Cologne is a historic city in western Germany with a rich cultural heritage and unique food traditions. As an ancient city on the Rhine, Cologne’s history can be traced back to the Roman period, and many ancient buildings and neighborhoods are still preserved. The cold winter is the best time to experience the warm food in this city. Cologne’s restaurants and snack stalls offer a wealth of winter dishes, such as fragrant stews, crispy barbecues, and the famous local German sausages.
Among them, Cologne’s “Kölsch” is the local representative drink. Its light taste and unique flavor make countless tourists feel warm in the cold winter. The traditional German “stewed pork” (Schweinshaxe) is also a must-try delicacy. The skin is crispy, the meat is tender, and it is served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, which satisfies the taste buds in the cold season. In addition, the small restaurants and cafes near Cologne Cathedral also provide warm hot chocolate and scones, which can not only soothe the body, but also bring you warmth in the cold wind. Whether it is traditional German food or local snacks, you can feel the strong human touch and warmth in Cologne in winter.
1. Hot chocolate paradise: Café Reichard
Restaurant history and overview
Café Reichard is one of the oldest cafes in Cologne, located next to Cologne Cathedral. Since its opening in the late 19th century, it has been famous for its traditional German pastries and coffee drinks. In winter, the restaurant’s hot chocolate is particularly famous, with rich cream, bringing diners unparalleled warmth and satisfaction.
Restaurant location and transportation
Café Reichard is located in the center of Cologne, just a few steps away from Cologne Cathedral. It is very convenient for both tourists and local residents to come here. The surrounding transportation is very convenient, and Cologne Central Station is only a 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Food Features and Taste
Café Reichard’s hot chocolate is a classic drink that must be tried in winter. The chocolate is rich and smooth, with moderate heat and a little sweet cream flavor. In addition, the restaurant’s traditional German cakes and pastries are also a highlight. It is recommended to try the “Black Forest Cake” and “Apple Pie”. They have a rich taste and distinct layers. With a cup of fragrant hot chocolate, it is simply a perfect winter match.
Recommended Crowd
This restaurant is very suitable for couples, families and single tourists. Especially for those who like a quiet atmosphere and enjoy a cup of good coffee or chocolate.
Cost and Booking Platform
Cost: Hot chocolate is about 5-7 euros, and the price of cake is between 3-6 euros.
Booking Platform: Booking can be made through Tripadvisor.
2. German Classic Barbecue: Brauhaus Sion
Restaurant History and Overview
Located in the center of Cologne, Brauhaus Sion is a traditional German beer house that serves authentic Cologne barbecue. The restaurant has a century-old history, with a retro and warm decoration and a strong German flavor. The barbecue here, paired with home-brewed beer, is a food experience that every visitor to Cologne cannot miss.
Restaurant Location and Transportation
The restaurant is located in the center of Cologne, close to Cologne Cathedral, and can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. The transportation is very convenient, and there are many subway and bus stations nearby, which are convenient for tourists to reach.
Food Features and Taste
Brauhaus Sion’s classic roast pork knee is the signature dish of the store. The skin is crispy and the inside is tender and juicy. It is served with German sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. The taste is rich and it is definitely an ideal delicacy in the cold winter. The restaurant also offers a variety of stews and sausages. All dishes use traditional German ingredients and retain the most authentic German flavor.
Recommended Crowd
Recommended for tourists who like traditional German food, especially those who love barbecue and beer.
Cost and Booking Platform
Cost: The average per capita consumption is about 25-40 euros, and the price of roast pork knee is between 16-20 euros.
Booking Platform: Booking can be made through Booking.com or Tripadvisor.
3. Classic German Sausage: WurstBude
Restaurant History and Overview
WurstBude is a small and traditional German sausage stand. Although it does not have the luxurious decoration of a large restaurant, its sausages are one of the most authentic representatives of Cologne city. The sausages here are made with fresh ingredients and taste delicious. They are paired with German sauerkraut and hot sauce, making them a favorite of many diners.
Restaurant Location and Transportation
WurstBude is located on the streets of Cologne’s old town, close to the Rhine River. The transportation here is very convenient, and Cologne Cathedral and the main shopping area can be reached in a few minutes on foot. You can choose to walk or take public transportation to easily reach it.
Food Features and Taste
WurstBude has a wide variety of sausages, especially “Currywurst”. This sausage is served with a special curry sauce, which has a rich taste and a slight spiciness, and is deeply loved by tourists. The sausages here are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Take a bite and you will feel the aroma of meat. There are also classic German sauerkraut and roasted potatoes, which are definitely the most authentic flavor on the streets of Germany.
Recommended crowd
Suitable for tourists who like street fast food, especially those who like sausages and local specialties.
Cost and booking platform
Cost: The price of sausages is about 5-8 euros, and the set meal (including sauerkraut and potatoes) is about 10 euros.
Booking platform: WurstBude does not support online booking, you can dine directly in the store.
4. Traditional German stew: Haxenhaus
Restaurant history and overview
Haxenhaus is one of the traditional German restaurants in Cologne, specializing in barbecue and stew. The restaurant has a warm atmosphere and traditional German decoration. It is the first choice for many tourists to experience classic German cuisine. In winter, the restaurant’s specially recommended stew is warm and full of local flavor.
Restaurant location and transportation
Haxenhaus is located in the old town of Cologne, close to the Rhine River and Cologne Cathedral. It is easily accessible on foot and has convenient transportation.
Food Features and Taste
Haxenhaus’s signature dish is stewed pork, which is tender and served with special German beer sauce and potatoes. It is rich in flavor and has distinct layers. The restaurant also offers other traditional German dishes, such as beef stew, chicken stew and sausages, all of which are made with fresh local ingredients and have a pure taste, which is deeply loved by diners.
Recommended Crowd
Suitable for tourists who like heavy flavors and traditional German stews, especially those who like strong flavors.
Cost and Booking Platform
Cost: The price of a stew is about 12-20 euros, and the main course set is about 18-30 euros.
Booking Platform: Bookings can be made through platforms such as Expedia and Tripadvisor.
Cologne’s winter cuisine is very authentic, with traditional German dishes such as hot chocolate, sausages, and barbecue, which make people warm and satisfied. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in a cafe or taste classic German barbecue in a restaurant, every bite is full of German style. If you plan to visit Cologne in winter, remember to try these delicacies to make your trip more flavorful.
5. Things to know when dining in Cologne restaurants
When dining in Cologne restaurants, it’s helpful to know some local tips to help you enjoy your dining experience.
Make reservations in advance: Especially during the winter and holidays, many of Cologne’s popular restaurants usually require reservations in advance. Especially those restaurants near Cologne Cathedral tend to be more crowded with tourists. Make reservations through platforms such as Booking.com and Tripadvisor to ensure you can find a seat.
Buffet vs. A La Carte: Many restaurants in Cologne offer traditional German buffet options, especially German sausages and grilled meats. When trying, choose a buffet format to try different traditional dishes. However, if you want a more refined experience, choose the a la carte menu for a higher quality meal.
Drink Pairing: Cologne has a rich beer culture, and trying the local Kölsch beer can be a highlight of your meal. Note that German restaurants usually provide free water, but if you need bottled water, be sure to ask for it.
Bread before the meal: In most restaurants, free bread is provided before the meal, but be aware that sometimes there is a charge. It is best to ask before dining if there is a charge.
Portions: German dishes are usually large, especially roast meat and potato dishes. If you are not hungry, consider sharing dishes with friends to avoid waste.
These details can make your food trip in Cologne more enjoyable and smooth, and you can experience the unique cultural charm of the local area while enjoying the food!