Many people think that only the East has dishes like salads or raw meat, but that's not entirely true. The West also has similar dishes, and in Germany, it is a specialty. Why do Germans eat raw meat with bread?

First, let's clarify what this dish is. This dish is called Mett or Hackepeter. A traditional German dish made from finely minced pork, eaten raw without any cooking. It sounds horrifying, but for Germans, it is a familiar dish, much like we eat pho in the morning. The pork is finely ground and mixed with salt, pepper, sometimes a bit of garlic, caraway seeds, or finely chopped onions. It is then spread on a slice of bread, topped with a little raw onion and black pepper. And there you have the famous raw meat sandwich. This dish has two names, two different styles called Mett or Hackepeter. They are quite similar but have a few small differences.

Mett is the common name in the western and northern parts of Germany. Mett means food or minced meat without fat. Hackepeter is the term used in the eastern regions, especially in Berlin, Brandenburg, and Saxony. The origin of this name also refers to minced meat, a playful term from the slaughterhouses. The taste in the East is usually stronger, sometimes with the addition of raw eggs or strong spices. But why do Germans eat raw meat? To answer this question, we need to delve into their history and culinary culture. Like many other cuisines and cultures, eating raw meat is not a new idea.

In Germany, this tradition has existed for centuries, especially in rural areas. In the past, when farming families slaughtered pigs themselves, they often ate the meat right after slaughtering to enjoy its freshness. Fresh pork, rich in protein, is an important source of nutrition for laborers, especially during the cold winter days. The raw meat dish was created as a way to utilize fresh meat without complicated cooking, saving time and preserving the original flavor. Since the late 19th century, when Germany began industrializing, the raw meat recipe became a popular breakfast and lunch option in industrial cities. Workers always needed something quick, cheap, and energy-rich to eat. And this kind of raw meat with bread perfectly met that need.

Meat and bread stalls in markets or slaughterhouses began selling this dish with meat ground on the spot to ensure freshness, and customers could see it being prepared. This dish became a cultural symbol by the mid-20th century, especially during the post-World War II recovery period. At that time, Germans began to have the means to eat more meat after years of scarcity. Pork became the most popular meat, and this was a simple way to enjoy it. Even in the 50s and 70s, a raw meat dish shaped like a hedgehog became a very trendy party dish. People shaped raw meat into a hedgehog, using sliced onions or crackers to make the spikes and olives for the eyes and nose.

This dish is not just an ordinary meal but also a culinary work that brings joy and surprise at parties. Later, many extremely interesting shapes were invented. However, by the 1990s, the raw meat sandwich faced a crisis due to concerns about mad cow disease and food safety issues. Because this dish is not only made with pork but sometimes also with beef. Many people began to hesitate about raw meat in general, and it was almost considered outdated. But recently, the raw meat sandwich has made a comeback as a cultural symbol of Germany. Germans grew up with the raw meat sandwich as part of their culinary culture. Breakfast at home, office buffets, to bread stalls at train stations.

For them, eating bread and raw meat is no different from eating sushi in Japan or eating fish salad in Vietnam. It is part of their cultural identity and nothing to be afraid of. Surely many of you are thinking about eating raw meat without getting sick. It's true that only Germany does this, right? It is true that in many places, especially countries like the U.S., eating raw meat is considered taboo due to the risk of contracting diseases related to parasites. But in Germany, it is a bit different. In Germany, the pork used for this dish must be processed according to strict regulations.

According to the law, the meat must be kept at a temperature of 2°C, ground with a coarse grinder, and can only be sold on the day of production. The meat used for the raw meat sandwich is usually from lean muscle with a fat content of no more than 35% to ensure safety and flavor, meaning it must be filtered very carefully. Slaughterhouses and butcher shops must undergo long-term training and strict inspections to be licensed to sell this raw meat sandwich. Perhaps in a disciplined country like Germany, it is not difficult to ensure this. Since the mid-20th century, there have also been strict regulations on what pigs can and cannot eat. And this dish is not just minced meat stored in the refrigerator for several days.

Germans have great trust in local slaughterhouses where butchers are well-trained over many years. However, this does not mean that you can make a raw meat sandwich anywhere. In countries without strict meat control systems like Germany, eating raw meat can be very dangerous. Therefore, if you are not in Germany, it is best to try the cooked version of this dish, which can be made into skewers or sausages to enjoy safely. It should also be noted that eating raw meat is not exclusive to Germans. Many other cultures also have similar raw dishes, each with its own style.

Here are some typical examples, such as steak tartare. This is finely minced raw beef mixed with onions, raw eggs, mustard, and spices. It is considered a high-end dish often found in upscale restaurants. Unlike the German dish, this one has a stronger flavor due to the mustard and eggs, but both are based on very fresh ingredients. In Japan, we have dishes like sashimi or sushi. In Japan, raw fish is the star, sliced thin and served with soy sauce. Even though it is seafood and not pork, sashimi also relies on the principle of freshness being everything.

Both Japanese and Germans have absolute trust in the quality of ingredients and the processing techniques of chefs or butchers. In Thailand, there is a dish called "coy soi." This is raw beef or pork mixed with blood, bile, and spicy seasonings like chili and garlic. It is a rustic dish, mainly popular in the northeastern region of Thailand, but it is also controversial due to health risks if not handled properly. In Africa, specifically Ethiopia, there is a dish called Kifo. This dish is finely minced raw beef mixed with butter and local herbs. It is served with bread and sometimes lightly cooked to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.

In Vietnam, there are also similar dishes. Does your hometown have any such dishes? These dishes show that eating raw meat is not something too strange in the world. Their common point is the reliance on fresh ingredients, strict processing procedures, and a culture of trust in food quality. However, the raw meat sandwich of the Germans still stands out for its simplicity and popularity in the daily life of Germany, from bread stalls to family meals.

Today, this dish is not just an ordinary meal but also a cultural phenomenon in Germany. In Germany, there is even a Wednesday when many people eat this dish as a fun tradition. On social media, it also appears in humorous videos and even eating challenges by foreigners. However, it is also controversial. Especially in countries like the U.S., raw meat is considered toxic. Some Americans call this dish a horror food due to the fear of bacteria. Although in Germany, these risks have been tightly controlled. Nevertheless, even in Germany, not everyone likes it.

Some young people today have different thoughts. They think it is outdated or not to their taste, while others still consider it a pride of their cuisine. So we have explored the raw pork sandwich, a cool dish of Germany. A dish that sounds creepy but is a symbol of trust and food quality and the unique culinary culture of Germany. From its rural origins through the post-war recovery period to playful innovations, it is not just a dish but a story of creativity, joy, and the trust of the Germans. Whether you dare to try it or not, I hope this story has helped you understand more about a surprising corner of the world's cuisine.