What is that actually? It's a Christmas market. It is held annually from Bahnhofstrasse to St. Johanner Markt from the end of November until Christmas day.
I actually cannot say anything about the market. It is very great. And it's the reason to be happy in this cold weather.
The foods
1. Dampfnudel
It is actually like mantou. Do you know that Chinese food? There are two kinds of mantou: steamed and fried. So is Dampfnudel. Unfortunately I cannot find the fried one in Saarbruecken. Of course Dampfnudel is different with mantou. Dampfnudel is served with vanilla sauce. And it is a great food during the cold weather because it's sweet and warm. It costs 2,30 EUR per portion.
My tips: Add cinnamon and sugar! It smells even better with cinnamon
2. Reibekuchen
It reminds me of Bala-Bala, an Indonesian snack. It is made of grated potatoes and then they are deep-fried. There are several ways to eat it. You can also have an Apfelmus, a dressing made from apple. But because I don't really like apple, I have no topping at all. Reibekuchen tastes also good with salmons and mayonaise. One portion contains 3 Reibekuchen and it costs 3 EUR per portion.
My tips: Take a lot of tissue papers. Reibekuchen are oily.
3. Schneeballen
Schneeballen means snow balls. Perhaps this sweet food get its name due to its shape. There are various flavors like Nutella, Rhum, etc. I'm unfortunately not a fan, so I can't say anything about this food. Each ball costs about 2 EUR, depends on the flavor of course.
4. Schwenker
THIS! This is so delicious! It is called Schwenker, it means like Barbeque. It's actually Saarlandish, even not all Germans know this food. It is basically just grilled pork and served with a bun. It costs 3,50 EUR and it is very big. You will have your stomach full after eating this. It tastes even better than normal steaks in restaurants. It can be found easily in Saarland actually. In summer festivals you can find it a lot as well.
My tips: The good schwenker is grilled above woods, not above coal.
5. Lebkuchen
Have a date? Buy him or her this gingerbread!
This only exists at Christmas market. They're gingerbreads with sentences like "Ich liebe dich" which means "I love you". The words are interesting actually like "Fuer mein Schatz" which means "for my honey" or even no-love-related sentences like Frohe Weihnachten (Merry Christmas).
My tips: hang it around your couple's neck after buying it. That's the tradition.
6. Coated fruits
Well, you know what this is. I recommend you the bananas.
What to do?
1. Buy these high quality wool products
Of course you need something to prevent coldness, and buy these handmade wool products.
2. Buy Saarlandish stuffs
Yes, this Made in Saarbrigge offers you Saarlandish stuffs like T-Shirt with rhyme "Oh Leck!" on it. And many kinds of interesting things. I also bought a Christmas card with Saarlandish greetings on it. Stated on the cards "Frohe Weihnachde un e gudden Rutsch ins neije Johr!". Lol. In German, it would be "Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!".
3. DRINK!
Yes, spend a time to drink Gluehwein (boiled wine). It costs only 2,50 EUR. Or my favorite drink is actually Knecht Ruprecht (picture shown above). That's Bailey's mixed with hot chocolate. It tastes really good.
4. Listen to the Christmas carols
Yes, these musicians play Christmas carols and I don't know but Christmas carols always make me joyful. Don't forget to have a Gluehwein as well while listening to the carols.
5. Entertainment for the kids
They'll be happy for sure.
And, the main event is...
6. See the flying Santa Claus
Every 5 PM and 7 PM there is a flying Santa or fliegende Weihnachtsmann or Le père noel volant. He rides a carriage pulled by the reindeers from McDonald's to St. Johannermarkt. And then he tells children stories and Christmas tales. There's always fireworks afterwards! This is just great. I am always happy after seeing this spectacular show.
Unfortunately it's almost over. I'm going to miss Christmas market again. See you next year! And merry Christmas everyone!
1 comment:
Great post! My favorite thing about the Christmas markets is the food! I love the Reibekuchen and was wondering what was in those Schneeballen, so thanks for the explanation :)
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