Christmas Market offers gourmet holiday eating
OTammy Kwan
ne of the city’s most popular holiday attractions has returned, meaning we can start stuffing our faces with its delicious food offerings. The annual Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza (1055 Canada Place) is known for its kid-friendly activities, artisan goods, and festive décor, but its gourmet eats are always the star of the show. From authentic German fare to Austrian sweets to classic Indian bites, guests will find it difficult deciding what to indulge in as they roam through all the culinary huts. We suggest heading to the market wearing loose clothing, because your waistline is guaranteed to expand. Here are nine tasty foods to try at the annual Yuletide celebration. SCHWEINSHAXE
You can’t go wrong with this German delicacy: a large pork shank roasted on a special rotisserie until the meat is golden brown and crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. It’s a real treat—you won’t want to share. Pair this Bavarianstyle pork hock with a cup of mulled wine and you’re good to go. Find it at Haxen Haus.
ROASTED CHESTNUTS
Even those who don’t normally enjoy chestnuts will change their minds when they get a whiff of these freshly roasted nuts at the Christmas market. These European chestnuts are one of the tastiest snacks on a chilly winter night, best enjoyed while still hot. Find them at JJ’S Fresh Roasted Chestnuts.
CHIMNEY CAKES
Originating from Hungarian-speaking regions, kürtőskalács (“chimney cakes”) are a highly addictive treat. Made with sweet dough that’s dusted with sugar and paired with your choice of filling—think custard or Nutella—they’re flaky and crunchy on the outside, with a soft and fluffy interior. Find them at Transylvanian Chimney Cakes.
BRATWURST
Freybe has been making sausages for the past 172 years, so we don’t doubt they make delicious meats. Their German-style bratwurst, Das Brat, returns to the menu—remember to add sauerkraut and mustard for the perfect combo. Guests will also find other traditional sausages, dried pepperonis, and savoury landjaegers (semidried sausage) on offer. Find it at Freybe Brat Haus.
Chimney cake is a Transylvanian treat.
VEGAN DOSAS
Vegans and vegetarians have a new vendor to visit at the holiday attraction this year that serves up tasty items like dosas, vegan burgers, tacos, wraps, and organic veggie juices. These dishes will attract even the biggest carnivores. Find them at Organic Villa Vegan Haus. RACLETTE
This Swiss dish consists of freshly melted cheese scraped from the wheel and served on a dish filled with items like potatoes, pickles, cured meats, and more. It’s a little slice of Switzerland in the heart of Vancouver. Find it at Cheese Me Raclette. SCHNITZEL
This vendor promises to treat guests to an authentic experience of classic German schnitzel (fried thinned meat), and we believe them. This warm and crispy food item can be enjoyed with mushroom gravy or in a wrap, and has been popular at the market since 2012. Find it at Das Schnitzel Haus. AUSTRIAN CHOCOLATES
These 100-percent-organic and fairtrade Austrian chocolates make for a great dessert or holiday gift. Zotter Chocolate’s flavours include coconut, bacon bits, raspberry, and goji berries in sesame nougat. Choose from more than 400 kinds of confectionery at Zotter Chocolates. BERLINER KRAPFEN
German cakes and pastries never disappoint, especially Berliner krapfen (strawberry-jam-filled doughnuts). Soft and fluffy, with a fruity interior, these babies are always satisfying. Other specialty treats at this cake house include apple strudel, bienenstich (bee-sting cake), and German-style cheesecake. Find them at Das Kuchen Haus.