Kleinmarkthalle (Small Market Hall)

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I undertook a quick research for what to see in Frankfurt. The big spots are Römer, New Old Town, Cathedral, River Main, Museumsurfer, Sachsenhausen, etc. Bingo! My ex-colleagues, Jörg and Sabrina, brought me to all the popular spots (without prior discussion) and perhaps only locals know it best – Kleinmarkthalle. 

Located in the heart of the city, Kleinmarkthalle offers over 1,500 square meters of space with more than 60 stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, baked goods, and international gourmet foods. I don't understand how the part of name 'klein' (small) comes from. It is big indeed!

Vibrance, colours, fantastic smell, crowds, top-tier gastronomy, tradition and modern are my impressions of the Kleinmarkthalle. It has been opened since 1954. Yes, over 70 years. And, it doesn’t stay in the past but evolves and diversifies, from traditional market food stalls to regional and international products and delicacies. One can choose to buy the freshest food ingredients to cook at home or simply take a seat and enjoy different wonderful cuisine today, tomorrow and ……..


I don’t know if the visit of Kleinmarkthalle is planned or impromptu. But it’s obvious one of Sabina’s favorites. She rushed to Metzgerei Schreiber to enjoy a sausage. It looks like Leberkäse which I tried in Nürnberg for €1.5 and it’s very filling.  I did not have a big hunger and therefore skipped it. On the next day when I visited alone for a snack, there was a long queue at Schreiber. The 1950s’ charm, over 80-years old yet enthusiastic Mrs Schreiber draw loyal and new customers to her shop, though it costs over €6 for a sausage with a bread roll.


I returned to the Kleinmarkthalle because I would like to try food that I never have in my life – Israeli food. Just a Dip - Tel-Aviv got my attention the previous day. "Just a Dip" is a vibrant Tel Aviv-style street food experience focusing on high-quality, creamy hummus, freshly baked pita, and innovative toppings like spicy harissa or smoky eggplant. The concept emphasizes a lively, authentic atmosphere, elevating humble Mediterranean dips into a flavorful, memorable meal.

The owner was super friendly.  He reminded me that the Tel-Aviv I ordered was without meat. 'Did you want meat?'  Though I only ordered half a pita bread, I was treated as a guest and offered a complimentary lemonade for trial. 

A lot of other guests seemed like having mid-day break from work. Sitting together with me were two retirees. Three people were working on that day (Wednesday) as guests kept flocking in. They did not stop preparing / serving food.

My Tel-Aviv was full of different vegetables, egg slices and hummus. Rich flavours, different textures filled my mouth. Wonderful and fond experience! Given the non-stop wars in the Middle East, I don’t know if I will visit Israel one day and taste the authentic street food. 

If I would have another chance to visit the Kleinmarkthall, Edel’s Hausemannskost would be my next dinning option. The restaurant focuses on traditional German, especially Hessian, recipes. The food is noted for being prepared by hand—such as hand-peeling potatoes for their popular potato salad - rather than using pre-packaged products. Edel’s Hausemannskost is known for having some of the best Frikadellen (meatballs) and potato salad in Frankfurt.

Edel’s Hausemannskost is highly popular due to its commitment to authentic, handcrafted traditional German comfort food, served with high energy and personal care. Certainly,  social media contributes to its popularity. 

One of the busiest stores is definitely Inari-san. It serves inari sushi and matcha / Hojicha drinks. Inari sushi is a simple dish of sushi rice stuffed in seasoned fried tofu pouches. Inari sushi pouches are made by simmering deep fried tofu pockets in a mix of sugar, soy sauce, sake, mirin and dashi.

Inari’s success is greatly attributed to viral Instagram posts featuring the unique and highly photogenic "Inari bombs". It pulls voluminous young people to stand in the queue for the very expensive take-away inari with ‘creative’ toppings, san (mountain). One piece of inari costs between €4.7 and 5.3. It is the price of a cake produced in hours. A 300ml tea costs €6.2-6.5, 500ml €7.6-7.9. It is more expensive than a decent coffee for dine-in in top-tiered Café in Vienna. As I can easily have fabulous sushi and matcha latte in Hong Kong, Inari-san is certainly not for me.

The Kleinmarkthalle was full of wine drinkers on weekdays. Can it be the restaurant terrace on 1st floor or randomly any wine shop on the ground floor. Perhaps, with fine weather, friends sipping wine multiplied the level of joy and delights. 

Address: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main

Directions: Cathedral / Römer (city hall) • 3 min. walk


Location: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

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