Brenna Baker, Moving the Cities: Germany Fall 2023
Embarking on a study abroad trip to Munster, Germany, has not only been an academic adventure but also a culinary exploration that has expanded my palate and offered insights into the city’s rich culture. The notion that “food is the window to the soul” gained a deeper meaning as I discovered the food in this charming German town. The city has a vibrant food scene that blends traditional German fare with international influences. There were so many options available, from cozy local eateries to trendy international restaurants. Right next to our hostel, there was a place called Kebab Kumpels which had some of the best kebabs I have ever eaten. It demonstrates the blend of different cultures that is present in Munster’s food scene.
Dining out in Muenster allowed us to explore restaurants offering a unique perspective on German and international cuisines. The Prinzipalmarkt, lined with cute little cafes and restaurants, was the best spot for indulging in local foods. On the first night in Munster, we went to a restaurant called Grosser Kiepenkerl where I got the well-known dish, chicken schnitzel. It was delicious and I now fully understand why it is such an infamous dish.
The diverse culinary landscape also encouraged me to try new foods, one of my favorites being Currywurst. In many ways, the foods I ate reflected the ways of the city. Munster’s emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices was evident in the fresh produce available at markets and many restaurants. On one of our last nights in Muenster we ate at a restaurant called Ratskeller which was very quaint and every option on the menu was a local delicacy. Every dish we tried that night was amazing and made me wish the Pitt dining hall could start serving German cuisine.
Adapting to the local eating habits became an integral part of my study abroad experience. The leisurely pace of meals, the emphasis on communal dining, and the appreciation for seasonal ingredients all contributed to a shift in my approach to food. I found myself savoring each meal, engaging in long conversations with friends over dinner, and the sense of community that surrounds Munster’s dining culture became very obvious. Each day for lunch, all the students from the Moving the Cities program ate lunch together in the FH Munster dining hall. These meals were definitely better than what is served in the Eatery, but the most significant difference was how long everyone would sit around the table and eat. At home, I usually eat quickly so I can get on with my day, but I spent close to an hour eating lunch most days at the university in Munster. I was shocked on the first day when I saw the schedule gave us an hour and a half for lunch each day, but it made sense after the first day and I quickly grew to appreciate the extra time to slow down and get to know the other students.
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