Menus

The Menu Collection consists primarily of menus from the German Democratic Republic, the USSR, and other Warsaw Pact countries. Early in the Cold War, printed menus were typically typewritten carbon copies — spare and functional, reflecting a working-class food culture built around locally sourced meat and vegetables. Over time, consumer demand for more choice and variety grew, and menus began to reflect this shift in both design and offerings. Even within closed borders, some restaurants offered international cuisine and more elevated dining experiences.

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