White asparagus is Germany's most anticipated seasonal vegetable, arriving in late April and running until June 24 (St John's Day). Cologne Brauhäuser and brasseries build full Spargel menus around the vegetable: blanched white asparagus with hollandaise, new potatoes and cured ham. The market stalls at Nippesser Wochenmarkt and Apostelkloster market carry regional farm bundles.
Where to eat it: 3 restaurants across 1 city.
Brauerei zur Malzmühle on Cologne's Heumarkt has brewed Mühlen Kölsch since 1858 and once served Bill Clinton; consistently fresh pours in the Altstadt.
Order: Halve Hahn, the traditional rye roll with aged Gouda, alongside a freshly tapped Mühlen Kölsch
Tip: Monday to Thursday from 14:00, Friday to Sunday from noon. Less tourist-heavy than the Cathedral-adjacent Brauhäuser.
maiBeck at Am Frankenturm in Cologne's Altstadt is a Michelin-selected restaurant serving an ambitious weekend brunch alongside the evening tasting programme.
Nippesser Wochenmarkt at Wilhelmplatz in Cologne's Nippes runs Mon-Fri 07:00-13:00 and Saturday to 14:30; one of the most authentic neighbourhood markets.
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