Food in Berlin: Reclaiming the City’s Culinary Heritage

Food in Berlin: Reclaiming the City’s Culinary Heritage, If one thing unites Berliners, it’s their love for food. The city has long been known for its various restaurants, from cosy taverns to high-end nightclubs 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 exciting ways that Berliners are reclaiming their city’s culinary heritage today:

Breakfast in Berlin

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

Gourmet burgers and street food

Burgers are one of the most famous 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 that inventively serve gourmet burgers. You can also find burgers made with local ingredients—such as Berliner Weißwurst, made with 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 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 combines 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 various 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 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 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 to 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 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 cheaply. 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 need help deciding 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 reclaiming its culinary heritage. Berlin is a gastronomic delight, from gourmet burgers and organic bread to Turkish shawarma and organic yoghurts. You won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for something jewellery-satisfied