The signature dampfnudel at Pfaelzer Dampfnudelhof come with a choice of vanilla or wine sauces. (J.P. Lawrence/Stars and Stripes)
The German steamed bun known as dampfnudel can be almost heavenly when cooked well, and a hut in Mehlingen that I discovered thanks to a tip offers some of the best in the Pfalz.
As indicated by the name, Pfaelzer Dampfnudelhof specializes in the softball-sized buns, which can also be found at German fairs, farmers markets and some bakeries.
But what elevates the wares at Pfaelzer Dampfnudelhof is the care put into the cooking.
Pfaelzer Dampfnudelhof has a covered lounge area that’s perfect for hikers finishing the nearby Mehlinger Heide nature walk. (J.P. Lawrence/Stars and Stripes)
Each bite balanced softness and crunchiness. The tops were subtly sweet, light and fluffy, while the crust on the bottom was salty and savory but not oily.
The co-worker who told me about Pfaelzer Dampfnudelhof raved about the crust, which indeed became my favorite part.
Other dampfnudel I’ve tried left me lukewarm. They were often too doughy, damp or salty to justify their cost in carbohydrates. Some had jam in the middle, making them too sweet.
Pfaelzer Dampfnudelhof in Mehlingen, Germany, offers dampfnudel, a type of German steamed bun, as well as potato soup. (J.P. Lawrence/Stars and Stripes)
The buns at Pfaelzer Dampfnudelhof come with a vanilla dipping sauce, which I thought tasted like ice cream yet managed to avoid overdoing it on the sweetness. Wine dipping sauces also are available.
The eatery is popular with hikers heading through the nearby Mehlinger Heide nature walk. I could see the appeal after a long haul. Eat them in a covered lounge with the wicker seats and low tables, or bask in the sunshine if you’re lucky (this is Germany) in the beer hall section.
Perhaps I’ll give that a try in the summer, when the heather blooms in the nearby Mehlinger Heide.
In addition to dampfnudel, the Mehlingen, Germany, eatery Pfaelzer Dampfnudelhof sells liver meatballs, salads and charcuterie boards. (J.P. Lawrence/Stars and Stripes)
I paired my dampfnudel with the eatery’s creamy potato soup, a combination of savory and slightly sweet that satisfied me. The friendly, English-speaking staff at Pfaelzer Dampfnudelhof provided quick service.
In addition to its namesake treat, the eatery offers the local delicacy of liver meatballs with sauerkraut, as well as salads and charcuterie boards. There was also a wine bar with local varieties, although I didn’t partake.
Even without the hike, I found dampfnudel fulfillment in Mehlingen. And if that happens to come with a side of blooming heather, so much the better.
Seating areas at the Pfaelzer Dampfnudelhof in Mehlingen, Germany, include outdoor and indoor beer hall-style tables. (J.P. Lawrence/Stars and Stripes)
Pfaelzer Dampfnudelhof
Address: An d. Heide 15, Mehlingen, Germany. The dampfnudel hut is near the Mehlinger Heide, a popular nature walk, and next to a flammkuchen eatery. There is a parking lot and street parking nearby.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, noon-6 p.m. The eatery closes in the winter.
Prices: One dampfnudel costs 3 euros. Vanilla or wine sauces add 1.80 euros. A combo dampfnudel plus potato soup meal is 8.50 euros. In the summer there are salads that range from 10 to 12 euros each, as well as a charcuterie board for 28.50 euros.
Information: +49 1514 0400823, pfaelzer-dampfnudelhof.de
