Ever dreamed of raising a frothy mug of beer in a lively German bierhaus, tearing into a warm, salty pretzel, and digging into a mountain of sauerkraut with schnitzel on the side? If that sounds like your kind of meal, you’ll be glad to know that German food in Manila is not only real—it’s thriving.
Turns out, you don’t need to book a ticket to Munich—German food in Manila is alive, well, and absolutely worth the detour. Germany has arrived at The Podium Mall in Ortigas, and it brought all the good stuff: crispy pork, creamy noodles, steins of ice-cold beer, and yes, plenty of mustard.
Before you grab your fork (or stein), let’s take a culinary tour of the most iconic German dishes—each one rooted in centuries of tradition, made to share, and now, ready to devour right here in Manila.
A Crash Course in German Comfort Food
Looking for authentic German food in Manila? These are the dishes to try first.
German cuisine is hearty, communal, and unapologetically rich. It’s made for cold weather and warm gatherings—think long wooden tables, laughter echoing over clinking glasses, and plates heavy with meat, carbs, and tradition. Here’s your essential primer on the dishes that define the German table:
Pretzels (Bretzel)
With a deep brown crust and soft, chewy center, the German pretzel is equal parts snack and cultural icon. Originally created by monks as a symbol of prayer, the pretzel has evolved into Germany’s favorite beer companion. Whether you dip it in mustard or slather it with butter, one bite and you’ll understand the hype.
Best enjoyed: Warm from the oven at Brotzeit, with a tall mug of lager.
Goulash
Originally from Hungary, goulash was adopted by German kitchens and given a hearty, home-style makeover. In the German version, you’ll find tender beef cubes simmered low and slow in a paprika-rich sauce with onions, red wine, and sometimes root vegetables. It’s deep, warming, and absolutely spoon-worthy.
Ideal for: Rainy Manila evenings when you need a little European soul food.
Spätzle
Imagine pasta—if it lost its manners. Spätzle is rustic, irregular, a little wild-looking, and completely lovable. These eggy, hand-cut noodles are all about comfort: soft, chewy, and best served with butter, cheese, or a pile of gravy. They don’t need to be pretty to win you over.
If Spätzle were a woman, she wouldn’t be flashy—but she’d be wife material. Honest, comforting, and guaranteed to make you happy for life.
Try it as: Käsespätzle, tossed in melted cheese and fried onions. Pure, cheesy joy.
Schnitzel
Golden, crisp, and paper-thin, schnitzel is a dish that needs no introduction. Though it originated in Austria, Germany embraced it with open arms—and full plates. Whether it’s pork (Schweineschnitzel) or veal (Wiener Schnitzel), it’s lightly breaded, fried to perfection, and served with lemon and a starchy side.
Don’t forget: Always squeeze a lemon over your schnitzel. That zesty brightness brings the whole dish to life.
Wurst (German Sausages)
Let’s be clear: the wurst is the best. Specially formulated for Brotzeit, their lineup of German sausages is impressively on point. Whether you go for smoky Bratwurst, delicate Weisswurst, or the tangy bite of Currywurst, every sausage is authentically spiced and carefully prepared—grilled or boiled to perfection.
Served with a curated range of mustards, from sweet and mild to sharp and spicy, this is sausage done the very German way. Bonus: you can even purchase their signature wursts frozen, so the bierhaus experience doesn’t have to end at the restaurant.
Best move: Order the sausage sampler, try them all, and find your favorite.
Schweinshaxe (Crispy Pork Knuckle)
The schweinshaxe at Brotzeit isn’t just roasted—it’s revered. Prepared over three meticulous days, this Bavarian classic starts with a slow marinade, followed by gentle roasting that coaxes every ounce of flavor from the bone. Just before serving, it’s crisped up to order until the skin shatters like glass under your fork.
But the magic doesn’t stop there: every bit of collagen-rich drippings is collected and transformed into a glossy, deeply savory gravy that pools beneath the knuckle like liquid gold. It’s decadent, primal, and—by many German standards—even better than what you’d find in Munich.
Best enjoyed with: Sauerkraut, a mound of spätzle, and a cold beer to toast the perfection of pork.
Sauerkraut
This tangy, fermented cabbage might be the unsung hero of the German plate. Sharp, crunchy, and full of gut-friendly probiotics, sauerkraut balances out all the richness from the meats and adds texture to every bite. It’s been around for centuries—for good reason.
Pairs beautifully with: Wurst, pork knuckle, or a simple schnitzel.
Frikadellen (German Meatballs)
Think of these as Germany’s answer to the burger, but flatter, juicier, and spiced with surprising complexity. Brotzeit’s frikadellen are pan-fried patties of seasoned ground meat—typically a mix of pork and beef—infused with aromatic spices like nutmeg, mustard, and a touch of fenugreek, which lends a warm, subtly sweet edge that sets them apart from your typical meatball.
Best enjoyed: With a dollop of mustard, tucked in a soft bun, or paired with potatoes and sauerkraut for a full meal.
Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)
After all the meat, mustard, and gravy, dessert arrives with a bit of drama—and a lot of whipped cream. The Black Forest cake is Germany’s most iconic sweet: a multilayered spectacle of chocolate sponge, billowy cream, and tart cherries soaked in kirsch, the unmistakable cherry schnapps that gives this cake its signature kick.
At Brotzeit, it’s more than just a sugar rush—it’s a reset. Elegant, light on the tongue, yet boozy enough to remind you you’re still in Bavarian territory. Each bite is rich but balanced, like the final toast at the end of a hearty feast.
Best shared—or not.
Brotzeit at The Podium: Manila’s Most German Spot Yet
If all that made your mouth water, you’re in luck. Brotzeit brings the experience of German food in Manila to a whole new level—with traditional recipes, massive platters, and flavor you’d expect in a Munich bierhaus.
Order the Brotzeit Platter for a tour of the classics: a hulking pork knuckle, grilled sausages, sauerkraut, spätzle, and yes, warm pretzels. Add a side of schnitzel, a bowl of beefy goulash, and some frikadellen, and you’ve basically booked yourself a culinary round trip to Bavaria.
Raise Your Stein: The Beer Selection Is No Afterthought
At Brotzeit, beer isn’t just served—it’s celebrated. From crisp golden lagers to velvety dark stouts, the selection spans the full spectrum of German brewing tradition. And the servings? They come in all shapes and sizes—from slim Pilsner glasses to towering one-liter mugs that demand both hands and full commitment.
It’s not just the food that makes German food in Manila feel authentic—it’s also the beer. Brotzeit pours a lineup of brews that match the experience glass for glass.
This is a place for true beer lovers—not just to get drunk, but to drink with pleasure. To savor, sip, and toast with purpose. Each pour honors the Reinheitsgebot, Germany’s historic beer purity law, ensuring every sip stays faithful to centuries of brewing heritage.
Whether you’re after something light and refreshing or deep and malty, there’s a beer here that fits your mood—and your mug.
The Atmosphere: Festive, Familiar, and Always a Little Bit Bavarian
Long communal tables, cozy booths, and warm lighting set the stage. Staff in Bavarian-inspired uniforms keep the vibe light and friendly. Whether you’re toasting with barkada after work or grabbing a schnitzel solo between meetings, it’s all welcome here.
It’s a slice of Germany—lively, filling, and unmistakably festive.
Level 6, The Podium Mall, Ortigas Center
(02) 1234 5678
@brotzeitph | #BrotzeitAtThePodium
www.brotzeitphilippines.com
