Chronicles of a Traveller: January 2016

Schnitzel and asparagus with Hollandaise sauce (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

When we travel, we do not only look for sites to visit and activities to enjoy, but we also search for fresh dining places to cool down and satiate our palate and cravings for traditional food and refreshments native to that area. Undeniably, each one of us has his own idiosyncratic requirements and just like any of us, I stick to mine: simple, affordable, and great-tasting.

Here, I list five places to dine when in Moerfelden-Walldorf:

Bella Italia

Bella Italia is a simple Italian Pizzeria located on Frankfurterstr. in Moerfelden. My first dinner whenever I visit this small village is savored in this place. A local introduced me to this pizzeria and since that moment on, I keep on coming back to enjoy the warm hospitality and personalized service by the owner and the staff.

Inside Bella Italia (Photo b: Gregg Manalo)

I have tasted several pizzas in Italy and other parts of Europe, but I can personally say that Bella Italia serves the best-tasting pizza. The crust is perfectly crunchy and the toppings are freshly prepared which make each bite of the juicy slice so delightful, you’d finish the entire pizza in no time.

Hand-tossed pizza with fresh ingredients (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

Cost for two persons: 15 euros including drinks

The owner of Bella Italia (in the middle) personally greets and serves diners. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Martin’s Thai Bistro

When we talk of proximity, Martin’s Thai Bistro is one of the most easily accessible if you’re staying at Hotel Global in Walldorf. Located roughly 50 meters away from the Hotel, Martin’s Thai Bistro is frequented not only by hotel guests nearby, but also by locals who want to break away from the usual German food and enjoy typical Asian dishes at very affordable prices. Just imagine paying around 8 euros for food and drinks! You won’t have a decent menu with that amount anywhere in Europe!

Inside Martin's Bistro (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

The kitchen can be very busy at lunch or dinner times when the Bistro has to accommodate huge number of food deliveries from callers, so be prepared to wait and enjoy your sumptuous food when you decide to visit the place at these times.

The kitchen (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

Cost for two persons: 8 euros including drinks

Menu card at Martin's Bistro (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

Der Gundhof

History and great food in one place, Der Gundhof is very popular among the local residents because it is situated at the very place where Walldorf was founded hundred of years ago. The name suggests that it is located by Gundbach which patrons need to cross to reach this historic restaurant.

Inside Der Gundhof (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

This rustic restaurant was suggested to me by a local and referred to it as having the best Schnitzel in town. And she’s absolutely correct! The coating is perfectly fried, not dark nor flaky and the meat inside is impeccably seasoned, very tender and juicy. No wonder it’s the first choice when I asked for the best Schnitzel in town.

Der Gundhof's famous schnitzel (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

Cost for two persons: 20 euros including drinks

Hand cheese (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

Zagreb

Zagreb serves traditional Yugoslavian cuisines. It’s one of those restaurants that I visit to meet with friends in Walldorf. The menus are very affordable and come in big servings, so prepare to be completely full when dining here. Their kebabs, chevapcchici, and other dishes are a must-try!

Inside Zagreb (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

Zagreb is located on Okriftelerstrasse, just beside Aldi Walldorf.

Raznjici with duvec rice (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

Cost for two persons: 15 euros including drinks

Balkan Liver (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

‘s Wirtshaus

Moerfelden-Walldorf and Frankfurt City are both located in the German state of Hessen. So you might be wondering if there’s such thing as typical Hessen cuisine? The answer is a big YES! And in Walldorf, there is a special restaurant that serves typical and authentic Hessen cuisine. I am talking about ‘s Wirthshaus.

Steak with Frankfurt green sauce (Photo by: Gregg Manalo)

Since you're in Hessen, it is a must to try their homemade hand-cheese that they offer as appetizer. I am not so fond of it, but it’s a must-try for curious diners.