For years, I walked by Chicago’s annual Christkindlmarket, soaking up various aromas from the likes of freshly baked pretzels, glühwein and bratwurst.
The intoxicating smells finally enticed me into checking out the traditional open-air holiday market, which offers a unique experience of shopping, dining and participating in family-friendly events. It also offers a taste of old-world Germany with a beer hall-style atmosphere under a tent.
While that was a great time in 2019, I’m looking forward to the authentic experience of the German markets when I visit Frankfurt next week. The most notable one is Frankfurt Christmas Market, which attracts more than three million people every year for 240 festive stalls, a historic carousel, giant Christmas tree, and traditional food and drink.
There’s also Hanau Christmas Market, which occurs in the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, authors of those gory children’s stories. That’s a 30-minute train ride east of Frankfurt, and visitors are met with a colorful fairytale backdrop, plus specialties sold at more than 70 stalls, vintage carousels, a mini Ferris wheel and more. I’m looking forward to the marshmallow kisses and fruits dipped in rich chocolate.
What’s certain to be present at all the Frankfurt markets are local culinary delights. I cannot wait to sample them in all their glory. Here are several on my list:
Apfelwein
A popular local beverage for more than 250 years, this sparkling apple wine is made without added sugar or yeast and from a variety of sour-tasting apples. That’s more my style because I’m not a “sweet” wine fan. Locals typically drink it at rustic apple wine pubs from special ribbed glasses known as the "gerippte.”
Behtmännchen
Certain to be found at every Frankfurt market are these Christmas biscuits with a base of marzipan dough, made from ground almonds, icing sugar and rose water. They’re shaped into balls and decorated with three halved almonds.
Frankfurters
The city is traditionally known for its production of high-quality sausages, so I must get my mitts on some while I’m there and pile on the sauerkraut and mustard.
Frankfurter Kranz
I had my heart set on apple streusel, but if I’m going to be authentic to the local fare, ordering a slice of Frankfurt Crown Cake is best. The decadent sponge cake boasts thick layers of buttercream mixed with cherry, black currant or strawberry jam. What’s even better is that the outer layer of the cake is topped with caramel-covered brittle nuts, toasted almond flakes and ground hazelnuts. My mouth is just watering at the thought of it.
Grüne Soße
Finally, I’m fascinated by Frankfurt’s herbaceous green sauce that apparently is a really big deal in these parts. In this recent essay, Tasting Table writes about its history and how it “is so localized that it has earned protected geographical indication status in Germany.” WOW. Now, I cannot really wait to try it.
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Great article! Have fun in Frankfurt!