Cologne Christmas Market: Best Foods To Try

The Cologne Christmas Markets are a collection of various markets spread across the city, with the biggest and most festive market residing at the ornate Cologne Cathedral. The event usually begins the last Monday before Advent and runs for a month, concluding on Christmas Day. The markets offer a variety of food and drink, as well as artisanal crafts, such as colourful blown glass and intricate wood carvings.

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the most famous of the city's markets, with over 150 stalls. The market offers a range of German classics, including Käsespätzle (bouncy little egg dumplings tossed in cheese) and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes with sugar), as well as churros, crepes, craft beer and fair trade coffee.

The House Elves' Winter Fairytale Christmas Market is another popular option, with a central skating rink and richly decorated chalets. This market is dedicated to the city's famous Heinzelmännchen, whimsical house elves that, according to local legend, take care of the housework of locals while they sleep.

The Angels' Christmas Market is known for its romantic atmosphere, with beautiful stars suspended above the square, and performers dressed as angels. The Reibekuchen stall, which serves crispy potato pancakes, is a popular food option at this market.

Other notable markets include the Nicholas' Village Christmas Market, the Harbour Christmas Market, the Stadtgarten Christmas Market, and the Heavenue Cologne – the Gay Christmas Market.

Raclette, broiled cheese, and potato pancakes

Raclette

Raclette is a Swiss dish that has become a popular delicacy at German Christmas markets, including the one in Cologne. The traditional way of preparing raclette involves heating a large wheel of raclette cheese under a lamp until it bubbles and turns brown, and then scraping the melted cheese onto a piece of bread. However, at German Christmas markets, you'll often find variations of this dish, such as using different types of cheese like Camembert or Bergkäse, or adding toppings such as crispy onions, fruit jelly, or rendered pork fat. The smell of melting raclette cheese is sure to entice you as you wander through the market!

Broiled Cheese

Broiled cheese, or Käsespätzel in German, is the German version of mac 'n' cheese. It is made with egg noodles instead of wheat noodles and a blend of melted cheeses, usually including Emmentaler and Gruyere. The dish is topped with crunchy or caramelized onions, and you can often request additions such as bacon or cured pork. It's the perfect comfort food to warm you up on a cold day at the Christmas market.

Potato Pancakes

Potato pancakes, or Reibekuchen in German, are another popular dish at the Cologne Christmas Market. These are shredded potatoes formed into flat patties and deep-fried until crispy. They are typically served in sets of 1, 3, or 5, with optional dips on the side, such as apple sauce or herbed sour cream. Potato pancakes are a delicious snack to enjoy while exploring the market, and they pair well with a warm cup of mulled wine.

These three dishes are sure to satisfy your hunger and cravings while visiting the Cologne Christmas Market. Be sure to try them and indulge in the festive atmosphere!

German mac 'n cheese

German mac n cheese, or Käsespätzle, is a hearty dish that combines soft, dumpling-like noodles with melty, stretchy cheese and a touch of caramelized onion. It is a traditional German comfort food that can be found in many homes and restaurants across the country.

Ingredients

The main ingredients you will need to make German mac n cheese are:

• Spätzle noodles
• Cheese (Gruyère, Emmentaler, or a mix of both)
• Onions
• Butter
• Cream
• Eggs
• Flour
• Salt and pepper

Method

• Heat butter in a pan and add chopped onions. Caramelize the onions until they are soft and brown.
• In a separate bowl, combine eggs and heavy cream, beating until mixed.
• In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
• Let the batter rest for about 20 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Use a spätzle maker or a flat cheese grater to press the dough through the holes into the boiling water. Cook the spätzle until they float to the top, then let them cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Remove the spätzle with a slotted spoon and set them aside to dry on a plate lined with a paper towel.
• Add the cooked spätzle to the pan with the caramelized onions. Cook for about 2 minutes, tossing occasionally.
• Add the shredded cheese and remaining cream to the pan, stirring until the cheese is melted.
• Serve immediately, topped with a teaspoon of caramelized onions.

Variations

While the traditional German mac n cheese uses Gruyère or Emmentaler cheese, you can also experiment with other cheeses such as white cheddar, Swiss cheese, or provolone. Additionally, you can add cooked, shredded meat such as chicken, rabbit, or bacon, or include mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Sausages

• Bratwurst: A traditional German sausage that is usually grilled or fried and often served with mustard and a bread roll.
• Currywurst: A popular German fast food made of steamed, then fried sausage, and seasoned with curry ketchup.
• Käsekrakauer: A type of sausage made with cheese that you can find at Cologne's Adventsdorf Christmas Market.
• Käsewurst: A sausage made with cheese, often served cold as a snack or on a bread roll.
• Blutwurst: A type of blood sausage made from pork blood and a mixture of pork, beef, or lamb meat and spices.
• Wienerwurst: A thin, short sausage that is often boiled or grilled and served on a roll with mustard.

In addition to these options, you may also find other varieties such as garlic sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian and vegan sausages at some of the markets.

Roasted chestnuts

Before roasting, the chestnuts are scored with a small "x" on the rounded side of the nut, which helps to release steam and prevents them from exploding. They are then soaked in water for ease of peeling after roasting and are cooked in a cast-iron skillet over a fire or in an oven. Once cooked, the hard outer shell and inner brown skins are peeled away, revealing the soft, sweet flesh within.

At the Cologne Christmas Market, you can wander through the charming wooden stalls, soaking in the festive atmosphere while munching on these delicious roasted treats. The markets offer the perfect opportunity to indulge in this nostalgic food, evoking images of a festive, wintry wonderland.

Waffles

The Alter Markt, one of the two Christmas markets in Cologne's Old Town, also offers delicious waffles. This market is divided into themed alleyways, including the "Futtergasse" (Feeding Alley), where you will find an assortment of national and international food specialties. Wander through the market, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and indulge in a freshly made waffle or two.

If you're looking for a more unique waffle experience, keep an eye out for the Handbrot, or handheld stuffed bread. While not technically a waffle, this delicious treat is worth mentioning. Long loaves of white bread are stuffed with various fillings, such as cheese or spinach, and then cooked in a wood-fired oven. It's a simple yet mouth-watering option to warm you up while exploring the Cologne Christmas Market.

Frequently asked questions