What to Eat and Drink at Christkindlmarkt Dublin
One of the best parts of visiting a Christmas market is seeing what’s cooking. Some foods may look familiar, while others may leave you wondering what they are and how they taste. That’s part of the fun. You can ask a question, learn something new, and try a dish you may not have had before, all while creating a tradition you’ll want to return to year after year.
Food will be a big part of the experience at Christkindlmarkt Dublin. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience another culture. You might learn the name of a German dish, watch a vendor prepare it, or decide to try something new while you’re there.
Savory foods
As you walk through the market, you’ll find plenty of food to try. Raclette is sure to be among the most menu items to watch. A half-wheel of Swiss-German Raclette cheese is warmed until the surface melts, then scraped onto toasted bread. Add pickles, onion, mustard, or meat, and you have a warm, filling meal that is just right for a winter day.
You may also see Kartoffelspieß, a spiral-cut potato dipped in batter, fried, and sprinkled with salt. The name is easier to understand once you know that Kartoffel means potato, and Spieß means skewer in German.
Other savory choices will include hand-breaded Schnitzel, sausages, and Belgian-style fries served in a cone with different a choice of aioli. Whether you want a full meal or just something to enjoy while you explore, there will be plenty to choose from.
Sweet treats
After trying something savory, you may want to save room for dessert. Belgian waffles made with pearl sugar offer a different take on the waffles many people know from home. You’ll also find Schmalzkuchen, small pieces of fried pastry covered with powdered sugar, and served warm.
German-style candied roasted nuts, fresh popcorn, and other sweets will round out the choices. Sometimes, of course, the decision will be made for you when something smells too good to walk past.
Warm drinks
A warm drink in your hands is simply a must as you wander the market. Sip Glühwein, the traditional German mulled wine made with seasonal spices, or discover Feuerzangenbowle, a festive spiced wine punch finished with rum-soaked sugar that melts into the drink. It’s the kind of warmth that invites you to slow down, take in the lights, and enjoy a little Gemütlichkeit—the feeling of comfort, good cheer, and belonging at the heart of the Christkindlmarkt experience.
For something sweet, Belgian hot chocolate is another market favorite. Made with finely ground chocolate and imported Belgian chocolate, it’s rich, smooth, and especially welcome on a cold December day.
Coffee and other warm drinks will also be available, perfect for sipping as you browse the vendors, meet up with friends, or simply linger a little longer and enjoy the wonder of the market.
Time to linger
There’s a German word, Gemütlichkeit, that describes the feeling we hope guests will find at Christkindlmarkt Dublin. It refers to warmth, comfort, and good company. It’s the feeling of sitting with friends, sharing food, and not being in a hurry to leave.
That feeling can start with something as simple as asking a vendor about an unfamiliar dish. Try something you’ve never had before. Share a waffle so you have room for Schmalzkuchen, too.
You may arrive knowing exactly what you want to eat and leave talking about something you had never heard of before. That’s part of what makes a Christmas market special. There will be plenty of food and drinks to enjoy, but the experience is also about spending time together, trying something different, and finding a tradition you may want to return to next year. Prost!