Berlin is a city that’s always buzzing with tourists thanks to its rich history dating back to the Cold War. The museums are enough proof of what happened and how it affected the city.
Away from the history and all the ancient stuff, I love Berlin for its killer nightlife, great beer, and unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you love local, vegan, or international foods, I assure you that Berlin is a food heaven. I especially love their currywurst (a hot ketchup and curry powder-seasoned pork sausage) and the bratkartoffeln (fried potato slices roasted with sliced bacon and onions).
There are plenty of foods to sample when you visit Berlin. The city has numerous street markets selling all kinds of vegan, traditional, and multicultural delicacies. If you don’t find anything interesting to try during your visit to Berlin, you should question your taste buds.
So, where do you start with your conquest of Berlin’s culinary delights? I have outlined a few culinary delights I enjoyed in Berlin to help you out.
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Start With the Traditional German Cuisine
The most famous German dish to try when you tour Berlin is currywurst. This street food consists of steamed, fried sausage and pork seasoned with curry ketchup. Apart from the currywurst, you can also try other iconic German dishes, including pretzels, sausages, and Black Forest Gateau.
One thing you’ll love about German recipes is their heavy focus on bread, potatoes, and meat. Pork is the most preferred meat here, made in a variety of ways with different recipes. Of course, there are plenty of greens as well, including cabbages and kale. As for drinks, Germany treats you to their specialty coffee, craft beer, and lots of fruit juices.
To get the best of classic German dishes, you must know where to look. Some of the best traditional German restaurants include Hackethals, Gasthaus Kater Alex, Schnitzelei, and Kurpfalz-Weinstuben, among others.
Enjoy the Street Eats and Food Markets
The German capital has been buzzing with street food that every culinary explorer must try. The city has excellent variety and the best quality fast food ready to ensure you eat to your fill on a budget.
And to make this even more exciting, Berlin treats you to different street food festivals to make your culinary experience one of a kind. Check out the street food on Thursdays for a unique foodie experience or the food markets for plenty of fresh produce to take home.
Whether you want to buy your ingredients to make your local delicacies or sample different street foods, your options are endless. What you can be sure about is that you’re going to eat to your fill on a budget.
Experience the Global Gastronomy
Berlin has embraced a variety of international delicacies and immigrant cuisines. I found the sheer volume of options overwhelming, with foods from different cultures and restaurants of all origins serving the best foods.
So, once you have a feel for the local German food, it’s time to sample different international varieties. There are plenty of restaurants ready to ensure you get what your heart desires in a good meal. You can try Thai curry or enjoy Italian pasta.
Don’t leave Berlin without sampling Peruvian dishes. Try Causa (potato cakes that are layered with meats and veggies) served in restaurants such as Serrano and Cevicheria. If you love seafood, try Ceviche, also found in some of the best restaurants in Berlin. Don’t forget to try the scrumptious Middle Eastern treats served at Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebab and Dada Falafel.
Treat Yourself to Vegetarian and Vegan Delights
Some people call Berlin the vegan capital of Europe. From that alone, you know that vegetables and vegetarian foods are the stars of the show in Berlin. The plates in Berlin are full of vegetable servings. They’re also prepared in a variety of ways to appeal to every tastebud.
And because the city is established close to the rural regions and areas, vegetables, herbs, and spices necessary for preparing a good vegan meal are plentiful. You can find different varieties of vegan dishes at Brammibal´s Donuts, Kopps, and Lucky Leek.
Whether you want to try a cheese plate, egg salad, vegetarian burger splashed with a tasty sauce, or sweet potato recipe, the options are endless. You can also satisfy your appetite for something fresh by trying fresh salads or quinoa and berry bowls.
Explore Berlin’s Coffee Culture
Berlin is known for its specialty coffee. The city is famous for its delicious and dynamic coffee, which appeals to both the younger and older generations. I specifically loved their dalgano, which is a whipped milk beverage with a coffee froth topping.
You can start accessing coffee bars in Berlin by ordering an espresso. Try the flat white, which is a double espresso with a frothed milk topping. You will enjoy how creamy and milky this coffee tastes. If you prefer a lighter taste in between flat white and latte, try cappuccino.
There are countless ways to sample Berlin’s coffee culture. And there are many cafés trying their best to get you that perfect cup. Walk into any of the best coffee shops in Berlin and enjoy the tastiest brews.
Check out the Craft Beer Scene
Don’t leave Berlin without exploring its thriving craft beer scene. The beer history of Berlin dates back to when it was known as the craft beer capital of Germany. With over 100 breweries, the city indeed thrived in the beer culture.
While many of these breweries are no longer working, the craft beer scene in Berlin will never die. If anything, the taste will just get better and richer. The number of microbreweries cropping up every day in Germany to make craft beer is amazing.
Try different craft beer bars and see for yourself how amazing the taste can be. If you want to learn the art of beer crafting, hop on a craft beer tour and see how local craft brews work.
Experience Berlin’s Unique Culinary Adventures
There’s no denying that the food scene in Berlin continues to blossom by the day. For any foodie planning to visit Germany, be sure that you’ll get plenty of food to try. There are plenty of street food stalls, stunning markets, lively cafes, and fantastic bars.
If you want to enjoy your culinary adventure in Berlin, sample the following options:
Street food Thursdays
If you want to experience the best of Berlin Street food, Thursday is the day. Walk to Markthalle Neun and meet street food experts, dishing out their best foods and drinks. Try the mouthwatering Mexican tacos, Chinese dumplings, artisanal hotdogs, and more. Accompany the delicacies with some sweet wine, craft beer, or fresh juices. You can also take a street food tour!
Turkish Market
Turkish food markets also offer an incredible way to enjoy the best of Berlin delicacies. Take a walk along the Maybachufer Canal every Tuesday or Friday to enjoy fresh Turkish or Middle Eastern produce and street foods. One thing that welcomes you to this gorgeous market is the spices and food aromas coming from the white tents.
Green Market
For vegans, Berlin welcomes you with nothing but all the good food nature can offer. Enjoy Vedic masala dosa with spinach, chili, and garlicky creamed cashews. You can also enjoy tangy, plant-based sarnies with sauerkraut. There are mushrooms, pancakes, burgers, and non-dairy ice cream.
Berlin Food Tours
Take a journey to explore Berlin’s recent history through food. This tour involves wandering through the streets of Berlin while tasting popular dishes. You will also love how other cultures have influenced Berlin’s dishes and come up with fusions such as the famous currywurst. Get recommendations for the best foods and restaurants in Berlin while on this tour.
Final Thoughts
Berlin offers a culinary journey like no other. From its rich history to its diverse culinary scene, this city has something for every palate. We’ve explored traditional German dishes, international cuisine, and street food delights that reflect the vibrant and ever-evolving culture of Berlin. Whether you’re savoring a hearty schnitzel in a cozy beer garden or trying the latest fusion food in a hip neighborhood, Berlin’s food scene is a testament to its creativity and openness. So, the next time you find yourself in the German capital, be sure to embark on a gastronomic adventure and discover the delightful flavors that this city has to offer. Your taste buds won’t be disappointed, and your foodie heart will thank you for the unforgettable journey through Berlin’s diverse and delectable cuisine.
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