Germany By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Germany: Hamburg Labskaus (Recipe)

Hamburg labskaus topped with a fried egg and pickled beetroot

In this article

Step aboard with Labskaus, a rib-sticking classic from the harbours of northern Germany. Born in the galleys of seafaring ships, this hearty plate brings together tender beef, mashed potatoes and warming spices, then crowns the lot with tangy pickled beetroot and a glossy fried egg. It is honest, salty, maritime comfort food — and a delicious taste of Hamburg’s sailing heritage you can recreate in your own kitchen.

About Labskaus

Traditional Hamburg Labskaus is a dish deeply rooted in the maritime cooking of northern Germany. Originally prepared by sailors, it combines boiled beef, potatoes and spices into one satisfying, savoury meal. The addition of pickled beetroot and a fried egg turns it into a real treat and gives the dish its unmistakable character. It is not only a pleasure for the palate but also tells a story of life at sea and on the land in Germany’s far north.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

200g boiled beef
300g potatoes
1 onion
100ml beef stock
2 tablespoons pickled beetroot
2 eggs
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

Shopping for the ingredients

When shopping for the ingredients for Labskaus, it pays to choose good-quality produce. Fresh, tender beef is especially important, as it brings out the very best in the dish. Go for waxy potatoes, which take on a lovely creamy texture once they are mashed. The pickled beetroot and the seasonings are key to that characteristic flavour, so a trip to a well-stocked supermarket or an organic market is well worth it.

Preparing the dish

Before you start cooking Labskaus, make sure everything is properly prepped. Peel the potatoes and cut them into even pieces so they cook through at the same rate. Dice the beef into small cubes for a consistent texture throughout the dish. It also helps to chop the onion finely so it caramelises quickly in the pan and lends real depth to the flavour.

Step-by-step instructions

Bring the potatoes to the boil in a pan of salted water and cook for about 15–20 minutes, until soft.
Sauté the onions in the butter in a frying pan until golden brown.
Add the boiled beef along with the beef stock to the onions and combine well.
Drain the cooked potatoes, mash them, and fold them into the beef-and-onion mixture.
Season with salt, pepper and any additional spices to taste.
Fry the egg in a separate pan.
Plate up the labskaus and garnish with the pickled beetroot and the fried egg.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Labskaus is easy to make both gluten-free and lactose-free. Be sure to use a gluten-free stock, and reach for milk alternatives such as oat or almond milk if you want a creamier mash. You can also swap the butter for a plant-based margarine to guarantee a lactose-free result. That way the full flavour of the dish stays intact while leaving out the ingredients you would rather avoid.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For a vegan or vegetarian version of Labskaus, replace the beef with a mix of smoked tofu and seasoned mushrooms, which together bring a lovely savoury note. Use a plant-based stock and finish the dish with vegan margarine. To keep that creamy texture, vegan cream or a homemade hemp or almond purée makes a great alternative. This way you can enjoy the maritime classic with no animal products at all.

More tips and tricks

A few small tricks can take your Labskaus even further. Experiment with spices such as nutmeg or paprika to give the dish a personal touch. Presentation matters too: a little fresh chives or parsley brings welcome colour to the plate. You can also vary things by adding fried onions or fresh gherkins, which lend a pleasing texture and a refreshing edge. For a wider taste of German cuisine, try serving it the way the locals do across the north.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The Labskaus recipe is easily tailored to your own preferences. You might vary the amount of pickled beetroot, for example, depending on how dominant you want that flavour to be. If you like a bit of heat, add some chilli or extra black pepper. You can also tweak the consistency of the mash by stirring in a little stock or plant-based cream, so everyone can enjoy the dish exactly the way they like it.

Ingredient substitutions

If you find yourself short of a few ingredients for Labskaus, there are plenty of alternatives. The beef could be swapped for chicken or a vegetarian alternative, depending on what you prefer — much like the swaps that work in a Saxon Pot Roast. Sweet potatoes can stand in for regular potatoes to create a slightly sweeter version, and for the garnish you might use avocado or peppers in place of beetroot to give the dish a fresh new look.

Drink pairing ideas

A range of drinks pairs beautifully with a hearty plate of Labskaus. A chilled lager or a crisp, zesty white wine harmonises wonderfully with the flavours of the dish. Alternatively, a freshly brewed herbal tea rounds out the aromas nicely. For an alcohol-free option, a freshly pressed apple juice or a glass of sparkling water adds a welcome touch of freshness to the meal.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation can lift the whole Labskaus experience. Serve the dish in deep plates or bowls, decorated with a fried egg in the centre and a few strips of pickled beetroot alongside for a splash of colour. Fresh herbs such as chives or parsley as a garnish bring not only colour but extra aroma too. Remember to choose attractive cutlery as well, to turn the meal into a real occasion.

A bit of history

Labskaus has a fascinating history that reaches back to the days of the great sailing ships. It was originally created as a simple, nourishing meal for sailors who spent long stretches at sea. The combination of beef, potatoes and spices made it possible to put together a filling dish from just a handful of ingredients. Today it is a much-loved staple of northern Germany, treasured by locals and visitors alike, offering a window into the maritime culture of the region.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Labskaus

All in all, Labskaus is a remarkable dish that wins you over not only with its combination of flavours but also with its intriguing history and cultural significance in northern Germany. Whether you make it vegan, vegetarian or in its traditional form, Labskaus is sure to delight and to win over your guests. Give it a go and discover the rustic, hearty cooking of Hamburg!