Germany may be known for its Oktoberfest celebration, but Christmas – or Weinachten as it is known locally – is an equally enchanting affair, celebrated with unique traditions and food.
From as early as November, Christmas markets spring to life all across the country, peddling festive ware and treats such as stollen (fruit cake), lebkuchen (gingerbread), and belly-warming mugs of glühwein (mulled wine). Food is a big part of the celebration in homes as well, where families gather to enjoy traditional, home-cooked meals such as roasted goose, pork, and sausages, accompanied by sides of potato dumplings and red cabbage.
From now until 7 January 2024, experience some of these dishes and revel in the spirit of a German Christmas at Brotzeit, as the popular restaurant chain presents a slew of authentic and seasonal delights.
The Christmas menu stays true to the German palate with a selection of meat-focused dishes. Start with Oma’s Kartoffelsuppe ($15), a warm and comforting potato-leek soup filled with chunky pieces of frankfurter sausage and garden peas.
Hearty mains consist of Berliner eisbein ($32), pork knuckles that are brined and boiled, then served with parsley potatoes, sauerkraut, and horseradish to cut through the richness. One can never go wrong with classics like the bratwurst ($25), which comes in a hefty 250g portion served alongside roast potatoes and sauerkraut; as well as Weihnachtsschinken ($26), cured Christmas ham with brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, and honey-mustard sauce. Poultry fans are not left out: Brotzeit’s Halbe ofenfrische Bauernente ($38) features a succulent roasted half duck with red cabbage, chestnuts, and potato dumplings, rounded off with duck gravy.
For a bit of everything, get the Weihnachtliche Festtagsplatte ($145), which is good for four to six people. Laden with protein, the platter includes the restaurant’s signature pork knuckles, which are slow roasted until tender with its crispy, crackling skin providing a divine contrast of textures; as well as Berliner eisbein, classic bratwurst, Thüringer sausage, roasted half duck, and spicy chicken sausages.
Wrap up the meal with Nuss-Kaiserschmarrn ($25) or Emperor’s Pancake, said to be a favourite of former Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I. Sweet and lightly caramelised, these fluffy, shredded pieces of pancake are topped with hazelnuts, cinnamon, and berries, in portions good for two.
Beer is a hallmark of German cuisine, and there’s plenty to go around at Brotzeit, enjoyed on its own or paired with its Christmas dishes. The Warsteiner Premium Pale Lager offers a perfectly balanced, clean-tasting beverage with hints of barley malt and a mild, hoppy bitterness, while the Warsteiner Premium Dunkel is an excellent dark amber beer, robust, with satisfying notes of roasted malt and subtle bottom fermenting yeast notes.
For those who prefer indulging in festivities from the comforts of their own homes or offices, Brotzeit provides island-wide delivery service.