This was one of the toughest trips we have been on. Not only has it been a crazy work season but we moved homes, moved work office locations, got renters into our townhouse; needless to say there was a lot going on. To be honest, I wasn't in the proper head space to visit this city. But then again, can anyone be when you visit this city and explore the history it has?
We knew going here was going to be hard. But how hard is a bit of an understatement. The history here is difficult to comprehend and painfully hard to digest. Generations here lived through WW2 and immediately after that experienced their city divided between East and West. Despite it's hard history, you can see the hope and intentional decisions Berliners made to create a diverse city of people, food, and culture.
Our approach to the this trip was to explore many of the beautiful museums (many rival Paris) and break up the tough moments with food. Needless to say, we had a lot of tough moments and thus ended up eating alot. Here's our fave places to chow down.
Asian Cuisine:
House of Wonder: Japanese fusion, hipster brunch spot. Atmosphere is kitchy, quirky and adorable. Highly recommend their famous OkinawanTaco Rice and Matte latte. We might have eaten here three times in one week!
Monsieur Vong: Best Vietnamese food outside of Vietnam. Definitely plan to come with others to try as many dishes as you can. It's affordable, delicious and the service is top notch. This place is jamming, plan to eat early or late or wait a while in line. The wait is worth it!
Kimchee Princess: Delicious Korean food in a cool, hip space. The only bummer is they do not provide the authentic "banchans" before the entrees are served. Beyond that miss, the food is authentic and delicious. Reservations 24-48 hours in advance required.
Street food:
Markthalle Neun: The epi center of food in Berlin since 1891, this place bridges the gap like none other between cultures especially in a time when immigration worldwide is a hot topic. This experience is open to the public, free of charge and is accessible for all demographics. Plan to spend a few hours here exploring street food from all cutures, Nepalese, Moroccan, Persian, Turkish, Syrian, Chinese, Japanese, authentic Germa, French, etc. Locals and tourist flood the hall each Thursday night to try new street food and drinks. Check out other days of the week for permanent food stalls that serve up a delish aray of lunch fairs. It was definitely the highlight of our trip.
Curry at the Wall: Total tourist trap across the street from the House of Terrors, but it is the best currywurst in the city and their fresh cut onions marinated in chili-pepper flakes were the best. Avoid Curry 36, total let down after eating here.
Health Food:
Beets and Roots: Craving grain bowls, acai, and avocado? This walk in and/or take-away restaurant is a healthy, hipster place to grub when you need a break from brauts and beer.
Middle Eastern:
Mustafa's Gemuse Kebap: Best doner kebap in Berlin. Plan to wait in like for about 30-40 mins, but it's 100% worth it. Stick to the original doner kebaps, or if you are with a group suggest trying different items. Note their menu is limited but all go perfect with beer. Head into the pub to the left of you (adjacent to the hostel); all you need is to buy a pint of beer and they are cool! Cash only.
Yarok: Well known Syrian restaurant, with amazing food and service. Plan to bring more than yourself as the serving sizes are huge. Restaurant is casual and informal, great for small and medium size groups. They have two location in Berlin.
Drinks:
Distrikt Coffee: One of the best coffee houses in Berlin. Worth the walk here but note the customer service is a bit stiff-armed and definitely not friendly. Ignore their rudeness and focus on the delicious brew and pastries from local bakery, Albatross. Their acai bowl and avocado toast are overpriced, hipster dishes but yummy nonetheless.
Fragrances: Swanky bar located in the Ritz Carlton hotel, that makes drinks based off the premise that your sense of smell is directly correlated to your tastebuds. Select a perfume from one of eighteen and the bartender will craft a drink for you. Not a fan of the concept, tell the bartender what you typically drink and they'll craft something special and custom for you.
Dessert:
Caffe e Gelato (GmbH&Co. KG): Hands down the most elaborate and innovate ice cream and dessert creations. Located in a mall on the 2nd floor, it's not the easiest location to find but definitely worth the hunt for these sweets.
TIPS| Avoid these places for the food, price, experience, or all of the above.
- Quchnia
- Angry Chicken
- Hackethal's
- Curry 36