The German capital of Berlin is world famous for its rich history, quirky art scene, and sometimes a fashion sense that leaves a lot to be desired. Generally, one thing that people don’t think of when they hear the word ‘Berlin’ however is great food.
Don’t get us wrong - we know that Germany has a great variety of choice when it comes to cuisine, but not many think of culinary diversity.
So, if that’s you, then I’m going to ask you to think again, for Berlin has some of the most varied and exciting foods on offer throughout the whole of Germany, but of course it helps if you know where to go - and where not to go.
If you’re a foodie who loves to travel, then you already know the biggest rule is to avoid the tourist places when mealtimes come around.
Not just because of the inflated prices, but because as we should all know, the real, authentic stuff that the locals eat, won’t be anywhere near the kiosk selling fridge magnets and jester hats.
Below are a few of the city’s favorite things to eat and drink that we hope you’ll enjoy as much as we do whenever we visit, and why foodies should fall in love with Berlin.
1. Currywurst
You know already that the Germans love their sausages, right? So it’s hardly surprising that sausage makes the cut here. However, ‘Currywurst’ is in a league of its own.
This is a typical German snack food, but is especially popular in Berlin. Its creation is attributed to a woman called Herta Heuwer in 1949, after she seemingly obtained a type of ketchup (or possibly Worcestershire Sauce and curry powder from British soldiers stationed in Germany.
Sausages such as bratwurst, or Bockwurst are cooked, sliced into chunks and slathered with a piping hot curry ketchup. You can order this with a side of fries (pommes) or a bread roll, depending on your preference.
Wash it down with a cold lager beer - it can be a bit spicy tingly.
2. Döner Kebap
The city’s large Turkish population brought with it some of their best flavours in the form of what’s known as the Döner throughout Germany.
This bears some similarities to the British version of the kebab, but contains far more flavour, and the mouth-watering garlic and yoghurt sauce that’s drizzled over the pita bread stuffed with lamb, turkey or chicken donner meat, veggies and spices.
We wouldn’t even be surprised if you planned another visit to Berlin just to eat more of these.
3. Senfeier:
This literally means mustard eggs, and is very typical of old classic Berlin dishes and homely comfort food - perfect on a cold winter evening.
A very simple dish that contains mashed potatoes with some hard boiled eggs and then slathered with a creamy, spicy mustard sauce.
It may not look like the most appealing dish on first glance, but we promise you’ll love it.
4. Berliner Weisse:
Of course it’s not just the Berlin food that deserves a mention. When writing about Germany, it’s only right that the official drink of the country gets a shout out.
White beer throughout Germany is known for its cloudy, rust coloured appearance, and wheaty flavour - so, of course Berlin not liking to be like everyone else has to do things a little (or a lot different).
White beer in Berlin is served in a short glass that resembles a bowl or vase more than a glass, and is either bright green or bright pink in colour due to the fruit flavours.
Although it doesn’t appear to look like beer on first glance, it definitely tastes like it, but the sweet flavours and colours add a nice touch that you won’t find anywhere else in Germany.
Berlin is a massive city, with so many quality restaurants and cafes, and even more foodie delights to explore, so we hope you’ll truly enjoy sampling all of the delicious cuisine on offer.
