The Köln TV station is not the only employer with a cafeteria – figures from before the coronavirus pandemic show that there were around 14,000 cafeterias, sometimes called canteens, in Germany and that millions of employees ate there daily. They were once regarded as places where staff could quickly eat a hot meal in the company of their colleagues – indulgent meals weren't a priority. Nowadays, things have changed. Canteens act as a meeting place at lunch breaks. The atmosphere ranges from cozy to elegant. External guests, i.e., people who do not work in the company, are also often welcome. But what remains important for most is that the meals are offered at reasonable prices.

There is often debate about the food served in canteens. Meat dishes like currywurst with fries, spaghetti Bolognese or schnitzel are still popular. But many cafeterias now also offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. You can usually find a salad bar. There are other alternatives if you prefer to avoid the food in the canteen or need a change. Some people bring their own food or go to food trucks, which are common in many business districts.