The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is popular for its wide variety of German foods and beverages, attracting visitors from all over the world. These foods have a history dating back centuries, and many have become traditional with the Christmas season in Germany. At the Market, we celebrate the legacy of German culture through an array of authentic traditional foods and drinks created by talented artisans, both locally and from abroad.
Here are some of the most well-known German foods and drinks at Carmel Christkindlmarkt and their history:
Raclette: Raclette, a traditional Swiss-German dish with a long history, involves melting a large round of semi-hard cheese and scraping it onto plates. Bread and charcuterie often accompany it. At the Market, it is scraped over fresh bread to make raclette sandwiches and used to make Tartiflette, a cheesy potato dish. Raclette is affectionately associated with its distinct "stinky cheese" aroma and is a beloved favorite at the Market.
Bratwurst: Bratwurst, a beloved German sausage, has been a staple in the country's cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the 13th century and is typically made from pork, beef, or veal. Traditionally grilled or fried, the Bratwurst is served on a bun with optional sauerkraut and mustard. At the Market, the mouthwatering aroma of grilled "Wursts" fills the air as they are cooked over an open fire and presented on buns for customers to enjoy.
Döner Kebab: In Germany, Döner Kebab is a popular street food. It consists of rotisserie-cooked meat sliced onto traditional Döner bread, topped with various ingredients like onions and lettuce, and finished with a flavorful sauce.
Kartoffelspieß: This German snack features spiraled potatoes on a skewer, coated with seasonings, and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a blend of crispy and savory flavors, textures, and a visually appealing treat!
Laugenbrezel: At the Market, visitors can enjoy Laugenbrezel, a hand-crafted traditional German pretzel. These salted pretzels come in different variations, including Bavarian-style and giant pretzels, and they can be enjoyed with a variety of dips.
Baumstriezel: A sweet treat known as Baumstriezel (also called chimney cakes or kürtőskalács) is a cone-shaped pastry with a golden and crispy texture. The cone pastry is generously coated in cinnamon sugar and can be stuffed with a medley of fruits and nuts and topped with whipped cream.
Liège Waffles: These Belgian waffles are known for their soft and thick texture. They are handmade with a yeast-raised dough and contain chunks of sugar pearls that caramelize during cooking, creating a crispy and delicious crust. Liège waffles can be topped with a variety of toppings and whipped cream.
Glühwein: During the Christmas season in Germany, Glühwein, a traditional mulled wine, is widely enjoyed. This beverage has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages, and is often made with red wine, sugar, spices, and citrus fruits. A visit to a Carmel Christkindlmarkt allows visitors to purchase an annual Market boot mug filled with Glühwein.
Belgian Hot Chocolate: Belgian hot chocolate stands out for its exceptional quality and rich flavor. Crafted with a blend of melted dark and milk chocolate imported from Belgium, this hot chocolate boasts a thicker consistency and reduced sweetness than traditional options. At the Market, it is paired with a gingerbread man cookie!
These are just a few of the German foods and drinks at Carmel Christkindlmarkt, considered some of the most popular. With their rich history and delicious flavors, it is no wonder that these foods have become so beloved by visitors from all over the world.
To see our full list of offerings, please visit our vendor page.
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