How much do Germans love white asparagus (spargel)? It can be quite difficult to comprehend for an Ausländer (foreigner). After all, aren’t they just the pale version of their green cousin that we only consume when it’s unavoidable or wrapped in bacon? I avoided it for the first year of living in Berlin and I now regret it.
There’s a reason why Germans eat 125 thousand tonnes of it per year and refer to it as white gold. It’s the type of vegetable people who don’t like veggies will eat. It also goes with absolutely anything. I am now playing catch-up, trying to get as much spargel as I can before my husband’s posting here is up. We still have enough time – but I know I will miss it when it’s time to leave.
Recently, I found myself at the 5th birthday celebration of the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt where we were treated to a spargel feast. Not gonna lie – I’ve never felt more of an almost-Berliner up until that lunch.
Spargelzeit
It’s pure ingenuity how Germans extend the variety of what you can make with white asparagus. The three-course meal started off with an appetiser of asparagus in five ways. Soup, mousse, grilled, buttered, and served with salmon tartare. The hotel’s restaurant executed each appetiser well. Each item on the tray did well in building up from the flavours and textures of the one that came before it.
It was then followed by a main course of veal with thin strips of seasoned spargel. For vegetarians, a halloumi dish with asparagus was also made available. I went for the meat as one would expect of me. The meat was juicy and the asparagus was smooth with a light crunch. Truly enjoyable.
Asparagus for dessert? Why not? Here it is as ice cream and served with a small cheesecake and some berries. While it may seem exotic as an ice cream flavour, spargel eis was actually amazing. Not too sweet and with a hint of salty flavours, it added a new dimension to the cheesecake. I highly recommend it.
Of course, aside from the spargel menu we had, the restaurant offers a menu of German favourites with a modern twist. If you want to have the asparagus menu, I suggest you go between April till June so that it’s in season.
Stay & Eat
Now on its 5th year, the hotel is located just a few metres from Berlin’s Central Station (Hauptbahnhof). The location used to be no man’s land but is certainly thriving nowadays. The location makes it a great choice for people who are travelling to Berlin and want easy access to public transport and different parts of the city. You can’t get any more central than by being beside the Hauptbahnhof after all.
The hotel’s restaurant is helmed by Chef Manuel Eich and, along with the good food we had that day, boasts of a contemporary vibe. They offer a business lunch from Monday to Friday, noon till 14:00. Price starts at EUR14,50 for a two-course menu and EUR17,50 for three courses.
The Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt
Ella-Trebe-Straße 5, 10557 Berlin
Phone: 030 7407430
Visit their website
More later!
Hi there! My family just moved to Berlin and got hooked on spargel! Thanks for this tip. We will come dine at the hotel’s restaurant for sure!