Ever wondered what do Europeans eat at their pasar malam, especially around Christmas?
Well, there’s only one place to find out – at a Christmas market!
Originating from Germany, Christmas markets are now a festive staple in most major European cities.
Although many markets share common staples like mulled wine, many can boast of their own regional delicacies.
Let’s take a look of at six European countries and the foods that warm up their Christmas markets!
Feuerzangenbowle (Germany)
Literally named “fire-tongs punch”, feuerzangenbowle is a German drink made with a piece of sugarloaf soaked in rum lit on fire above a cup or cauldron of mulled wine. The result is a spicy-sweet concoction that’s perfect for cold December nights.
Better yet, as with most Christmas market drinks, some places even let you collect the Christmas-themed mugs for a fee!
Also Try: Lebkuchen biscuits, wurst sausages and kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes)
Gromperekichelcher (Luxembourg)
Native to Luxembourg, these deep fried potato fritters may seem deceptively simple like goreng pisang.
But, add in some pepper and spices alongside a variety of condiments like salt, garlic or apple sauce, then you have a deliciously guilty street staple.
Also Try: Träipen (black pudding), Gromperekichelcher (potato fritters) and Boxemännchen (figure-shaped bread)
Kaiserschmarrn (Austria)
Franz Joseph I – the emperor or kaiser of Austria – loved this dish of shredded pancakes and raisins so much they named it after him!
Drizzled with apple sauce and powdered sugar that reminds one of fresh snowfall upon an alpine Austrian city like Linz, they’re a picture-perfect main dish for the season.
Also Try: Bauernkrapfen (farmer’s donut), Punsch (spice/fruit-flavoured alcohol), Knödel (meatball-shaped dumplings)
If you’re heading to the capital Vienna, you might want to take a look at our guide to What to See, Hear and Eat in Vienna!
Grittibänz (Switzerland)
They may not be gingerbread men, but they’re just as a-dough-rable!
Short for “splayed man”, these goofy, stretchy dough snacks peppered with snow-white sugar are made in the (approximate) image of festive patron Samichlaus (no, not that one), with twisty, stretchy variations that stir Yuletide silliness.
Traditionally served in early December to Swiss children when Samichlaus visits, they are now a market staple among the Alps. Don’t forget to try out some sledding and other winter sports while you’re there too!
Also Try: Raclette (melted cheese), Käsespätzle (pasta topped with cheese and onions), Apfelküchlein (apple fritters)
Erwtensoep (Netherlands)
What’s green, yummy and Dutch? Erwtensoep!
Traditionally served during the winter months and New Year’s, erwtensoep or Dutch pea soup is a brilliant green stew of green peas mixed with various vegetables. Topping it all off are smoked rookworst sausages, katenspek bacon or rye bread,
Erwtensoep stalls frequently pop up in and around ice rinks, offering refuge from the hair-raising slips and freezing weather with a piping hot bowl of pea soup!
Also Try: Oliebollen (fried doughnut), Poffertjes (pancakes), Waffles
For some Dutch legacies closer to home, you can take a look at our list of Malaysia’s most beautiful churches.
Pierogi (Poland)
An icon of Polish cuisine, these pale (or lightly burnt) dumplings of joy conceal goodies that usually include a mixture of potatoes, onions, cheese, meat and sauerkraut.
There are even dessert options that feature various sweet fruits like strawberries and blueberries!
Also Try: oscypek (smoked cheese), Padja sandwiches, Polish mead
For more winter eats, check out the dairy and mutton-rich cuisine of Xinjiang, the cozy mélange blends of Vienna’s coffeehouses or the diverse winter foods of Asia.
Links
Interrail – Craving a unique look into Europe’s food traditions? Just visit its Christmas markets
https://www.interrail.eu/en/magazine/travel-stories/christmas-market-foods
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