode or sauerbraten |
| Judd mat Gaardebounen | A national dish in Luxembourg, pork neck with broad beans and potatoes |
| Choucroute | Sauerkraut |
| Verwurelte | carnival pastries from Luxembourg |
| Go to Kraiderzooss | pike with herb sauce |
| Chou Fleur Zopp | cauliflower soup |
| cuddles | flour dumplings |
| mummaart | topped apple pie |
| squeeze fluid | plum cake |
| Riesling paschtèit | puff pastries with pork |
| Suet pudding | kidney fat cake |
| Wäinzoossiss with Moschterzooss | sausages with mustard sauce and mashed potatoes |
| kachkei | cooking cheese |
| Queen's bite | Puff pastry patties with chicken fricassee |
| Boune slip | Luxembourg bean stew |
| Consomme diablotins | Broth with slices of bread topped with cheese and béchamel sauce |
| Frying | Deep fried Nosel fish in batter |
| ganache | Cream of couverture and cream |
| Gratin de queues d'écrevisse | scalloped tails of crayfish |
| lobster Thermidor | Lobster ragout baked with cream and mushrooms |
| Kanengche mat Moschterzoos | Casserole with rabbit in mustard sauce |
| Loup de mer en croûte feuilletée | Sea bass in puff pastry crust |
| Mousses d'ecrevisses au Cliquot | Cream of crayfish refined with champagne |
| Ortolan au suc d'pineapple | Bunting in pineapple juice |
| Bone marrow | marrowbone |
| Pâté a Jelli | Pie with jelly |
| Chicken in bladder | Chicken cooked in a pig's bladder |
| Rapes des Vosges | Lorraine potato pancakes |
| Gribiche sauce | cold sauce with egg, capers, gherkins, mustard and herbs |
| smear | Luxembourg spread |
| Sole a l'Oseille | Sole with sorrel |
| stuffy | Luxembourg cottage cheese |
| Truite farcie braisee au porto | Trout stuffed with port wine sauce |
| Coucou de Malin | Mechelen cuckoo, chicken species from Flanders |
| Cremant | Luxembourg champagne |
| Entrecote Bercy | Stick with white wine shallot sauce, parsley and cress |
| Enjoy the Riesling | Trout in Riesling |
| Gramigna | short noodle |
| clap | whipped cream |
| Chorone sauce | Variant of Béarnaise sauce with tomato paste |
| Tarte Tatin | Apple pie baked upside down |
| Vol-au-vents | Puff Pastry Patties |
Recipes for specialties from Luxembourg
Influences on Luxembourg cuisine
Of course there are even more Luxembourgish specialties. But with these dishes you can get further as a traveler.
German roots in the cuisine of Luxembourg
On our trip we also learned that along the border with Germany you can often find dishes that have been adopted from the cuisine of neighboring regions. Germany has also left its mark on Luxembourg cuisine. The dishes are often hearty and filling. A good example is Judd mat Gaardebounen, a hearty dish of smoked pork and broad beans. The love of potatoes and sausage also shows the German origins.
Influences of French cuisine
The proximity to France is clearly reflected in Luxembourg's cuisine. You will find many dishes here that are refined with a pinch of French finesse. For example, the use of sauces and spices is very French. Desserts such as omelette soufflée au kirsch also show the French influence.
Portuguese influences
Yes, you heard that right. The cuisine of Portugal has also found its way to Luxembourg. The use of fish and seafood in particular is a clear sign of this. In Luxembourg, for example, you will find dishes prepared with spices and ingredients from Portugal.
Luxembourg culinary specialties that are popular
One of the dishes that Luxembourgers love to eat is Judd mat Gaardebounen. Wikipedia even calls it the national dish. This is pork neck that is cured or smoked. It is served with broad beans. The Bouneschlupp is also popular. This is a bean soup with bacon and potatoes. This soup is not only known in Luxembourg, but also in Lorraine. We also tried Kniddelen on our trip to Luxembourg. This is what dumplings made from flour, water, eggs and salt are called. These are served with a bacon and cream sauce or with applesauce. Afterwards, people like to eat a squeeze tart as dessert. This is a plum cake. An omelette soufflée also tastes good at the end. Specialties from Luxembourg are definitely dishes from the country's home-cooked cuisine.
Luxembourgish specialties you should try
Many see Judd mat Gaardebounen as the national dish of Luxembourg
“Judd mat Gaardebounen” is a traditional dish from Luxembourg. It consists of cured pork neck cooked together with broad beans. This dish reflects the rural and down-to-earth cuisine of Luxembourg and is known for its hearty and filling character. The exact origins and history of this dish are not clearly documented, but it is an integral part of Luxembourg's food culture and is often considered the country's national dish.
The origin of the word “Judd” in “Judd mat Gaardebounen” is not clearly clear. One theory, proposed by linguist Jean-Claude Muller, member of the Institut grand-ducal in Luxembourg, is that it comes from the Spanish word for bean (“judía”). He explains that Galicia also has a pork dish with broad beans, locally called judia (pronounced “shu-DI-a”). Muller suspects that the dish was brought to Luxembourg by Spanish troops in the 16th or 17th century. If that is the case, “Judd mat Gaardebounen” would roughly translate to “beans with beans.”
There is also the theory that the term is derived from “judío” (Jew) because “the dark color of the beans reminded some of the dark skin of Spanish Jews.” Which.
Did you know what botsche grompers are?
This side dish is simple but delicious. The main ingredient is potatoes, which are processed into a rustic puree. The addition of onions and bacon is typical for orderly grompers. This combination gives the dish its flavor. In Luxembourg it is often served with meat dishes, especially sauerbraten. The preparation is uncomplicated: boil the potatoes, mash them, fry the onions and bacon, fold them in. This creates a hearty, filling dish. Ideal for chefs who appreciate authentic, regional recipes.
Products from the region are Luxembourg specialties
I also find it exciting that Luxembourg produces a lot of regional specialties. For example, there is the ham from the Ardennes or the pork in aspic. In the wine regions there is, for example, Riesling pschtéit. This is one of the national dishes from Luxembourg. This is a pie made from puff pastry filled with pork and a layer of gelatine. These are made from Riesling. Rivers like the Moselle or the Untersauer also supply fish, which the restaurants in the valleys have on their menu. These include trout, pike and crabs. If you want to buy products from the region at Souvenirs, then look for the “Produit du terroir” seal. Only products that are produced in the region are allowed to bear this quality seal.
Luxembourg wine and beer with the Luxembourg specialties
In addition to Luxembourg's cuisine, the country also offers local drinks that you should also try.
Moselle wines from Luxembourg
The wines from the Moselle region are a real pleasure. White wines such as Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Gewürztraminer are particularly popular. They are often fruity and have a pleasant acidity. These wines go perfectly with many Luxembourg dishes.
Luxembourg beer
Beer is another highlight. Although Luxembourg is not as well known for its beers as Belgium or Germany, there are some local varieties here. Mousel and Bofferding are two of the best-known brands. They offer a good alternative to wine and are particularly popular in social gatherings.
Crémants: The Luxembourg sparkling wine
If you're looking for something special, try a Crémant from Luxembourg. These sparkling wines are of high quality and are often enjoyed as an aperitif. They are the perfect choice for festive occasions or simply to spend a nice evening.
Liqueurs and spirits are also among the Luxembourg specialties
Luxembourg also has a selection of liqueurs. Eau de vie is an example of this. These schnapps are often distilled from local fruits such as plums or pears. They are strong, so be careful when consuming them!
Conclusion: Typical food in Luxembourg is hearty
The typical food in Luxembourg surprised us. We had expected to feel the influence of fine French cuisine. However, this can only be found in the restaurants and hotels in the European Quarter. However, this food has little to do with the specialties. Instead, specialties from Luxembourg are down-to-earth. For example, you can easily imagine how grandma or mother puts Kniddelen on the table. Or how Jupp mat Gaardebounen is served to a family on holidays. The influences from the surrounding countries also come more from the kitchens of housewives. They therefore go well with the dishes from the country's cuisine. Let our tips inspire you to try these specialties. It's worth it. But you have to be hungry, because the portions are large. In any case, we hope you enjoy your meal!
Discover Luxembourg specialties on these food tours*
Questions and answers about Luxembourg specialties
Are there vegetarian or vegan options in restaurants in Luxembourg?
Yes, many restaurants in Luxembourg also offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as vegetable stir-fries, salads or dishes with pasta.
Which drinks are popular in Luxembourg and go well with Luxembourg culinary specialties?
Popular drinks in Luxembourg are beer, especially “Battin” beer, as well as local wines such as Riesling or Elbling.
Do I have to tip in restaurants in Luxembourg?
It is customary to tip in Luxembourg. A common practice is to tip around 10% if the service was good.
Should I book a seat at restaurants in Luxembourg?
It is advisable to book a table at popular or upscale restaurants, especially on Saturday and Sunday or during holidays. This will ensure you get a table.
When are restaurants open in Luxembourg?
Restaurants in Luxembourg open at similar times to other European countries. Many restaurants open for lunch around 12:00 p.m. and dinner around 18:00 or 19:00 p.m. However, note that some smaller restaurants may be closed on certain days.
Are there any special customs I should pay attention to in restaurants in Luxembourg?
In Luxembourg it is customary to leave your cutlery on your plate while eating. When you're done, place your cutlery parallel to the plate. This shows that you are finished. It is also polite to say “Enjoy your meal” before eating and “Thank you” after eating.
We would love to hear your opinion about Luxembourg specialties!
Have you ever tried Luxembourg specialties, or is there a dish you particularly recommend? Maybe you even have your own recipe that you would like to share with us? Let us know in a comment what your favorite Luxembourgish dishes are and why.
What is Luxembourg known for?
- Financial center: headquarters of many banks and funds.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Old town of Luxembourg city.
- Multilingualism and international community.
- Schengen Agreement: this is where it came from.
- Castles and palaces: buildings like Castle Vianden.
- viticulture: Region on the Moselle for excellent wines.
- Modern buildings: Iconic buildings.
- Nature parks: Müllerthal, “Little Switzerland in Luxembourg”.
- Europe's Offices: Seat of Europe's highest court.
- High security and prosperity.
Do you know this?
- Taste the World: Wine Regions to Discover
- Castle Vianden in Luxembourg
- Franconian cuisine tastes delicious
- Snickerdoodles recipe
- Sweet and sour pork – my recipe
- Plan a winter vacation: Unique destinations for connoisseurs and explorers
- Discover palaces and castles
- Which rain jacket is the best?
Source Luxembourg culinary specialties: own research on site. Our opinions definitely remain our own.
Text Luxembourg culinary specialties: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
Photos of Luxembourg culinary specialties: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
Video Luxembourg culinary specialties: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TWO
