What to eat in Berlin?

1. Eisbein

Ready to melt at the sight of the "ice leg"? That's what the term "Eisbein" means in German to describe this dish. It mainly contains pork knuckles that have been marinated, boiled, grilled, or smoked, and served with some good potatoes, sauerkraut, and a little mustard to enhance the taste. Berliners like to add a bit of pea puree. It's a very famous dish in Germany that has also conquered the capital. There are several ways to cook the meat according to your preferences. So, will you try an "Eisbein" upon arriving at your destination?

2. Senfeier

Do you like mustard eggs? That's good, Berliners do too! "Senfeier", literally "mustard egg", is a typical dish found on almost all German tables during meals in April, during the famous Easter period. However, you can perfectly taste it at any time of year, it's often served in the morning or at lunch in restaurants. It's a light dish. Always with potatoes (they're very popular in Germany), your meal will be accompanied by a rather heavy and creamy sauce with other small garnishes, though in this case, it's the eggs that are celebrated for this dish.

3. Döner kebab

Now here's the MUST in terms of Berlin gastronomy! The döner kebab is a German-Turkish sandwich whose two slices of bread contain meat cooked on a rotisserie. With cabbage, salad, and some other ingredients such as finely sliced tomato strips, it's a meal found a lot in small street stands, not far from the various monuments to visit in the city. As for the meat? It can vary, you can choose to eat pork, lamb, or chicken. The döner kebab is varied, that's what makes it so appealing!

4. Königsberger Klopse

We'll grant you, visually, it doesn't necessarily look appetizing. But how do you know you don't like it without having tasted it first? "Königsberger Klopse" is composed of meatballs typically inspired by German cuisine: minced beef or veal. Garnished with capers, peas, potatoes, and a bit of rice, a white and quite creamy sauce is poured over it. This dish is all the rage in Berlin, and why? The famous sauce that composes it is made of cream, roux and egg yolk, which gives it an exquisite taste. Very consumed in winter, it has the ability to warm our stomach.

5. Pretzel

Time for the star of this ranking which is none other than the Pretzel. Famous all over the world, this traditional pastry is sold in absolutely all bakeries in Berlin, so it will be easy for you to find some. They're easily recognizable because they're shaped into knots resembling a heart, they're hot, soft inside, and crispy outside. Interesting little fact that will make you see pretzels differently: originally designed by an Italian monk, he supposedly twisted the dough so that it resembled a young child crossing their arms in prayer. Interesting, isn't it?

6. Currywurst

Just like the Döner kebab, Currywurst is a classic of German street food. Everywhere on the street in Berlin, you can smell the enticing aroma of curry and good hot fries. It's a particularly easy dish to cook made with pork sausage cut into small pieces with good soft and perfectly salted fries. What's captivating is that this dish was heavily consumed in 1949 by British soldiers who had actually brought curry powder to Germany. This same powder ended up in the kitchen of Herta Heuwer, a very famous cook, who had the idea to associate it with German sausages. That's how Currywurst was born!

7. Berlin Donuts or pfannkuchen

Time for sugar now! The Berlin donut is what the croissant is to Paris. This sweet treat is part of Berlin's identity, it's like a piece of its DNA, so legendary and appreciated by all. The Berlin Donut, more commonly called "pfannkuchen", "pancake" in German, is made of a very creamy dough that will delight your taste buds craving sugar. Filled with jam or chocolate, you can find these little fried balls coated in granulated sugar in squares in summer, on the edges of terraces while sipping a delicious drink. What more could you ask for?

8. Berliner Weisse

Of course, we can't praise Berlin's culinary specialties without talking about the local beer. Berliner Weisse has an acidic nectar whose taste is specific to wheat beer from the north of the country. What does it contain? With about 5% alcohol by volume, Berliners brew it with malted barley and a bit of wheat. Usually accompanied by a light shot of raspberry syrup, it's a perfect drink in summer. Take time to stroll through Berlin's bars and taste some. You'll tell us all about it!

9. Wiener Schnitzel

This Austrian specialty, which quickly spread throughout Berlin, is composed of a thin cut of veal, a good portion of fries, potatoes cut in half, and some lemon slices, to squeeze on the meat. In its Berlin version, it's possible to add parsley, capers, as well as anchovies. This dish is served throughout the city, and can sometimes be made not with veal, but with pork. Rolled in breadcrumbs, the meat is salted, and it's the kind of dish that at first sight looks hearty, but actually isn't. You won't feel bloated after your tasting, and you can go back to visiting the city as you please.

10. Apfelstrudel

Let's finish with a sweet dessert. Also coming from Austria, "apfelstrudel" which means "apple whirlwind" (to give you the hint right away) is a thin pastry filled with apples, cinnamon, raisins, and sugar. Crispy and soft at the same time, this dessert is very appreciated by all. Simple and quick to make, it can be savored after a good savory dish. You can also eat it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side (apples and vanilla pair perfectly), you'll be won over to the highest degree!