Croffles, a dessert made of frozen croissant dough cooked in a waffle maker, are a favorite at Cafe AusZeit in Kusel, Germany. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

The interior of the old stone post office in downtown Kusel, Germany, has been transformed into a hip cafe that takes a page from the bustling streets of Bangkok and Seoul.

Laura Becking opened Cafe AusZeit about two years ago after serving 12 years in the German army. A fan of the vibrant cafe culture in Thailand and South Korea, Becking wanted to distinguish her place from the typical coffee shop or bakery.

Her standout on the simple menu is the “croffle,” a trendy Korean dessert made by putting frozen croissant dough into a waffle maker.

The most popular item on the menu is also easy to make, Becking said, since she doesn’t have to whip up waffle batter daily. Impressed by the simple brilliance of the croffle, I had to try it. Soft and buttery, it did not disappoint.

Laura Becking served 12 years in the German armed forces before opening Cafe AusZeit in Kusel, Germany. She opened her own restaurant so she could have a schedule allowing her to be home with her kids after school and on the weekends. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

Becking sprinkles the concoction with powdered sugar and serves it with sugary toppings such as caramel sauce, mini marshmallows, brownie or cookie crumbles and strawberry jam.

For those with an insatiable sweet tooth, there’s also the “hermännchen,” similar to the croffle but with frozen cinnamon dough as a base.

Cafe AusZeit’s ambience is fun but also conducive to relaxing. Patrons can sink into seats that are made with a material that feels as soft as velvet. Ample natural light and modern lighting with dark tropical animal print wallpaper featuring monkeys make the place feel cozy.

A bowl with chicken salad, chickpeas and other vegetables makes for a nutritious, filling and tasty lunch at Cafe AusZeit in Kusel, Germany. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

For those watching their waistlines, the cafe has healthier options, too. I tried the salad bowl with Korean-style seasoned chicken, a mix of chickpeas, pickles, salsa, red cabbage and a dressing that combines coconut, yogurt, lime and mint.

The salad has a kick, courtesy of added spices and jalapeno peppers. It was light, yet tasty. The chicken, chopped up into small pieces, was slightly sweet, seasoned with what I guessed was soy sauce, honey and maybe vinegar.

Other lunch items include a spicy grilled cheese sandwich, the same Korean-style chicken but in a sandwich; and a veggie sandwich with hummus on two slices of toast.

A barista-style cappuccino warms the heart at Cafe AusZeit in Kusel, Germany. Laura Becking, a German military veteran, opened the restaurant in November 2022. It serves coffee drinks, small meals, snacks and waffles made from frozen croissant dough. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

Becking also makes hot and cold coffee drinks, including a few with a twist. The Evie, for example, is made with espresso, ice cubes, sparkling water and orange syrup. Becking adds prosecco instead of water to a similar cocktail she calls the Dirty Evie.

On a quest to find good coffee places in the area, I ordered a cappuccino with two shots of espresso. It was nice and smooth, though I would have liked a bolder flavor.

Cafe AusZeit’s limited hours reflect Becking’s desire to be home when her kids are there. The mother of three wanted a post-military career that was compatible with family life, she said.

Pets are welcome, as are kids, and a play area for small children takes up one corner of the restaurant. The cafe also offers free Wi-Fi.

“I just want to make a place (for others) to take a break,” Becking said.

Cafe AusZeit in Kusel, Germany, is in the old post office building, near the start of the pedestrian zone. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

A customer sits in a sunny corner of Cafe AusZeit, in Kusel, Germany, on Sept. 17, 2024. The cafe's menu was inspired by the food of Thailand and South Korea. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

Cafe AusZeit

Address: Marktstrasse 16, Kusel, Germany

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, closed.

Prices: Sandwiches and salad bowls are all under 10 euros; coffee and other specialty drinks from 3 to 6 euros; alcoholic cocktails are 6 euros or under. Dessert and breakfast items under 5 euros. Cash only.

Parking: Out front and free city parking.

Information: Online: cafe-auszeit-kusel.metro.biz or on Facebook under CafeAusZeit Kusel; email: cafeauszeitkusel@gmail.com