Magical Christmas in the heart of Bratislava
It is said ‘different countries, different customs’ – and this well-known Slovak wise saw applies to Christmas customs in Slovakia one hundred per cent
Slovakia is a diverse country with a number of customs that differ significantly from one region to another. That is why this year’s Advent time at Café Devín will be truly exceptional, in the spirit of traditional Slovak dishes.
The local chef thus cretaed a Christmas menu prepared according to the original recipes from regions across all Slovakia. The menu is thematically divided into three parts: eastern, central and western Slovakia. Invite colleagues, business partners or loved ones and get to know the tastes of Slovak Christmas in the iconic Hotel Devín.
In eastern Slovakia, dinner usually begins with honey and garlic. Some families dine only by candlelight and try to sit at the Christmas table for as long as possible to enjoy this unique atmosphere as much as possible. In addition, when setting the Christmas dinner, one free place is prepared for those who could not attend the dinner or for a random guest.
The Eastern Slovak menu can be enjoyed in Hotel Devín from November 28 to December 4. It consists of the following courses:
Slivovitz
Wafers, garlic, honey
Traditional cream soup
Dumpling filled with melted sheep cheese, sauerkraut and onions
Bean broth with potatoes in the skin and carp
Poppy yeast dough balls
In Central Slovakia, there must be no shortage of money under the tablecloth during dinner, so that everyone is rich as well as garlic on the table, so that everyone is healthy. The most popular soup at the Christmas table is a sauerkraut soup with smoked fish. It is also customary to “go singing”. The landlord and family appreciate it with money, friends and acquaintances reward singing with alcohol. Christmas dining was once associated with many customs. For example, in Orava, people had to sit barefoot at a table at Christmas dinner and have at least one leg on the axe that was placed under the table. This was to protect them from the disease.
Christmas like in Central Slovakia can be enjoyed in Hotel Devín from December 5th to 11th. The menu will include:
‘Hriate’ hard liquor with bacon
Apple with walnuts
Sauerkraut soup with smoked fish
Polenta with onion
Roasted duck legs with lentils and oily lokshas
‘Štedrák’ cake
In western Slovakia, money or carp scales are put under the tablecloth before dinner, so that there is enough money in the family. There is a candle lit on the table during dinner, burning with “Bethlehem” light. At the beginning of the dinner, an apple is cut, which, if healthy, symbolizes that the family will be healthy. Breaking four nuts symbolises four seasons – which nut is good, health is expected at that time. After dinner, a tray is placed under the Bethlehem tree, with money under the napkin, honey, wafers, bread, garlic and a handful of wheat on it. Somewhere in the next day, they tend to leave crumbs from dinner on a plate that are intended for “poor ones”.
The West-Slovak Christmas dinner will be served at the Hotel Devín from 12 to 18 December, in the following composition:
Walnut spirit
Wafers, dried fruit, honey
Lentil soup with dried plums and mushrooms
Semolina porridge with cinnamon
Roasted trout with butter and herbs, potato and onion salad
Vanilla rolls
Regardless of who comes from which region and with which traditions the period of Advent and Christmas is associated, we all agree that Christmas is made by the unique atmosphere, the warmth of the family fireplace and the company of those closest to us. However, the smell of such goodies spreads through many cuisines, popular carols sound and children are looking forward to gifts again after a year. This is a traditional Christmas in Slovakia.
These can be enjoyed at Hotel Devín from 19th to 25th December. The aromas and flavors of this menu will bring you the right atmosphere:
Christmas rolls, honey, nuts
Christmas sauekraut soup with sausage and mushrooms
Homemade noodles with poppy seeds
Fried carp horseshoes, mayonnaise potato salad
Linzer cookies
Experience the magical atmosphere of Christmas in the premises of Hotel Devín and recall the traditions of Advent.
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