3 Things about Germany That No One Tells You

Prior to most, if not all, of my trips abroad, I do my homework about the countries' places of interest, food and culture (the list goes on). Germany was no exception and I reminded myself not to wander on the bicycle lane among other things. There is only so much I can prepare each time and no matter what, there is bound to be surprises that I did not manage to hear or read about before going overseas. So here are three things I learnt about Germany and her people.

What and Where to Eat in Germany (Part II)

...continued from What and Where to Eat in Germany (Part I)

Relish Restaurant & Bar @ The Westin Grand Hotel Berlin

The Westin Grand Hotel Berlin is conveniently located along Friedrichstraße and one street away from Unter den Linden, near Brandenburg Gate and UNESCO world heritage site Museum Island. Chose to sit at lounge seats with low table by the floor-to-ceiling glass at The Westin Lobby Bar & Lounge, and ordered from Relish Restaurant & Bar's menu. Pleasantly surprised that the French-with-Asian-influence dishes were beautifully plated and executed – grilled king prawns with green salad and papaya-chilli-relish; fried scallops with cauliflower served three ways, raisins and capers; sous vide cooked pork belly with corn puree, fried leek and chili popcorn.

What and Where to Eat in Germany (Part I)

During my first trip to Europe a few years ago, I asked a well-travelled colleague for the must-eats and buys in each of the country I would be visiting. Belgium waffles, cheese fondue in Switzerland and chocolates from both. The Netherlands is known for its potatoes (tried the fries while I was there and bought its chips back) and stroopswafels while I should not miss France's croissants, escargots and foie gras. "Try pork knuckle, schnitzel and apple strudel in Germany", he said. So I did, and fell in love with schnitzel – preferred pork to chicken to veal, and apfelschorle. Do not mind pork knuckle, sauerkraut and apple strudel though am not a fan of bratwurst.