The Hamburg Rathaus, or Hamburg City Hall, is a magnificent structure that's as steeped in culinary history as it is in political and cultural importance. While not a food destination in itself, the Rathaus is surrounded by a city that holds a rich gastronomic heritage influenced by its status as a major port town. Hamburg's cuisine reflects its access to a variety of ingredients and its history of trade with distant lands. As a result, the city's traditional dishes are an eclectic mix of local ingredients from the North Sea and Elbe River, with international flavors brought in by sea-faring traders.