The East German Cookbook - Recipes from the GDR

In 1949 Germany was divided into West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) allied with the western nations, and East Germany (German Democratic Republic) which was part of the communist Eastern Bloc controlled by the Soviet Union. The West Germans continued with the traditional German cuisine, but East Germany was influenced by Russian and eastern European styles of cooking - such as Polish and Hungarian; several famous Russian dishes were popular in East Germany.

There were often shortages of certain goods and luxury foods and exotic fruits - such as bananas - were a rarity. East Germans were resourceful in gaining food. They invented new dishes and made use of what goods were available.

There were many East German brands and recipes. People are interested in these today amongst those nostalgic about life in the GDR and those who are fascinated about how people there lived.

Learn about cuisine in the old GDR and try some famous recipes in The East German Cookbook - Recipes from the GDR