Berlin, Germany’s largest city and capital, boasts a vibrant street food scene that reflects the region’s diversity, creativity, and casual vibe. Berlin was named 2024’s “City of the Year” at the Food and Travel Awards. This was to honor the cultural and culinary diversity emblematic of the capital. Blending German cuisine with international flavors has become the norm. There is no better way to enjoy Berlin’s culinary heritage than by sampling iconic street food dishes. Here are 4 dishes you need to try on your next trip:
1 - Currywurst
After years of food rationing and hunger during the wars, currywurst became a popular post-war snack when meat became more accessible. Some describe the dish as “German fast food with a flair.” A traditional German smoked sausage is boiled and fried, then served alongside spiced curry sauce and fries.
2 - Doner Kebab
Berlin’s version of the doner (or kebab or gyro) was likely created due to the Turkish influence in Germany. Turks are the largest minority ethnic group in the country and the sandwich became popularized in the 1970s as a quick and easy lunchtime choice for labor workers. Vertical spits of spiced rubbed beef are thinly sliced. Pitas are stuffed with meat and often full of onions, peppers, and lettuce.
3 - Pretzels
Pretzels (or “brezel” in German) are pretty quintessential in Germany. Whereas they traditional originated in southern Germany, most notably in the Bavaria region, they are still an awesome street food snack in Berlin. Pretzels are simple, most often served up topped with course salt, and sometimes eaten with cheese or mustard.
4 - Berliner Pfannkuchen
These sweet pastries are a popular option for snackers on the go. The recipe for this yeasty mix apparently as been around the centuries and is found throughout northern Germany and Denmark. The dough is similar to a donut and filled with jam. In Berlin and the city’s surrounding areas, the jam is traditionally from red fruit (strawberries, cherries, raspberries).
Berlin's Street Food Markets
Beyond stopping into food stalls and small kiosks for a bite of decadent street food, Berlin boasts a few street food markets. Markthalle Neun is an indoor market hall in the Kreuzberg neighborhood with food stalls showcasing local and international food. The Mauerpark Flea Market is in the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood. Known for its vintage finds, the market’s street food scene keeps locals and visitors fueled for their Sunday thrifting. Finally, Thai Park in Preußenpark is a popular weekend meeting place for visitors to enjoy Asian cuisine.
