Food in Berlin: Reclaiming the City’s Culinary Heritage

If there’s one thing that unites Berliners, it’s their love for food in Berlin. The city has long been known for its vast variety of restaurants, from cosy taverns to high-end bistros and everything in between. So if you’re looking for something new to try in Berlin, look no further than the city’s thriving dining scene. Located in Germany’s capital since the 19th century, Berlin has a rich history of cuisine. While Germans have embraced contemporary restaurant culture over the last few years, many traditional dishes are still being reinvented today by young chefs inspired by old masters like Auguste Escoffier and Auguste Kuhlmann (the ‘Father of German Cuisine’) or modern culinary innovators like Claus Gerhardt and Matthias Merk. Here we explore some of the most interesting ways that Berliners are reclaiming their city’s culinary heritage today:

Breakfast in Berlin

If you’re looking for a taste of authentic German cuisine, breakfast in Berlin is the place to go. Stroll around the city’s hip neighborhoods, and you’ll find a plethora of artisanal cafes, where you can sample a variety of breakfast staples, from local bread and homemade jams to freshly squeezed juices, organic yogurts and more. The city’s famous bakeries also often offer organic bread for sale for hungry patrons to enjoy for breakfast or as a snack, or even as a pop up meal for lunch!

Gourmet burgers and street food

Burgers are one of the most popular street foods in the city, but they’re also making their mark on the fine dining scene. The city’s gastropub scene, led by popular spots like MICK, Fondimpot and Patty & Bun, is booming with new restaurants and bars serving gourmet burgers in inventive ways. You can also find burgers that are made with local ingredients—such as Berliner Weißwurst, which is made with a local white sausage, or beef with foie gras, truffles and other local ingredients. If you’re not into burgers, don’t despair—Berlin also has a unique street food scene. For example, you can find street vendors selling fresh Turkish döner or shawarma throughout the city, or you can head to a local Turkish or Greek restaurant for Turkish or Greek mezes.

German-style brunch

Another popular brunch option in Berlin is the German-style brunch, which is a mix of traditional brunch staples and inventive German dishes. For example, you can enjoy a German-style brunch at one of the city’s many brunch spots, where you can choose from a variety of brunch staples, from brioches and blackcurrants to waffles and shakshuka. Another option is to go for brunch on the go, where you can enjoy a delicious brunch in one of Berlin’s many bustling cafes.

Döner and shawarma

If you’re looking for a taste of the Middle East, head to a local Turkish or Greek restaurant for döner or shawarma. Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish served on a bun with various fillings, while döner is a Turkish-style stuffed bread made with roasted lamb or chicken. Shawarma and döner are both popular street foods in the city, which you can enjoy at one of the many shawarma or döner stands. You can also indulge in a more refined version of these dishes at one of Berlin’s many upscale dining options.

Stäbchen und Suppe (Cup of Soup) and Mettbrötchen (Roll of Bread)

Soup and bread are two staple foods that are popular throughout Germany and Berlin. Popular soups in the city include the German-style Suppe mit Kartoffel und Fleisch (potato and meat soup), the classic Mettbrötchen (bread roll) or a hearty Grog (oat soup with rye bread and rye bread croutons). If you like soup for dinner, you might enjoy visiting one of the city’s many soup cafés, where you can sample a variety of soup varieties and get a delicious cup of soup for just €5. Alternatively, you can visit a local bakery and buy a fresh, rye-based Mettbrötchen or Stäbchen und Suppe to enjoy at home. While bread is not exclusive to Berlin, it is a prominent part of the city’s culinary heritage. You can buy a fresh Stäbchen oder Suppe and a roll of bread (Mettbrötchen) in many local grocery stores or visit a local bakery, where you can enjoy the city’s signature rye bread.

Wraps, pitas, flatbreads and more

Wraps are a popular street food in many parts of the world, but you can find them on menus in many German restaurants. If you’re in the mood for a snack, head to one of Berlin’s many street food vendors, where you can find a variety of pitas, pita breads and more for a cheap price. For a more refined option, visit one of the city’s many restaurants that serve Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine, where you can enjoy a variety of wraps, pitas and flatbreads. If you’re not sure what to try, you can always ask your server what they recommend.

Conclusion

The city that boasts the world’s best currywurst has plenty to offer when it comes to reclaiming its culinary heritage. From gourmet burgers and organic bread to Turkish shawarma and organic yogurts, Berlin is a gastronomic delight. If you’re looking for something new to try in the city, you won’t be disappointed.