Page 26 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Germany

24 BACK ROADS GERMANY

Where to Eat

Each region of Germany can be distinguished by its cuisine. Menus
increasingly feature local produce and there are markets where
one can stock up on gourmet delights. Many establishments
specialize in regional fare, which although heavy, is appetizing.
In addition, ethnic cuisine, notably Italian, Greek, Thai, Turkish,
Chinese and Indian, is popular throughout the country and can
be enjoyed even in smaller towns. Some fine restaurants run
by master chefs serve European cuisine of the highest quality. Butcher’s sign listing items on sale
Practical Information French. In cafés and less expensive extensive choice of salads and fast
Most restaurants are open from noon restaurants, the menu may be hand- food. In fact, in most large German
but sometimes close for a break written in German, in which case the towns, there are numerous kiosks
between 3pm and 6pm, while cafés staff may help with a translation. serving Arabic, Turkish, Chinese and
open from 9am. Many are closed American food. For a sandwich or
for one day during the week. On Restaurants a healthy salad, visitors can also try
Sundays, brunch is served in most The term Restaurant is used to define the restaurants or cafeteria facilities
places until 2pm. During the lunch both upmarket restaurants offering in department stores, which are
period, between noon and 2pm, fine cuisine at steep prices and usually self-service.
many establishments offer a fixed- popular local establishments serving
price menu that is cheaper than in affordable food. For regional cuisine, Cafés and Bars
the evenings. Dinner is usually visit one of the many Ratskeller found The term “café” has a number of
served from 7pm. Calling to make in the cellars of old town halls all connotations in Germany. Often, this
a reservation is recommended in across Germany, which serve is a place that offers good breakfast
popular city restaurants. Sauerkraut (fermented shredded options in the morning and serves
The cost of a meal depends on cabbage) and regional specialities mostly international cuisine from
the location. While a three-course at affordable prices. noon onwards. Sometimes, a café
meal in some restaurants may cost They usually have atmospheric will have a selection of cakes on
€10, it will be more expensive in interiors that are well adapted to display. In addition, at any time of
the downtown areas of larger cities. the vaulted, dark spaces of the the day and evening, customers
In more upscale restaurants, expect historic cellars. Weinstuben (wine can have coffee or ice cream. Many
to pay up to €70. Alcoholic drinks bars) or Bierstuben (beer bars) also of these establishments turn into
can be quite costly, but beer, the offer great local food, such as bars in the evening, when alcoholic
national drink, is cheap. In general, seasonal vegetables in a Hollandaise drinks are served and live music
the prices on a menu include service sauce or with dumplings, is played.
and tax, but it is common to leave accompanied by local beverages. A typical venue to have a drink
a tip of around 10 per cent of the A Gasthaus refers to a rather simple in Germany is the Kneipe, which is
total bill. Restaurants usually take restaurant serving good regional best compared to an English pub
credit cards and display the logos cuisine in a family atmosphere. Self- in terms of its atmosphere. A wide
of accepted cards at the entrance. service venues offering snacks are range of alcoholic drinks is available
In many good restaurants, the known as Imbiss. These can vary from here, and sometimes loud music is
menu is written in German and a stall serving baked sausages and played. The most commonly served
English, and sometimes also in cans of drink to kiosks with an beer is Pils, a bottom-fermented

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