Hakims Imbiss- und Steakhaus — Restaurant in Heidelberg

I have never written a review before but I just had to after this experience.

Hakim is an absolute bona-fide legend, his food is not to be missed and is one of a kind!

I ended up being stuck out in the suburbs without enough euros in cash on my last night in Heidelberg. I tried to find an ATM nearby but there were none available in walking distance, I told Hakim I really wanted to try his ribs and he still offered serve me up a smaller but generous plate for the money I could give him. What arrived on my table was the stuff that dreams are made of.

The meat literally melts right off the bone like hot butter, the pork skin is ultra crispy and seasoned to perfection and the sauce is the sweet with darker flashes of bourbon. I will dream of these ribs for years until I’m back. Hakim also told me a bit of the history of the place and how he had set up the food truck to service American GI’s and introduce them to a wider cultural palate. When I expressed how good the ribs were he threw in an extra for good measure and said when I’m back in Australia I can let them know he was “rich of heart”.

Needless to say I’ll be singing your praises down under brother!

To Hakim and co a big thank you from this very chuffed...

STAY AWAY! Waste of time and money. The owner of the restaurant is very rude when it comes to serving people in order. We went there with my partner, waited 45min for our food. In the meantime, he prepared some of his friends' take away order before us. Then, he served first to the table came actually after us. When we told and warned the owner that we came first and waited for 45min, he yelled at us and said he is the "doctor of his business", and he knows when and whom to serve first not us... Then, he rudely asked if we want our food or not. After his behavior, we wanted to pay our drinks and leave without having our food. He then shouted at us and used inappropriate language and kicked us out of his place. Btw, I don't even want to talk about the cleanliness and hygiene...

This is without a doubt one of Heidelberg's gems. It has a reputation for its strange appearance, amazing food, and has attracted some controversy from a minority claiming that Hakim was disrespectful or outright crazy. I can understand all of this. This place does have a strange appearance that doesn't appeal to everyone. The food is incredible and world-class. Regarding the debate revolving around Hakim, he is a misunderstood, eccentric artist who is rightly proud of his culinary creations. People who come in with a lack of respect for him and his food will likely provoke a harsh, and in my opinion, fair defense of his work. Overall, the atmosphere isn't for everyone, but the food sure is. I completely...