FOOD & BEVERAGE IN THE RUHR METROPOLIS
In the globalised world of foods and beverages, it comes as no surprise that the majority of produce is available in the Ruhr. Since Germans don’t wish to pay the price, it causes some disappointment amongst foreign consumers from countries with more discerning clientele.
Expats note that supermarkets tend not to sell the quality they are accustomed to from other locations. Many are also disappointed by poor interior designs or the freshness of premises too.
On the other hand, numerous speciality stores for quality foods can be found and many Turkish dealers offer superb vegetables and meats, including halal produce. Organic produce is also widespread in the Ruhr Metropolis.
The ambience of some supermarkets is slowly improving with brighter lighting, more spacious aisles and better training of staff. Small ones are tucked into urban streets, other larger ones on the peripheries.
ORGANIC IN RUHR
Healthy organic food has a many decades long tradition in the cities of the Ruhr Metropolis. The term Bio, is short for Biologisch and refers to ecological health products in general.
To enable consumers to identify and trust ecological products, an official seal of approval was developed in 2001.Strict regulations, rigorous controls and high penalties serve to prevent offence and abuse.
FOODS IN RUHR
The hefty regional kitchen was never designed to please calorie counters. A traditional local diet includes much meat, thick sauces, potatoes and vegetables. However, late spring sees the arrival of locally grown healthy and light white Asparagus, Spargel, on the markets.
Tastes and philosophies have meant that vegan and vegetarian dishes are far more widespread nowadays in the Ruhr Metropolis too. Meanwhile fast foods such as Bratwurst, Bockwurst, Currywurst and Döner Kebab have remained favourites.
BEVERAGES IN RUHR
Tap water in Germany is perfectly safe to drink. Bottled water is popular as sparkling water, Mineralwasser, which is carbonated and still water, Stilles Wasser, which is not. A local champion brew has long been a light beer similar to Pilsner.
A famous drink in the Ruhr Metropolis and elsewhere in Germany is a blend of apple juice and sparkling water, Apfelschorle. Fruit and vegetable juices are also highly popular.
KIOSKS IN RUHR
Kiosks are a longstanding tradition in the Ruhr Metropolis and are invaluable to local residents. Tucked into side streets or off main roads, they are at times able to fulfil spontaneous needs.
Larger shops and stores nowadays open longer while filling stations provide many goods outside normal shopping hours. Even so, these convenience stores normally offer drinks, alcohol, snacks and a small selection of edible items to their faithful clients. Some even form a place to gather and discuss.
MARKETS IN RUHR
Most shoppers like to partake of one stop shopping. Time, convenience or price. may be factors. That said, the opportunity to purchase fresh produce on an open air market stand exists all across the Ruhr Metropolis for consumers that enjoy the adventure.
The most popular market stalls and stands present vegetables and fruits. They are known as weekly markets, Wochenmärkte, for obvious reasons. Vendors normally offer a joyful quip or getting involved in a more in-depth conversation too.
Amazing Capitals Ruhr is full of insights for local international residents. It is dedicated to helping expats make choices, settle and participate. Enjoy the Ruhr region!
