ARTE Distribution

The Kleinmarkthalle is Frankfurt’s food hub brimming with regional delights. Here one can find the authentic Frankfurter Green Sauce, the real Frankfurter würstchen, and the famous applewine. Through the stories of passionate producers like Kathrin with her Griesheim-grown leeks, Nils and his Woolpigs and Tanja’s famous Frankfurter Crown, the episode celebrates the vibrant culinary traditions, fresh produce, and cultural identity of the city. A journey where the traditional 7 herbs and Handkasse meet the diverse customers living in the heart of Frankfurt.

Frankfurt’s Kleinmarkthalle has been a bustling hub for food lovers since the late 19th century. Rebuilt in 1954 after its destruction during World War II, this vibrant market, now situated in a very simple, rational building tells a story of resilience and celebrates the city’s connection to its regional cuisine. On offer there are a large range of products, from the leeks of Griesheim cultivated by Kathrin and her family to the prized Mangalitza or Wool pigs raised by Nils and his father in Groß-Zimmern. The market brings the finest of Hessian produce to its stalls, and to the table, as Chef Bernd takes us into the culinary traditions of the city by preparing the iconic Green Sauce, made with 7 of the finest herbs harvested in Frankfurt’s Nieder-Erlenbach. The episode also explores green asparagus harvesting in Weiterstadt, the cultivation of redcurrants in Kriftel and the pressing of the bitter Speierling fruit used in the making of the applewine in Hattersheim. At the market, we meet Ilse – the soul of the market, a beloved vendor known for her traditional attire, her array of sausages, and her inviting manners and Tanja who crafts the famous Frankfurt Crown, a cake made like a jewel. Amid this dynamic environment, Kleinmarkthalle showcases the best of Frankfurt’s culinary identity, from its Handkasse with music to its wine but also the diverse cultural influences of the over 170 nationalities living in the city. A richness all on display at the market!