what are the best grocery stores in germany?

Well my experience of German grocery stores is limited to SPAR, specifically the one at Bathyanyi Ter in Budapest. I wasn't impressed. [although *always* buy your paprika there... it's less expensive] Other posters should know more.

I'm not sure what you mean by "best", they all seem to be pretty much the same, at least to me. Two differences from their US counterparts come to mind; 1. In the produce section you weigh the product, punch in a number coded to the product and take the resulting chit to the checkout. In some of the newer stores this is done at the checkout. 2. Don't expect paper bags, and if you want 'plastic', you'll be charged a nominal fee, most German shoppers take their own mesh bag with them.

Hi Melissa, <BR>it depends on where you are locally which chain grocery store dominates the region. I would try to find one of the big ones,they´re often located in Shopping Centers. You´ll find Globus, WalMart, Wertkauf, Toom Markt, HL, REWE <BR>and sometimes chains that are only in Bavaria or in Northern Germany. Avoid ALDI if you care for fresh products, because that´s not their focus- but they´re very cheap. <BR> <BR>Regards <BR> <BR>Miriam

Anybody know the name of the grocery store in Berchtesgaden that has the big indoor parking garage? It's on the main road that leads to Salzburg. Same side of the road as the Salt Mine. I think it's a chain. I wanna try to order some items from them if I can find the name. Thanks.

Sorry, the only one I know in that vicinity is the Aldi, and as mentioned above, it's not one of the nicest chains around... okay foodstuffs, but more of a "Sam's Club" or something, with case lots available, and not a lot of the special foods I like bringing home.

Hi Melissa! <BR> I totally agree with miriam- just want to add my favorite supermarket. (GReat variety, great service, good prices and nicely dislayed) It' s called 'real' and it's more a hypermarket. You will find 'real' in every big town in Germany. <BR> <BR>A few other to add are: <BR> <BR>- E-Center <BR>- E-neukauf <BR>- famila <BR>- Combi <BR>- Extra <BR>- Kaufland <BR>- Kaiser's <BR>- Tengelmann <BR> <BR>Discounters: <BR>- Netto <BR>- Plus <BR>- Norma <BR>- Lidl <BR>- Aldi- of course <BR>- Penny-Markt <BR> <BR> THe difference is definetely that you will have to pay for plastic bags (environmental reasons)- but you can get paper bags as well. <BR>If you stay longer have a look for club cards in order to save money or get vouchers..... <BR> <BR>Many greetings, andy

Which cities are you interested in? Are you looking for anything in particular? In Munich one of my favorite places to shop is the food hall in the basement of Hertie, next to Hauptbahnhof. Also, the grocery store at the airport (really!) is very nice.