Restaurant ReviewsBrotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant: Guten Appetit und Prost!
If there is one thing the Germans are good at, it is their masterfully brewed beers that have captivated the taste palates of many around the world. The Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant that was opened towards the end of October 2006 in mega mall Vivocity is amongst one of the first restaurants in Singapore to tap on that notoriety and offer it in its full essence to the incisive local audience.
The inspiration behind the restaurantð€™s name is actually derived from a popular Bavarian expression that translates to ð€Çbread-timeð€Ý (ð€Çbrotð€Ý means bread, and ð€Çzeitð€Ý means time) - a simple phrase that is to be inferred to having a small meal to complement a wholesome beer, which fits the culture of Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant to a T.
*The Vibe
As observed by the regulars of Brotzeit, the feel of this restaurant is reminiscent of a typical biergarten that one will find in latter-day Germany or Austria . Hues of cocoa and white dominate the space, with a special feature mural that stretches along the perimeters of one wall and looks to be potential as a great conversation piece. The heritage and quality of German beer craftsmanship is quirkily depicted, further tweaked with comical impressions of German animals enjoying some beers and generally having a roaring good time. Apart from the authentic German feel of Brotzeit, patrons here can also seat themselves on the designer leather benches and long wooden tables, and bask in its breezy atmosphere with unobstructed views of the harbour and of the beautiful Sentosa island.
*The Meal
Like any German biergarten, Brotzeit serves food and drinks throughout the day, with their Austrian Chef de Cuisine Hans LÃÜftenegger introducing favourites of the German people into the menu. Classic choices include salads, soups, belegte brote (assorted toppings served with German multi-grain bread), fladen (German-styled pizza), pasta, the famous German sausages and other main courses. Those looking for a light snack to accompany their beers can also choose from a wide range of finger food and other sides that are designed to further tease out the aromas of the various beers. On weekends and public holidays, be sure to make a breakfast date with Brotzeit as you will be initiated into an early sumptuous German affair of MÃÜsli, eggs, cheese, sausages and different freshly baked German breads. Commendable main dishes to try out at this restaurant will be the home-made Bavarian specialty Käsespätzle ($14.90) and the unique platter of Gänseleberwurst ($26.50). The Käsespätzle is a simple no-frills German pasta created out of the humble combination of eggs and flour, which is then flavoured with onion rings, topped with a luxurious spread of assorted cheeses melted over. Heartwarming as they come, this specialty looks to be a popular choice amongst the Germans and Austrians expatriates who appreciate a familiar taste of home. Similarly, they would also enjoy the Gänseleberwurst, which is a colourful platter of extremely tender goose liver sausages served atop a bed of käsespätzle, and flavoured with sweet cranberry sauces and a side of fresh red cabbage.
End your German culinary experience on a sweet note with the Schwarzwälderkirschtorte ($6.50), which is a petite black forest cake delicately topped with little cherries and frothy whipped cream. For a typical Bavarian experience, do order for yourself a traditional Sachertorte ($6.50) that is a chocolate cake added with tangy twists of apricot jam layers in the middle.
*The Bier
A trip to Brotzeit should definitely include a taste of their German beers. Offering the widest selection of German beers of century old craftsmanship in Singapore , you can look forward to savouring 13 different beers from four different breweries of Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, ThurnTaxis and Auer Bräu which are all brewed according to the German Purity Law of 1516. Choose from a range of 10 bottled beers, with popular selections like the Roggen Rye (Alc 5.3%) which is slightly smokey and fruity, with a bittersweet rye character, and the strong Salvador (Alc 7.5%), which is the pioneer creation of the Paulaner brewery created 350 years ago. Rich with strong hints of malt and Hallertau hops, and finished off sweetly with a subtle chocolate flavour, this is a sure crowd-pleaser! If you are one to prefer beer by the draught, choose from the golden Original MÃÜnchner Lager that has a light hoppy finish, the Hefe-Weissbier which is the current number 1 Weissbier in Germany made from wheat malt, or the chestnut brown Dunkles Hefe-Weissbier that consists of more well-roasted wheat malt.
The SD Food Advisorð€™s take on Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant
With the unbeatable combination of having a full-fledged German team managing this restaurant, coupled with an Austrian chef taking charge of the kitchen, all doubts that anyone might have about the authenticity of Brotzeit should melt away upon stepping in. As an avid beer drinker, I was grateful for the wide selection of choices offered in Brotzeit, which proved to be a refreshing break from the usual beers that are being served in most restaurants and bars of late. This biergarten must be commended on its success in combining an authentic selection of German delicacies with a good selection of beers, which is played up by its tastefully styled contemporary décor and convenient location. Do make a visit to Brotzeit soon before the crowds start flooding in.