One of the most delightful German traditions is Kaffee und Kuchen, or coffee and cake, which is the Teutonic version of afternoon tea. German people still treasure this ritual, and I must admit that it was quite irritating to see so many slender locals indulging in slices of decadent torte. In the name of research, I risked my waistline in order to find the best places to enjoy Kaffee und Kuchen in Hamburg.

Wohnhalle

Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten: Whether you stay at this hotel or not, do not miss the chance to have coffee and cake or afternoon tea in the ornate and historic Wohnhalle. The torte selection is dreamy, but since we had a substantial food-and-beverage credit at the hotel, we opted for high tea, complete with savory finger sandwiches, flawless scones with clotted cream and exquisite little pastries.

Wohnhalle
Neuer Jungfernstieg 9-14. Tel. (49) 40-3494-0