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Halve Hahn — traditional dish from Cologne, Germany
Snack Vegetarian

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥290kcal
💪12gProtein
🌾30gCarbs
🥑12gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️120 gServing

* Per serving · 120 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten 🥛 Dairy

Halve Hahn

How to order / say it
Say it Halve Hahn — [HAL-vuh HAAN]
Order I'd like the Halve Hahn, please.
Locally Ich hätte gerne den Halve Hahn, bitte.
Say locally

A simple rye bread roll with cheese, pickles, and mustard.

Why try it?

This dish illustrates Cologne's penchant for no-frills, hearty snacks enjoyed with local beer. It's a quirky culinary tradition that defines the city's laid-back dining culture.

How it tastes

Halve Hahn delivers a satisfying crunch from the rye bread and pickles, with rich cheese and tangy mustard adding layers of flavor—an unpretentious yet delightful snack.

Origin & History — first documented: 1920

Despite its name suggesting 'half a rooster', Halve Hahn has perplexed many visitors since its inception in Cologne taverns in the early 20th century, initially as a light, affordable bite.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🌾 1 rye bread roll
  • 🥛 100 g Gouda cheese
  • 🥕 3 pickles
  • 🥣 2 tbsp mustard

Method

  1. 1 Slice the rye bread roll in half.
  2. 2 Spread mustard on each slice.
  3. 3 Add a generous slice of Gouda cheese.
  4. 4 Serve with pickles on the side.
All Europe recipes — Germany — Cologne — Halve Hahn
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