The Mystery Of Pork In Cologne Unveiled

Cologne, Germany, is known for its hearty local cuisine, including pork dishes such as Eisbein (salt-cured knuckle of pork) and Mettbrötchen (bread rolls with raw minced pork). The city also offers pork knuckles at restaurants like Peters Brauhaus, which has been described as serving the best pork knuckle in the city. In addition to food, Cologne also has a unique barbecue cologne that smells like barbecued ham or bacon.

Cologne's local cuisine

• Halver Hahn (Ger. for "half a rooster"): Despite its name, this dish contains no chicken or any meat. It is an open-faced sandwich made with a rye bun, butter, thick slices of gouda cheese, and raw onion. It is a very famous traditional sandwich that can be found on almost every menu in Cologne's brewhouses and traditional pubs. In the brewhouses, customers are usually given a plate with all the ingredients and are expected to make the sandwich themselves.
• Himmel und Erde (Ger. for "heaven and earth"): This dish gets its name from the fact that 'earth' refers to mashed potatoes, while 'heaven' is a chunky apple puree. It is refined with the addition of onions, bacon strips, and fried black pudding (known as "Blootwoosch" in Kölsch).
• Eisbein (Ger. for "salt-cured knuckle of pork"): A traditional German dish that is often served with sauerkraut and potatoes.
• Mettbrötchen (Ger. for "bread roll with minced pork"): This dish is a favourite in Cologne and is eaten at any time of the day. The minced pork is served raw, which can be off-putting for some people. It is served on a slice of bread or a bread roll with butter, raw onion, salt, and pepper. For a less intense version, try the Kölsche Kaviar, which is a rye bun with blood pudding and mustard.
• Reibekuchen (Ger. for "potato pancakes"): These potato pancakes are commonly found at German Christmas markets, served plain or with apple sauce. In Cologne, they are often paired with dark rye bread and salmon in brewhouses, pubs, and traditional restaurants. However, they are usually only served one day a week, so it is recommended to check the restaurant menu before visiting.
• Erbsensuppe (Ger. for "pea soup"): This hearty and warming meal is a popular choice during outdoor events, especially during the freezing Karneval festivities. It is sold in pubs, restaurants, and food stands in to-go containers. Vegetarians should be cautious as the dish sometimes contains pork belly or bockwurst chunks.
• Sauerbraten (Ger. for "marinated and braised meat"): A traditional German roast, often made with horse meat marinated in wine and served with a sweet and sour sauce with raisins.

Pork knuckle in Cologne

Cologne, or Köln, is known for its hearty local cuisine, including the famous Eisbein, or Hämmche, a salt-cured knuckle of pork. This traditional dish is served in many restaurants across the city, often grilled and paired with sides such as savoy cabbage and fried bacon-potatoes.

One of the most popular places to enjoy pork knuckle in Cologne is Peters Brauhaus, a well-known traditional brewhouse. Here, the pork knuckle is described as crispy, juicy, and cooked to perfection. It is a massive dish, perfect for satisfying any meat lover's cravings. The brewhouse is also renowned for its Kölsch beer and the quintessential Cologne attitude of its waitstaff.

Another renowned restaurant specialising in pork knuckle is Haxenhaus, located in the old town of Cologne, directly on the Rhine. Haxenhaus has been serving freshly grilled pork knuckles and homemade bratwurst for almost 30 years. They pride themselves on their time-honoured tradition of landlord hospitality, specialising in all kinds of knuckles and sausages prepared according to the master butcher "Löwe Will"'s recipe.

When it comes to pork chops, a highly recommended spot is Lommi's. Located in Cologne, Lommi's is praised for its pork chops, fries, and Kölsch beer.

In addition to these specialty restaurants, pork knuckle can also be found in various other traditional eateries throughout Cologne. The city's simple yet delicious local cuisine pairs perfectly with a cold glass of Kölsch beer.

So, if you're a fan of pork knuckle and looking for an authentic culinary experience in Cologne, be sure to check out these popular destinations!

Peters Brauhaus

The venue is spacious and communal, with a multi-roomed pubby decor, a cool-looking serving bar, and wonderful wall art. The piece de resistance is an impressive stained glass ceiling. The vibe is busy and popular, with a mix of locals and tourists.

The beer served at Peters Brauhaus is Kolsch, a type of beer native to Cologne. It is described as crisp, clean, and refreshing, with a terrific flavour. The beer is served in the classic 0.2l Kolsch-style glasses, and it is customary to place your beer mat on top of your glass when you are finished to signal to the waiters that you do not want another.

As for the food, Peters Brauhaus offers traditional German fare, including:

• Potato soup
• Pork knuckle
• Apple strudel
• Sauerbraten
• Potato salad
• Bread
• Goulash soup
• Tuna salad
• Schnitzel with fried bacon potatoes and salad
• Creamed cabbage

The service at Peters Brauhaus is generally efficient and friendly, with waiters working hard, especially during the busy Christmas market season. However, there are a few reviews mentioning rude or abrupt waiters, and long wait times for food.

Overall, Peters Brauhaus is a great place to experience local food and atmosphere in Cologne, with excellent beer, traditional dishes, and a lively, jovial vibe.

Cologne's Carnival

The street carnival officially begins on Weiberfastnacht, or Fat Thursday, the Thursday before Lent, and lasts until Ash Wednesday. This week-long celebration is filled with street parties, mini raves, and colourful costumes. The highlight of the carnival is Rose Monday, when the town's nominated Prince, Peasant, and Maiden lead a parade through the city centre. This parade, considered one of the largest in Germany, features floats, foot groups, dance groups, and music bands.

The carnival is also known for its unique traditions, such as the "Bützje", a friendly peck on the cheek exchanged between revellers, and the burning of the "Nubbel", a straw-filled doll that serves as a scapegoat for the transgressions committed during the carnival. The carnival ends on Violet Tuesday, with neighbourhood parades and the burning of the Nubbel, marking the close of the "fifth season".

Cologne's spa culture

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is famous for its stunning Gothic cathedral, but it also boasts a thriving spa culture. The city offers a range of luxurious spa hotels, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. These spa hotels cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, from modern and stylish establishments to those steeped in historical charm.

One notable spa hotel in Cologne is the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, which offers a well-appointed gym and sauna area, along with an elegant piano bar. The hotel's high level of service and value for money have earned it a top rating from guests. Another highly-rated option is the Savoy Hotel, which provides guests with a luxurious and romantic experience.

For those seeking a unique blend of history and relaxation, the Dom Hotel Koeln is an ideal choice. This 4-star spa hotel combines modern amenities with the charm of its historic setting. Located in the heart of the city, it offers easy access to popular attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral and the historic Old Town.

The city's spa culture is also reflected in its neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions. The Agnesviertel district, for example, combines a vibrant street vibe with spectacular art galleries and Michelin-star cuisine. Cologne's bike courier culture adds to the city's dynamic atmosphere, with couriers zipping through the streets like "phantoms". Whether you're exploring the historic sites or indulging in the spa experiences, Cologne offers a wealth of opportunities for relaxation and cultural immersion.

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