There are many legends surrounding the origins of the Halver Hahn. In one report, a guest requested a bread roll in a pub in Cologne and was brought a whole roll instead of just a half, whereby he commented, ”But I only wanted a half.” Another theory suggests the name was adopted during the war, when cheese was cheap but bread was not and pub patrons would ask, “Kann isch och ne halve han?” (Can I just have a half?). For one of the best examples of this iconic Cologne invention, head to this convivial beer hall off the beaten tourist path. Their rye roll stuffed with Gouda cheese, pickles, butter and mustard is the perfect accompaniment for the house-brewed Kölsch beer.