A Taste of Germany: What the Carmel Christkindlmarkt Team is Eating

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt team is meeting with our partners across Thuringia and Saxony. Our hosts love to showcase local family restaurants. Beyond the fantastic meals and conversations, these culinary experiences take place in unique locations that range from cozy country inns to modern farms. Each meal is an inspiration to expand the Market’s culinary offerings and highlights regional specialties and comforting classics.

Join Maria and Sandra as they explore different German dishes, discovering the stories and flavors behind each one.

Here are some of their favorites so far:

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Szegediner Gulasch (a German/Czech Sauerkraut Beef Stew)

While dining at the Gasthof zum Heidelberg in Seiffen, the Szegediner Gulasch (a German sauerkraut beef goulash) was ordered. This dish is popular in the Erzgebirge region (Ore Mountains) and resembles a hearty, comforting stew. It is typically served with boiled potatoes, Hefeklöße (pictured) or on top of egg noodles.

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Scharfe Sache (Cold Pork, Horseradish and Bread)

While at the Gasthof zum Heidelberg, a typical “cold plate” called Scharfe Sache was sampled as well. This creation features sliced cold pork accompanied by flavorful horseradish sauce and fresh baked rye bread.

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Rindsrouladen, Rotkraut, und Grüne Klöße (Beef Roulade, Red Cabbage, and Potato Dumplings)

In Saxony, Maria and Sandra came across Esche's Gasthof Callenberg OT Falken. They savored Rindsrouladen (thin beef rolled up with bacon and pickles, which is traditionally served with Rotkraut (red cabbage), Grüne Kloße (potato dumplings) and gravy. Grüne Klöße, Kartoffelklöße, Semmelknödel, and Wickelklöße are just a few different types of dumplings varying from region to region.

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German Cheeseburger

In Oberweißbach, a mountain town near Lauscha in Thuringia and the birthplace of Friedrich Fröbel (the creator of the Kindergarten), the restaurant “Zum Ochsen” is a family-friendly establishment that combines a steakhouse and Italian cuisine. This eatery is on a farm, offering a unique farm-to-fork German culinary experience. Their burgers, crafted with 100% German beef, stand out for their size and are topped with a homemade sauce.

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Kartoffelpüree und Leber (Mashed potatoes and liver)

While meeting with Christmas market organizers and partners in Dresden, Maria and Sandra visited “Anna im Schloss” which is a unique cafe inside the castle offering small plates of traditional fare. The most tender veal liver, perfect mashed potatoes and stunning gravy made for a delightful early dinner.

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As they continue their travels in Germany, Maria and Sandra will undoubtedly discover more culinary gems that showcase German cuisine. Follow Carmel Christkindlmarkt’s Facebook and Instagram pages to see more!

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