Soul food means different things to different people. For me, it’s all about mac and cheese, collard greens, and fried okra. But Tavo Soulfood in Wiesbaden, Germany, shows that this cuisine stretches far beyond traditional Southern roots.
Opened in January, Tavo Soulfood is the brainchild of Bernd Zehner, a German chef and social media influencer. He explored the U.S. to find unique recipes, and his menu reflects that journey—from New York to Hawaii. Zehner imports ingredients from the States to recreate authentic dishes that honor their origins.
However, not everyone is thrilled. Some critics on social media argue that sticking too closely to the original recipes might sacrifice quality. In response, Zehner has joked about the bread used in his pastrami sandwich, admitting it’s not the best quality.
During my visit, I was unsure about the menu. Dishes like jambalaya from Miami and Nashville hot chicken from Los Angeles had me curious but cautious. The vibe of the restaurant was lively, filled with memorabilia from the American spots that inspire the menu.
I was seated at the bar, where my virtual menu awaited. To my surprise, the famous pastrami sandwich was off the list due to rising beef import costs. Instead, I started my meal with Jerry’s jambalaya rice and chili con carne. The jambalaya was a hearty mix of spices, though I wished for a bit more heat. The chili, on the other hand, impressed me with its tender beef and deep flavor.
Next, I tried the Nashville hot chicken tenders. While they looked appealing, I found the spice mix overwhelming and the chicken lacked moisture. My wife sampled a leftover and felt the same—too much seasoning and not enough chicken.
Overall, my experience at Tavo was good, but not mind-blowing. It seems to fit with the theme of “good but underwhelming” dining experiences I’ve noticed in both Germany and the U.S.
Tavo Soulfood is more of a novelty for fans of Bernd Zehner or those seeking American comfort food beyond the usual fast-food options. The menu offers a mix of dishes like veal Parmigiana and poke bowls, which might intrigue adventurous diners. The dessert menu, featuring New York cheesecake and big rockslide brownies, could also draw me back in the future.
Tavo Soulfood captures a unique angle of American cuisine in Germany, creating a bridge between cultures through flavors.
Tavo Soulfood
Address: Goldgasse 4, Wiesbaden, Germany
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5-11 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday, 12 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sunday, 12-8 p.m.
Price Range: Appetizers, 10-19 euros; entrées, 18-40 euros. Card payment only.
More Information: Tavo Soulfood
In a world where culinary traditions are often blended and reimagined, Tavo stands as a testament to the possibilities of cultural exchange in dining.
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