Berlin is a dynamic culinary destination offering intrepid foodies an authentic taste of traditional German flavors with vibrant international influences. From hearty classics like currywurst and schnitzel to globally inspired creations that celebrate the city’s diversity, Berlin’s food scene is a feast for the senses.

The thing that makes a Berlin food tour truly special is the opportunity to explore its unique food culture in so many ways. Each neighborhood offers its own street food experience as well as a distinct dining experience. Whether you’re exploring the trendy cafés of Kreuzberg, the artisanal markets of Prenzlauer Berg, or the gourmet restaurants of Charlottenburg, there’s always something delicious around every corner.

Must-Try Iconic Dishes in Berlin

Berlin’s cuisine is full of iconic dishes like currywurst, döner kebabs, and Berliner pfannkuchen krapfen, as well as a few special gems that I think need to be in the fold.

Currywurst

Currywurst_Berlin

A quintessential Berlin street food consisting of a steamed, then fried pork sausage sliced into bite-sized pieces and smothered in a tangy curry ketchup sauce. I like to get it with a side of crispy fries to help soak up the juices and the sauce.

Döner Kebabs

doner_kebab_Berlin

Created by Turkish immigrants in the 1970s, the döner kebab has become an icon of Berlin’s food scene. It’s essentially marinated, grilled meat, fresh vegetables, and sauces stuffed into warm flatbread, to create a perfect street food.

Berliner Pfannkuchen (Krapfen)

Berliner_Pfannkuchen_(Krapfen)_Berlin

Known outside the city as “Berliner” this is a fluffy, jelly-filled doughnut that you see a lot around special occasions. Traditionally enjoyed during Karneval or New Year’s celebrations, but you can still find it year-round in bakeries throughout Berlin.

Schweinhaxe

Schweinhaxe_Berlin

This is a hearty slow-roasted pork knuckle that started as a beloved staple of Bavarian cusine, but I think is done best these days in Berlin. The way it’s slow-cooked makes it exceptionally juicy and tender. Then it’s typically served with sauerkraut and potatoes to make sure you leave with a full belly.

Senfeier

This is a nostalgic German comfort food, very similar to American deviled eggs. Except the hard-boiled eggs have a creamy mustard sauce and it’s paired with boiled potatoes to create a satisfying dish that harkens back to Berlin’s culinary traditions.

Kartoffelpuffer

Kartoffelpuffer_Berlin

These crispy potato pancakes are often served with applesauce or sour cream. You see them mostly at Berlin’s Christmas markets, but some local eateries sell them year-round.

Königsberger Klopse

Königsberger_Klopse_Berlin

This is a Prussian dish of meatballs made from ground veal or pork, served in a creamy white sauce with capers. The end product is a refined and tangy dish that showcases a different side of Berlin’s culinary history, while potentially elevating your opinion of what a meatball dish can be.

Exploring Berlin’s Diverse Cuisines

As a truly international city Berlin is a culinary melting pot, where different cultures from around the world get the chance to intermingle into a staggeringly diverse food scene. The strongest culinary taproots of Berlin’s cuisine come from Turkish, Vietnamese, Indian, and Korean influences.

Turkish cuisine has left an especially deep imprint on Berlin’s food culture, with the iconic must-try dishes like döner kebab. The city is festooned with eateries offering delicious variations of the classic sandwich filled with tender meat, fresh vegetables, and zesty sauces.

Vietnamese cuisine is also strongly represented in many of Berlin’s popular neighborhoods. There are numerous restaurants serving up pho, bahn mi sandwiches, and spring rolls filled with locally sourced ingredients.

Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines have a strong presence, with traditional dishes like falafel, shawarma and similar street foods. Their seasonings and flavorful sauces also influence other German dishes like currywurst.

Italian cuisine is also well-represented in Berlin. All throughout the city you can find high-quality pizza and pasta dishes that will scratch your itch for Italian comfort food.

There are also small pockets of Lebanese, Korean, and even Ethiopian cuisine in small eateries and fusion restaurants. All this is amongst a solid backdrop of traditional German dishes with subtle and significant cultural influences.

Foodie Neighborhoods to Explore in Berlin

Berlin’s food scene is overrun with great neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, Mitte, Neukölln, and Prenzlauer Berg. With restaurants and street food stalls serving traditional German and international cuisine, there’s something to suit every taste.

Kreuzberg

Kreuzberg_Berlin

Berlin’s Kreuzberg is known for its bohemian vibe and multicultural diversity, making it one of the most exciting neighborhoods for exploring the city’s cuisine. You can find everything from Turkish döner kebabs and Lebanese mezze to Vietnamese pho and Ethiopian injera. If you set up your lodging here it’s easy to explore many different flavors.

Mitte

Mitte_Berlin

Mitte in the heart of Berlin has tons of historic landmarks, and cultural stops mixed with a growing number of trendy eateries, Michelin-starred restaurants as well as a vibrant café culture. If you’re staying in the area, you can easily fill your itinerary with walking tours and delicious dining options.

Neukölln

The Neukölln neighborhood has rapidly transformed into one of Berlin’s more eclectic neighborhoods. The eateries here offer an exciting array of food experiences with a variety of Middle Eastern and Asian restaurants, as well as trendy modern European dining options. The Kollwitzplatz is a great spot for weekend food markets, as is Neukölln’s beer gardens and modern gastro-pubs.

Prenzlauer Berg

Prenzlauer_Berg_Berlin

Prenzlauer Berg is one of Berlin’s more family-friendly neighborhoods that also has tons of charming cafes, bakeries, and organic food markets. It has a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for enjoying a leisurely breakfast or lunch. There are many cafes serving top-notch coffee, vegan fare, and local specialties like brötchen bread rolls and schnitzel. It’s a great home base for traveling foodie families who want to explore everything Berlin has to offer.

Charlottenburg

Berlin’s Charlottenburg neighborhood is a haven for upscale dining. It’s also home to some of the city’s oldest and most established restaurants, including several Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants. Charlottenburg also boasts several great French patisseries, decadent chocolate shops, and some of the city’s finest afternoon tea spots.

Friedrichshain

Friedrichshain_Berlin

Friedrichshain is a vibrant, youthful neighborhood known for its edgy vibe and thriving culinary scene. In recent years, it’s become a hotspot for vegan and vegetarian food, with many creative plant-based options. There’s also a wildly popular weekend farmer’s market in Boxhagener Platz offering local produce, baked goods, and street food. It’s a great stop to taste the local flavor and bring home ingredients to enjoy cooking in your vacation rental.

Wedding

Berlin’s Wedding area is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its authentic and budget-friendly eateries. It boasts a variety of Turkish, Arabic, and African restaurants as well as a growing number of trendy cafes and bakeries, as well as niche restaurants offering modern takes on traditional dishes. For adventurous eaters, this neighborhood is a treasure trove of undiscovered culinary delights.

Spandau

Spandau_Berlin

You’ll find Spandau, on the outskirts of Berlin where it offers more of a traditional and quaint dining experience. It’s a historic district with tons of great restaurants offering authentic German cuisine. The medieval Old Town area of Spandau only adds to the charm. I personally love a leisurely lunch at one of Spandau’s picturesque riverside cafes. 

Sources

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Berlin. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/berlin/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Berlin street food. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/berlin-street-food/

Join over 250,000 travel & food experts

Get the latest food trends, special offers and new tour announcements. Subscription is free