By Constanze Kleis

In its special edition Best in Travel 2010 “Lonely Planet”, the cult Australian travel guide, lists Germany in second place of countries to have visited. On account of its great diversity and ability to change – and because “Germany is still a country where you can witness history in the making”, particularly in Berlin. There are several other good reasons why a visit is worthwhile: the country’s modern approach, its openness, the quality of life, the excellent value for money, the multi-national diversity and the creativity with which Germany both renews and preserves its cultural identity. Nowadays a laissez-faire attitude and a liberal sense of curiosity are evident almost everywhere.

For example in nutrition. Of course you can still enjoy heavy regional cuisine, the hearty characteristics of the different landscapes: Roast pork with dumplings from Bavaria or ribs and sauerkraut from Hesse. Yet several new influences have also made their mark on German cuisine. It has become far more varied and health conscious, light and imaginative. In the 2010 edition of Gault Millau, Wahabi Nouri from “Piment” in Hamburg was voted “Cook of the Year”. He was born in Morocco but grew up in Hamburg and is regarded as an aroma artist and treats his guests to totally new taste sensations. This is very popular, as the Germans are among those with the most international range of food in Europe: According to a survey conducted by the Allensbach Institute more than fifty percent of all Germans chose foreign cuisine when eating out, primarily Italian, Chinese or Greek. In the big cities international food stores are part of the scenery; in them people from all over the world can buy the products they are familiar with from their home countries.

Another trend is towards healthy eating: In 2008, sales of organic food totaled some 5.8 billion euros. Organic supermarkets offer a blend of what is becoming increasingly important to Germans: Enjoyment and responsibility, lifestyle and a clear conscience. The other supermarkets, weekly markets and retail also now offer several organic products.