10 Must-try foods in Berlin

Today, Berlin’s food scene is a flavourful and diverse blend of all kinds of influences, traditional dishes and hidden gems and Europe’s capital when it comes to vegan and vegetarian food. From hearty Döner to the classic Currywurst, sweet Pfannkuchen to Asian fusion kitchen and unique liquors, Berlin’s modern and diverse cuisine has something for everyone. It’s no secret that checking out Berlin's attractions and activities on an empty stomach isn’t the best idea, it just doesn’t hit the same as enjoying a good meal first!

1. Döner Kebab

This delicious Turkish-inspired filled bread took the Berliner’s hearts by storm and is often even considered the national dish of the city. The classic version consists of a flatbread filled with spicy calf, chicken or lamb meat that is roasted on a spit, fresh cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, cabbage and salad and either a hearty garlic or herb sauce and a spicy sauce.

If you ever come across a long queue in Kreuzberg on Mehringdamm, it’s probably for Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap, Berlin’s most popular Döner. Every day, several hundred people wait for hours to taste it and decide whether it is worth the hype. However, due to its vast popularity, the street food can be found anywhere in the city.

Other popular spots are Tadim Döner at the Kottbusser Tor or Zaddy’s by Kaplan in Charlottenburg. Vöner offered the first vegan Döner in Germany 20 years ago and is a popular spot for meatless alternatives to this day.

2. Eisbein

Eisbein is Berlin cuisine for advanced travellers and a true classic among traditional German dishes! The corned and cooked pork knuckles are typically served with Sauerkraut, mashed peas, salted potatoes and mustard. The meat is strongly marbled and surrounded by a thick layer of fat, yet it is very tender and aromatic.

The dishes name translates to ‘ice leg’. However, there are a few different explanations for the name’s origin. A common theory is stemming from folk etymology, deriving from the formerly common use of shin bones as material for skate blades, called islegg in Norwegian.

3. Currywurst

Berlin’s most popular fast food since the 1950s is the classic Currywurst, typically served with curry ketchup or a special tomato sauce, sprinkled with curry powder, and often fries. The Currywurst belongs to Berlin like the Brandenburger Tor or the TV Tower at the Alexanderplatz. Here it was invented in 1949 by Herta Heuwer, owner of a fast food outlet in Charlottenburg.

At Curry 36, located on Mehringdamm close to Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap, you can find some of the city’s best Currywurst since 1981 that is made from high-quality meat that you can order with or without skin or as an organic or vegan version. Konnopke’s Imbiß in East Berlin was founded in the 1960s and is just as much of a legend. Here, you can choose from many side dishes such as potato salad or go for a Bratwurst instead.

"Our social media team and photographer’s experience: We couldn’t visit Berlin without trying its legendary Currywurst. This iconic street food totally lived up to the hype, flavourful, comforting and the perfect snack after a day of exploring the city. It looked just as amazing as it tasted, so we had to capture it before digging in!"

4. Bretzel

No visit to Berlin is complete without eating a Bretzel, a popular snack that is as typical in Germany as the croissant is in France. These doughy treats with their golden-brown crust and soft, pillowy interior are a firm favourite on the Berlin food scene. You'll find them in countless places in Berlin - from bustling street vendors to cosy bakeries - but the best pretzels are the ones that are freshly baked and still warm. The classic version is sprinkled with coarse salt, but there are also varieties topped with cheese, sesame seeds or even sunflower seeds. Whether you eat them on the go or enjoy them with a cold beer, a pretzel is a must when exploring Berlin's foodie scene.

5. Berliner Luft

Berliner Luft is not only a brandy dessert with raspberry sauce but also a popular liquor from the former DDR, also known as ‘Pfeffi’. The refreshing mint liquor is a cult favorite in the capital’s party scene and the East’s snotty answer to Crème de Menthe.

The alcohol content varies from 18 to 40 and 50%, depending on the version. Usually it is served pure on crushed ice as a Frappé or as part of a cocktail like the ‘Grasshopper’ with white cocoa liquor and cream or as a ‘Stinger’ with brandy and/or vodka.

6. Mate lemonade

This refreshing ice tea made from sparkling mate tea is the go to drink for hip locals. The herbal taste might not be for everyone but it is definitely worth a try and thanks to the caffeine it is the perfect condiment for a little break from sightseeing.

The most popular brands are Club Mate and Mio Mio Mate and you can either enjoy them in one of the many cafes or you can find them in every supermarket or one of Berlin’s unique small shops called Späti all day long.

7. Pfannkuchen (Berliner)

These donut-like pastries made from sweet yeast dough are known as Berliner or Krapfen in the rest of Germany but are called Pfannkuchen in Berlin. Pfannkuchen, on the contrary, are crepes in the rest of Germany! In Berlin, Pfannkuchen are not only popular during carnival days but all year round and come in many varieties and with different fillings.

Most locals enjoy their Pfannkuchen simple and filled with marmalade and powdered sugar. Looking for the best pastries in the whole city? Whether you’re looking for the traditional version or prefer unique creations with chocolate fillings, mini Pfannkuchen or even a Pfannkuchen pie, Sugarclan has the best Pfannkuchen in town with the fluffiest dough.

If you’re looking for a vegan alternative on the other hand, that are popular well beyond the city’s border, pay a visit to Brammibal’s Donuts. From classic versions to flavourful specials, this shops makes their donuts daily by hand.

8. Kartoffelpuffer 

Kartoffelpuffer are small potato pancakes that have been a firm favourite in German cuisine for many years. They are made from grated potatoes, mixed with onion, flour and egg, and then fried until golden brown. This makes them deliciously crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Traditionally, Kartoffelpuffer are served with apple sauce, but they are also very tasty with sour cream.

You’ll often come across this typical German treat at Christmas markets, food festivals and in traditional German restaurants. You can enjoy Kartoffelpuffer as a snack, a side dish or a light meal. Although it’s a simple dish, it’s definitely worth trying during a visit to Berlin.

9. International food in Berlin

As well as these delicious traditional German dishes, Berlin also has a diverse international food scene. The city is a melting pot of different culinary cultures, meaning you can find dishes from all corners of the world. For example, Berlin has a large Vietnamese community, so you’ll find plenty of Vietnamese restaurants there. Why not try a hot bowl of pho or a crispy banh mi? You can also enjoy popular Middle Eastern dishes such as falafel, as well as Japanese ramen, Korean specialities and much more.

The choice is endless, so if you find yourself missing a dish from your home country whilst visiting Berlin, there’s no need to worry. In this international city, you’ll almost always find something to suit your taste. Berlin is also at the forefront when it comes to vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Did you know that Berlin has not one but 225 restaurants with a fully vegan theme?

10. Berlin’s beer culture

When you think of Berlin, chances are you’ll also think of beer. Brewed for centuries, beer has long been part of German culture and continues to play an important role in this city. In Berlin, you’ll find several breweries that brew beer using traditional methods. In addition, there are also various breweries that specialise in craft beer and produce unique, innovative beers.

When you’re in Berlin, the Berliner Weisse is a true classic that you simply must try. This wheat beer has a light, refreshing and slightly tart flavour. It’s traditionally served with red Himbeer syrup, which creates the well-known red variety, or with green Waldmeister syrup for a striking green version. Enjoy a nice, cold beer in one of the many beer gardens you’ll find all over Berlin. This will round off your culinary exploration of the city perfectly.

Enjoy all the amazing food in Berlin

Berlin is a big city with an incredible amount to see and do. We understand all too well that all that sightseeing is bound to work up an appetite. Fortunately, you never have to look far to find something tasty in Berlin. Whether you opt for a typical Berlin speciality, an international meal or a local beer, the city has something to suit every taste. It is precisely this combination of traditional dishes, international influences and a diverse beer culture that makes Berlin a unique food destination.