Must-try food in Berlin: 12 yummy dishes to remember

Have you ever wondered what a Berliner craves at the dinner table? You'll soon find out. Learn about what to do in Berlin and what to eat with this guide to local cuisine and famous foods. From humble currywurst stalls to the city's favorite, the döner kebab, get to know Berlin's history by tasting its most popular food.

The best food in Berlin will depend on when you visit. If you're in Berlin in summer, it's all about street food and picnics with classic bagels or a Vietnamese salad. In winter, mouth-watering and soul-warming dishes of kartoffelpuffer are combined with a mug of feuerzangentasse, a hot punch with red wine.

1. Flammkuchen

Originating in Germany’s southwest and France’s Alsace region, flammkuchen (flame cake) is reminiscent of a pizza. Its dough base is rolled out and sprinkled with cheese, onions, and lardons before being cooked in a wood-fired oven.

How to eat the best flammkuchen in Berlin?

To enjoy the best Flammkuchen in Berlin, head to one of Berlin’s hidden gems and food markets, where you can find freshly made versions with a variety of toppings. Pair it with a crisp German beer for the perfect taste experience.

2. Currywurst

What food is Berlin known for best? Sausage, particularly a version known as Currywurst. The Berlin staple of curried sausage was born in 1949 when a maverick server added curry powder and Worcestershire sauce to a bratwurst (sausage). The result turned into a regional sensation — and one of the best street food in the world — that’s often served with pommes (fries).

How to eat the best currywurst in Berlin?

You should eat your currywurst the classic way, sliced and absolutely swimming in sauce. Put your currywurst into context with a guided tour through Kreuzberg’s food and art scene.

3. Königsberger klopse

Traditionally made from veal meat and served in a creamy white sauce with capers, königsberger klopse is an East Prussian favorite. Nowadays, the meatballs can be made from cheaper beef and pork and served with potatoes and beetroot salad.

How to eat the best königsberger klopse in Berlin?

For Königsberger Klopse, look for traditional German eateries in neighborhoods like Mitte or Kreuzberg, where you can savor this dish in a cozy setting. It’s typically served with potatoes and a creamy caper sauce, making it perfect for a hearty dinner.

4. Schnitzel and beer

Germany’s most popular dish worldwide is required to be eaten on a trip to Berlin. Crispy breadcrumb-coated veal is fried to perfection for the perfect food to eat with a cool beer.

How to eat the best schnitzel in Berlin?

Schnitzel is a staple in Berlin’s culinary scene, best enjoyed at local taverns or beer gardens. Look for places that offer a variety of sides like potato salad or sauerkraut. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner, especially during the weekend when you can relax and take your time.

5. Döner kebab

Germany’s thriving Turkish population has melded this iconic dish into a Berlin classic: the city even has its own kebab festival, Kebabistan, in summer. It’s ubiquitous across Berlin and a strong favorite with revelers and tourists alike.

How to eat the best döner kebab in Berlin?

To savor the best Döner Kebab in Berlin, head to bustling areas like Kreuzberg or Neukölln, where street vendors offer freshly made kebabs with a variety of toppings. Enjoy it as a quick lunch or late-night snack, paired with a refreshing Ayran drink. Döner is a staple of Berlin’s street food scene.

6. Kartoffelpuffer

Made from grated potato that's fried like a pancake, this crispy, addictive treat is beloved across Berlin and is among the top foods to try. They're particularly popular during the colder months when they'll pop up on street corner vendors and at seasonal Yule markets. A Christmas market tour takes you to the right places for mulled wine and seasonal snacks.

How to eat the best kartoffelpuffer in Berlin?

Kartoffelpuffer is often found at street food stalls or during seasonal markets, especially in winter. Enjoy these crispy potato pancakes with applesauce or sour cream for a delightful snack or light lunch.

7. Berlin breakfast

From simple muesli to a hearty bauernfrühstück (farmer's breakfast), breakfast sets you up for an epic day of sightseeing in Berlin. Berliners often start the day with fresh bread, butter, and jam, with more extravagant options also available.

How to eat the best German breakfast in Berlin?

A traditional Berlin breakfast can be enjoyed at local cafés or bakeries. Look for places that offer a variety of breads, cheeses, and cold cuts.

8. German beer

German beer is beloved, from Berliner weiße, which originates in Berlin to the world-renowned favorite Helles lager. Get to know these traditional styles alongside more modern, American-influenced concoctions on a brew hunt while enjoying the legendary Berlin nightlife.

How to drink the best German beer in Berlin?

To experience the best German beer, visit one of Berlin's lively beer gardens or breweries. Opt for a tasting flight to try different varieties and pair them with traditional snacks like pretzels or sausages.

9. Berliner pfannkuchen

Berliner pfannkuchen are a local institution. This classic jelly donut was invented in the 16th century and has gone on to take over the donut-eating world.

How to eat the best pfannkuchen in Berlin?

Berliner Pfannkuchen is a popular treat during festive seasons, especially around New Year's Eve. Find them at bakeries or street festivals, and enjoy them with a warm beverage like coffee or tea. They're perfect for a sweet afternoon indulgence.

10. Spätzle

This Swabian specialty akin to egg noodles, is often layered with cheese to become käsespätzle and topped with herbs. Spätzle is naturally vegetarian and an excellent comfort food that’s loved in Germany, much like mac n’ cheese is in the USA. While it owes its origins to Stuttgart rather than Berlin, Germany's capital is still a top spot to grab a bowl of spätzle.

How to eat the best spätzle in Berlin?

Spätzle is best enjoyed in traditional German restaurants or comfort food eateries. Pair it with a rich sauce or hearty stew for a satisfying meal. It's ideal for dinner, especially during colder months when you're craving something warm and filling.

11. German wine

German wine is a thing of beauty, from sweet or dry Riesling to rich and red Dornfelder. Learn the basics of German wine in the capital from trendy wine bars and old-school wineries.

How to drink the best German wine in Berlin?

Explore Berlin's wine bars or specialty shops to taste the best German wines, particularly Rieslings. Attend a wine tasting event or enjoy a glass with a meal in a cozy setting. It's perfect for a relaxed evening.

12. Buletten

Berliners have been enjoying buletten long before currywurst. This 19th-century Prussian food remains a mainstay of street stalls as a moreish pick-me-up. Take minced meat, onions, garlic, parsley, and caraway, shape them into patties, and fry them in oil until browned.

How to eat the best buletten in Berlin?

Berlin Buletten are best enjoyed at local taverns or street food vendors. Pair them with traditional sides like potato salad or pickles.

FAQs

What are the must-try traditional dishes in Berlin?

Most visitors keep things classic with tender and crispy schnitzel or market favorites like pretzels. You also can't go wrong with currywurst from a classic stall like Curry 36.

What are the best food tours in Berlin?

The best food tours stick to a district like Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg. Food tours will allow you to taste dishes and leave you with some knowledge of the area, its culture, and its culinary history.

What are the top local food markets in Berlin to visit?

Berlin's markets are diverse and cover street food stalls and fresh market produce. Markthalle Neun's Street Food Thursdays (every Thursday) is home to the city's most venerated vendors. Then, there's the perennial favorite, Mauerpark, which combines street food with flea market shopping. For something unique, head to Thai Park in Preußenpark, an open-air weekend market just for Thai food.

What is the best time of year to visit Berlin for food lovers?

Berlin is a foodie haven all year round. If your goal is to chow down in the sun, then summer offers the best weather and market variety. However, winter is also a food lover's dream with Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) packed with kartoffelpuffer, bratwurst, and glühwein. Your choice depends on whether you want to try hearty winter foods or summer street snacks washed down with a cool glass of beer.

How much should I budget for food in Berlin?

Berlin is a versatile city with cheap eats like currywurst for just €3 and world-renowned haute cuisine pushing €150 per head. An average sit-down meal at a mid-scale restaurant should cost about €20-€30 per head, with a three-course meal at €50.