Berlin is a melting pot and as mentioned in my Visiting Berlin on a Budget post the food is where this amazing mixture truly shows! Whilst there are foods from around the world available here there are a few types of foods that really show what Berlin is all about! Here are my must try Berlin food items to get a real taste of the German city:
Pretzel
It doesn’t get much more German than this! Found almost anywhere in Berlin from street vendors, to bakeries, to late-night spots you can grab one on the go quickly and cheaply. They are available in various flavours but salt flaked is the most traditional with cheese and sesame close behind them. Crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft inside they make for a great and filling treat.
Berlin Doner
Until a few years ago mentioning the words ‘Doner’ and ‘Berlin’ to anyone outside of Germany seemed like a contradiction. Surly kebabs are the forte of the Turkish? Yet in recent years Berlin-style Kebab spots have broken free from the city and popped up worldwide, there’s certainly a lot in London! The Berlin Doner was adapted from the Turkish-style kebab in the 1970s and has been a hit ever since. The Berlin Doner is a milder flavour than the traditional Turkish version. It is often described as lighter due to the preference for using chicken or turkey instead of lamb and is flavoured with a different array of species. They often favour tomato-based sauces instead of yoghurt and are often a wrap instead of a pitta. I found it flavourful and filling without being overly heavy so a great choice any time of day.
Anything and everything from the Markthalle Neun Thursday street food market
It’s hard to pick a specific thing because there are so many options and the vendors change regularly but I had Thai curry, a bao bun and ice cream here and all were affordable and delicious! Bring cash and prepare to make some hard choices as there’s just so much to choose from and they cater for a good range of different dietary needs.
Burgermeister
A chain burger restaurant might seem like a strange choice for one of the must try Berlin food items and I was confused as everyone else when I was asking for recommendations and this kept coming up. But there’s something about this quick-service restaurant that hits the spot with locals and tourists alike. Starting in Berlin in an old public toilet no less, this is a Berlin institution. The burgers are all great but the crinkle-cut fries and cheese sauce are chef’s kiss
Currywurst
Look, Berlin is known for being a bit ‘out there’ with food but I had to sneak a German classic in here somewhere! German pork sausage ,chopped, and covered in a flavorful and mildly spicy curry sauce. Curryverst can be found throughout the city and always makes for a good lunch or snack option.
Weiner Schnitzel
Another German classic! Essentially tenderised deep-fried pork but you have to try this at least once on your trip. You’ll find them available in most German restaurants throughout the city.
Kartoffelpuffer
These crispy potato pancakes are so simple yet they will leave you craving more! You can have it as a side with an apple sauce dip or as a more filling snack topped with a poached egg. Find them in traditional cafes throughout Berlin.
Those are a few of my must try Berlin food items, if you think I’ve missed any let me know in the comments. Next time I’m on the hunt for the best souvenir, like collecting Custom Pin Badges with different food and cultural elements in different cities. I’m always looking for another reason to visit one of my favourite European cities!
