Christmas Market · Shredded Pancake Dessert

Kaiserschmarrn

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Its name literally means "the emperor's mess" — a nod to the torn, ragged way it's plated.

Kaiserschmarrn is a thick pancake batter poured into a hot buttered pan, then torn into ragged golden pieces with two forks as it caramelizes at the edges. Vendors at Christmas markets and mountain-hut stands scoop it into paper bowls dusted with powdered sugar, usually alongside a spoonful of stewed plum or apple compote for eating on the move.

Why it's made this way: Legend credits the dish to a court chef at Bad Ischl who accidentally shredded a pancake meant for Emperor Franz Joseph I; the emperor loved the messy result so much it was named "Kaiser's Schmarrn" in his honor.