There are many ways to discover a city. One way is definitely through a taste of local foods and drinks. It’s fun, delicious, and says a lot about cultural heritage. Some dishes are only served or liked in a particular season, based on availability. Typical winter dishes will be a bit heavier starting in early summer; people prefer fresh salads, fruits and vegetables. Tradition also plays a role in the everyday life of Germans and thinking of the winter season in Cologne one might imagine Spekulatius, freshly roasted chestnuts and Reevkoche.
The Spekulatius is a kind of shortcrust cookie to which typical flavors of the Christmas season are added such as cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Sometimes almonds or butter intensify the delicious flavor. The Spekulatius originates from the Rhineland, Westphalia, where it is a typical Christmas cookie, but it also originates from the Netherlands and Belgium. It is not just a cookie, but is traditionally baked in wooden or metal molds, telling the story of Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus. On December 6, Saint Nicholas and his helper visit the children in Germany and give them gifts if they have behaved well during the past year. In fact, the name Spekulatius leaves room for speculation, but is believed to come from the Latin word for bishop/speculator, meaning observer or custodian of a Christian community. Spekulatius are baked for the night of St. Nicholas Day in memory of the legendary Bishop Nikolaus von Myra, who gave bread to the poor. Another legend, better known, is that he gave gold to 3 desperate virgins. In the Middle Ages he was the patron saint of the corn merchant. That might explain why a windmill is a popular mold for the world famous Spekulatius.
My first visit to Cologne was in winter and as I left the train station in the direction of the magnificent cathedral, my eyes fell on a man with a huge frying pan in front of him, frying chestnuts; until then I only have new horse chestnuts, which cannot be eaten. I later found out that they thrive in a climate where wine also grows and that they are mainly grown in Italy, Corsica, the former Yugoslavia, Romania, Bulgaria and in southwestern Germany. It is because of the Romans in Cologne, who loved to eat chestnuts, that the first trees were planted in the Cologne and Bonn region and are still loved today.
Another simple specialty that is presented as a main dish or as a side dish is known in Cologne as Reevkoche and is nothing more than a tasty potato fritter. You can enjoy them as a snack while strolling through Cologne’s famous shopping streets or try them in a restaurant, traditionally served with whole wheat bread and butter; and molasses from sugar beets, applesauce, or cranberries. Reevkoche are an all-time favorite and fine cuisine in Cologne serves them with smoked salmon or steak tartare, or topped with ham and melted cheese.
In the Christmas season there are many markets around Cologne, but one must be mentioned especially speaking of traditions. It’s called the Medieval Christmas Market, located next to the Chocolate Museum, famous for its Chocolate Fountain, directly on the banks of the Rhine River and has become a real highlight in the Cologne Christmas Market scene in the last 8 years. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world join this event with a special atmosphere. You will plunge into an exciting world of the picturesque Middle Ages. The medieval artisans will work their typical products while they tell some old tales. The air will be filled with fine aromas: oriental spices, fresh homemade bread, roasted mocha, savory grilled wild boar and many more exotic delicacies from the good old days. Try the very special lover’s drink (spiced hot red wine); a hot concoction served in old stone mugs, or try freshly brewed Sünner stout in a traditional Cologne brewery. Jugglers, jesters and medieval musicians will create a lively atmosphere and a daily changing authentic cultural program with multiple attractions starting every hour make a visit truly a special treat for the whole family.
This is an example of what you can do in Cologne while traveling in Germany. If you want to find out more about Cologne, we have compiled a more comprehensive Cologne travel guide in collaboration with local residents that provides exclusive travel tips that you can use during your vacation in Germany.
