Kaffee Und Kuchen, or coffee and cake, is a German tradition that allows citizens to unwind from their day, sit with friends and family, and enjoy this delectable treat. Unlike in the United States, cake and pastries are not treated like desserts. This tradition is often seen as a meal, taking place between two and five p.m., traditionally on Sundays. In Germany, everything is closed on Sunday, making this an ideal time, but it can be enjoyed any day of the week. This tradition may also be called Kaffeeklatsch, which translates to "coffee-talk".
In Germany, coffee was introduced in the 17th century, but it was so expensive that only the elite could partake in consuming it. During this time, coffee shops and parlors began to pop up all over Europe, especially in Germany, and they were originally the women's equivalent of a "men's only bar". Around the 19th century, coffee was becoming more popular and all social classes could afford to enjoy it, leading them to take time from their day to talk with friends. Germany has bakeries and cafes on practically every street, and they usually close at around six p.m. This didn't make much sense to me until I learned about Kaffee und Kuchen, the meal between meals in Germany.
