• Ottensen • Poached Eggs • Avocado • Pancakes •

I have the impression that the new standard for breakfast places is avocado toast with poached eggs, at least in Germany that’s the new discovery. It seems to somehow qualify an eatery to some higher level. Or maybe it just makes me think that they have some higher concept? Something “better” than just nicely assorted fruit, three different kinds of German rolls and samples of jam and cheese. However nice it’s made up to be, that is just not my cup of tea.

A Hipster Breakfast in Hamburg

In Berlin avocado toast and real good pancakes aren’t a new thing. But in Hamburg the only avocado and poached egg combo I’ve had so far was in my kitchen. Then, I came upon RAIN Cafeatery in the heart of Ottensen.

Upon arriving, we liked it all: the menu, the clean industrial interior and that we found a spot! Even though the selection of dishes wasn’t vast, it was hard too decide. Homemade sourdough bread accompanied most savory meals that included some of the below avocado, hummus, poached eggs, maple glazed bacon, lox, scrambled eggs and omelettes.

Smoothie, Eggy Sourdough Toasts and Pancakes

My starter was a strawberry – red beet smoothie. That daily smoothie was the only choice which made the choice easy. As a beautiful change to the mason jars, that are a new Hamburg standard for “cool cafés”, it was served in a flat wide glass. The same ones which were stacked on the magazine rack, to be refilled with lemon-mint infused water as one wished.  Finally: free water!  That’s rare in this country.

Next, the three of us each ordered a different version with the homemade sourdough bread (listed in order of my preference):

1. chorizo, scrambled eggs, avocado, sautéed tomato sauce
2. avocado, hummus, poached egg + side salad
3. Eggs Benedict with maple-glazed bacon + side salad

Despite lacking the fresh salad with pomegranates, my favorite was the scrambed eggs. It combined so many flavors and textures. The rich tomato sugo, perfectly soaked into the sourdough bread, which was topped by soft avocado, all below the fluffy, moist spiced chorizo scrambled eggs.

Dessert was a very deliberate decision, but we happily ended up with the pancakes. Those rounded off the morning perfectly. They were decorated with maple syrup, mascarpone, pistachio, blueberries, physalis, pomegranate, pear and one little almond – all in all soft, fluffy, and delicate. We loved them!

Just like the food, the interior was comforting as well. Not big, nor small with some antique amenities, a clean, industrial feel and cactus acting photogenic for a photo backdrop. The rare window with views to the courtyard gave the far tables a streak of light and an outside atmosphere. I’m happy we came when we did, at 9:45. Thus we were able to find a calm spot before it started bustling before noon!

I can’t wait to come to RAIN CAFEATERY again. It might serve as a meet-up among friends or a special occasion brunch. The whole morning was an indulgence.

Where? Große Rainstraße 15 (Ottensen)

When? Mo-Su: 9-18

How much? 7-12€

My favorites: Pancakes (10€) & Chorizo scrambled eggs (9€), Strawberry-Red Beet Smoothie

Diets: a few vegetarian options, no vegan