When visiting Berlin, be sure to try the city's unique blend of traditional German cuisine with international influences, featuring popular dishes like Currywurst, Schnitzel, and Sauerbraten.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Berlin's cuisine is shaped by its history as a cultural melting pot, with influences from German, Turkish, Italian, and Asian cuisines. The city's food scene is known for its hearty meat dishes, bread, and potatoes, as well as its vibrant street food culture. Berlin's culinary identity is also defined by its love of beer, with many local brews available in restaurants and bars. The city's food culture is a reflection of its history, from the traditional German dishes like Sauerbraten and Schnitzel to the modern, international flavors of its street food scene.
Berlin's regional variations are also worth exploring, with different neighborhoods offering unique culinary experiences. The Kreuzberg district, for example, is known for its Turkish cuisine, while the Mitte district is home to many traditional German restaurants. The city's food scene is also influenced by its seasonal produce, with many restaurants offering dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
In recent years, Berlin has become a hub for food innovation, with many young chefs and restaurateurs opening new, avant-garde restaurants. The city's food scene is now more diverse than ever, with a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional German cuisine to modern, international flavors, Berlin has something to offer every food lover.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Currywurst | fast food | a grilled sausage sliced and topped with a spicy tomato-based sauce, curry powder, and onions | Curry 36, Konnopke's Imbiß |
| Schnitzel | meat dish | a breaded and fried cutlet of pork, chicken, or veal | Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt, Restaurant Quarré |
| Sauerbraten | pot roast | a beef pot roast marinated in vinegar, water, and spices, served with potatoes and red cabbage | Restaurant Quarré, Sauerbratenhaus |
| Spätzle | side dish | a homemade noodle dish topped with cheese, onions, and paprika | Restaurant Vau, Spätzle & Knödel |
| Bratwurst | sausage | a grilled sausage made from pork and beef, served with a roll and mustard | Bratwurststand, Curry 36 |
| Eisbein | meat dish | a boiled pork knuckle served with sauerkraut and potatoes | Restaurant Vau, Schleusenkrug |
| Fischbrötchen | fish sandwich | a fish sandwich made with pickled herring, onions, and remoulade sauce | Fischbrötchen Stand, Markthalle Neun |
| Käsekuchen | dessert | a cheesecake made with quark cheese, eggs, and sugar | Café am Neuen See, Käsekuchen Shop |
| Leberkäse | meat dish | a type of meatloaf made from ground beef and pork, served with potatoes and vegetables | Restaurant Quarré, Leberkäse Shop |
| Weißwurst | sausage | a traditional Bavarian sausage made from veal and pork, served with sweet mustard and a soft pretzel | Weißwurstfrühstück, Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt |
Street Food & Snacks
- Currywurst, a grilled sausage sliced and topped with a spicy tomato-based sauce, curry powder, and onions, typically costs $3-$5
- Bratwurst, a grilled sausage made from pork and beef, served with a roll and mustard, typically costs $4-$6
- Fischbrötchen, a fish sandwich made with pickled herring, onions, and remoulade sauce, typically costs $5-$7
- Bärlauch, a type of wild garlic, is often used in street food dishes, such as Bärlauchbratwurst, typically costs $5-$7
- Pommes, or French fries, are a popular side dish, often served with a variety of sauces, typically costs $3-$5
- Döner Kebab, a type of Turkish kebab made with lamb or beef, served in a pita bread with vegetables and sauce, typically costs $5-$7
- Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, a Black Forest cake made with chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream, typically costs $6-$8
- Kartoffelpuffer, or potato pancakes, are a popular snack, often served with applesauce or sour cream, typically costs $4-$6
Drinks
- Weissbier, a type of wheat beer, is a popular local brew
- Pilsner, a type of pale lager, is also widely available
- Glühwein, a warm, spiced wine, is a popular winter drink
- Kaffee, or coffee, is a staple in Berlin, with many cafes serving high-quality coffee
- Club-Mate, a type of caffeinated soft drink, is a popular alternative to coffee
- Apfelschorle, a type of apple spritzer, is a refreshing summer drink
Dining Customs
- it is customary to wait to be seated by the host or hostess
- table manners are formal, with an emphasis on using utensils and keeping elbows off the table
- tipping is expected, with 5-10% of the total bill being standard
- reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- dress codes vary, but smart casual is generally acceptable
- Prost, or cheers, is a common toast, often made with beer or wine
Where to Eat
- Markthalle Neun, a food hall in the Kreuzberg district, offers a wide range of international cuisine
- Restaurant Quarré, a traditional German restaurant in the Mitte district, serves classic dishes like Sauerbraten and Schnitzel
- Café am Neuen See, a lakeside cafe in the Tiergarten district, serves coffee, cake, and light meals
- Schleusenkrug, a beer garden in the Tiergarten district, offers traditional German cuisine and beer
- Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt, a traditional Bavarian restaurant in the Mitte district, serves classic dishes like Schnitzel and Sauerbraten
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Markthalle Neun, a food hall in the Kreuzberg district, offers a wide range of international cuisine and a lively atmosphere
- Berliner Weihnachtsmarkt, a Christmas market in the Mitte district, offers traditional German food and drink, such as Glühwein and Lebkuchen
- Street Food Thursday, a weekly street food market in the Kreuzberg district, offers a wide range of international cuisine
- Berlin Food Tour, a guided tour of the city's culinary scene, offers a behind-the-scenes look at Berlin's food culture
- Kreuzberg Food Market, a weekly market in the Kreuzberg district, offers a wide range of international cuisine and local produce