Branchegericht

Branchegericht is a type of restaurant cuisine particularly associated with Germany and the Netherlands. It consists of a selection of side dishes or accompaniments, typically served in a shared portion, that are accompanied by a main course. The branchegericht is often thought of as a precursor to the modern concept of a buffet.

The main courses and side dishes are typically prepared separately, and the customer is free to create their own combination of the available items. This arrangement has become popular in a number of countries where there is a tradition of communal dining, and it is not uncommon for various branchegerichten or similar concepts to be found in hospitality establishments in and around Europe.

One of the main reasons for the popularity of branchegericht is that it is seen as an affordable option for customers, as they can form a smaller main course by choosing a combination of side dishes rather than ordering a complete main meal. Additionally, it allows for a greater degree of freedom for customers to create their own meals, rather than being tied to the traditional notion of having one main course and a few accompanying vegetables.

In some cases, when establishing a branchegericht, a customer can pick a theme for the available food choices. The often colorful and modern way of the themed branchegerichts has created a fusion of textile art, ceramics, and decoration design, often referred to as 'typical interior decoration' by locals and experts.