Typical Meal Structure in Germany

Without a doubt, the daily meal structure here in Germany is definitely different from the meal structure I had as a kid growing up in Toronto. First thing's first: I hate that this post seems like an Edeka ad. I am by no means endorsing the Edeka brand! I just happened to stumble upon this page while flipping through a recent Edeka mag and voila ― a blog post idea was born! Here's a visual of what Germans eat on a "ganz normaler Tag." For more thoughts on this pertinent issue check out germanfoods.org.



Frühstück (Breakfast)
Sorta similar to Canadian breakfasts, but on a regular day, scrambled eggs or pancakes aren't as common. As well, from what I've seen it seems that not as many Germans prefer eating cereal for breakfast. Germans also scoff at the idea of eating sausages and bacon for breakfast as they find it too "American." The German breakfast seems healthy, thought its rather heavy on the meats and dairy.

Mittagessen (Lunch)
Here's where it gets interesting! Contrary to the structure of Canadian meals, traditionally, the main meal of the day in Germany is lunch. The kiddies go home to bowls of spaghetti bolognese or plates of fish sticks and the business people grab döner or currywurst from nearby food stands or eat in office canteens. Eating a sandwich for lunch?! Preposterous!! Just kidding :) German eating habits have changed over recent years and these days, heaps of people have dinner as their hot meal of the day.

Kaffee und Kuchen (Coffee and Cake)
Seriously one of my favourite things about Germany, gahhhhh! It's funny though, because on any ol' afternoon, all you see are senior citizens chillin' in the cafes mangia-mangia-ing on Kaffee und Kuchen. But I do love me some Kaffee und Kuchen when completely relaxed the eff out, say, on the weekend. The tradition's similar to Tea Time in England, but I'd say the selection of baked goods are better.

Abendessen (Dinner)
Abendessen is also called Abendbrot in Germany, which means "evening bread." That's because most people eat bread in the evenings! Evening meals are light and on weeknights, open-faced sandwiches and salads are typical foods you'd find at the German dinner table. Gotta say that we're not traditional at all and I still prefer a hot dinner over a hot lunch ― but hey, that's just what I'm used to! PEACE!

Kaffee und Kuchen

I can hear the mumbles already... "WTF is Kaffee und Kuchen?!" Here's the inside scoop: it's an age-old German tradition, and it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. Similar to the British who have their Tea and Biscuits, the Germans have their Coffee and Cake. Considered a Zwischenmahlzeit (a small meal between meals), Kaffee und Kuchen is usually eaten at, say... 4pm-ish?

André tells me it's just another excuse for people to get together in the afternoons, and he might just be right. On weekdays, between the times of 2pm-5pm, they're everywhere. You see them sittin' pretty in these fancy shmancy cafés, sipping on their lattés and indulging in big fat slices of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte... they're usually old folks. For the 9-5 crowd, Kaffee und Kuchen is more likely a friends and family, weekend-chillage-thang (Sundays being more common than Saturdays).

Last week was a tad hectic for me. I started teaching 6 new courses, 4 of them 20 weeks long! (on that note, watch out for an upcoming blog post entitled, "How to Become an English Teacher in Germany") By the week's end, I felt that a proper session of Kaffee und Kuchen was an utter necessity. Before your very eyes is a slice of Banane-Rhabarber Kuchen (Banana Rhubarb Cake) with a side of fresh whipped cream from Der kleine Vegetarier, a local vegan joint here in Braunschweig. Lecker!

What I love about the cakes at this place is that they all look chunky and rustic: just my style. Ain't no Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte up in hea. One will, however, find Streuselkuchen and Bienenstich (other classic Kaffee ond Kuchen cakes) at a local Konditorei (cake/pastry shop). The wonderful thing about this tradition is that the cake options are endless! It may be useful to know that Kaffee und Kuchen is also popular in Austria, Finland and Luxembourg. So come on, Canada! Get with the program already!

Aussies and their iced coffees... sheesh!

Aussies do not play around when it comes to iced coffees. Walk into any supermarket in Oz and you'll see a well-stocked shelf very similar to this one. What's the best brand and/or flavour to try?

Fräus Crêpes & Chocolat ― North Melbourne, VIC

Chocolate + Typography. Who woulda thunk the two could exist so colourfully together? What's more, the employees at this cafe were super chill about us taking photos inside. The Soya Flat White I got here was nothin' special... but I'd be a fool if I don't come back to try a crêpe!

TRUE.

While sippin' on my Chinotto-flavoured San Pellegrino soda at Rooster Coffee House today, I came across this quote in the KEEP CALM and CARRY ON book. Take from it what you will.

Abraco Espresso Bar

When I look at this menu, even without seeing pictures of food, I instantly long to try a slice of the Olive Oil Cake (secretly hoping for an EVOO Cake, of course). The fluid, cheerful and expressive typography in this menu communicates to me that the Olive Oil Cake is likely of superb quality. Abraco is an espresso bar in Manhattan, and I've been informed by Cousin Seanie that Abraco indeed serves up some killer quality housemade baked goods. In that case, I'll also take 2 Cured Olive Cookies, please.