What local foods should I try when visiting Berlin?

If you're visiting Berlin for the first time, the food scene can be overwhelming. It's a city where you can find a Michelin-starred meal just blocks away from a humble Currywurst stand. To help you make the best decisions for your palate and your schedule, we've broken down the essential local foods you should try.

1. The Street Food Classics

Berlin is arguably the street food capital of Germany. These are the quick, cheap, and iconic bites that every tourist should experience at least once.

• Currywurst: The ultimate Berlin snack. It's a pork sausage with curry-spiced ketchup. Perfect for a quick lunch or a late-night snack.
• Döner Kebab: Berlin's most popular meal. It's more than just a kebab; it's a cultural icon. Look for places with a high turnover of customers—that's where the meat is freshest.
• Halloumi or Falafel im Brot: For the vegetarians, Berlin's Middle Eastern influence offers incredible fried cheese or chickpea balls in fresh bread.

2. Traditional Prussian Dishes

If you want a sit-down meal that feels like "Old Berlin," look for these traditional dishes in a local Wirtshaus.

• Eisbein: Boiled pork knuckle. It's a massive portion, usually served with sauerkraut and pease pudding. It's the definition of German comfort food.
• Königsberger Klopse: Meatballs in a creamy caper sauce. It's a lighter, more refined traditional dish compared to the heavy pork knuckle.
• Schnitzel: While technically Austrian, the "Wiener Schnitzel" (veal) or "Schnitzel Wiener Art" (pork) is a staple in Berlin restaurants.

3. Best Foods for Short Stays

If you only have 48 hours in Berlin, prioritize the Currywurst and the Döner Kebab. They represent the two sides of modern Berlin: its Prussian history and its multicultural present. For breakfast, grab a Pfannkuchen (Berlin doughnut) from a local bakery.

4. Common Food Mistakes Tourists Make

• Eating only in Mitte: While Mitte has great spots, the most authentic (and cheaper) food is often found in Kreuzberg, Neukölln, or Prenzlauer Berg.
• Expecting "German" food to be only sausages: Berlin's food scene is incredibly international. Don't miss out on the Vietnamese, Turkish, and Arabic food that defines the city today.
• Not carrying cash: Many of the best local "Imbiss" stands do not accept cards.
• Ignoring the "Mittagstisch": Many restaurants offer fantastic lunch deals that are much cheaper than their dinner menus.

5. When to Try a Guided Food Tour

If you're a real food lover, a guided tour is worth every cent. A local guide can take you to the hidden courtyards and backstreet stalls you'd never find on your own. It's also a great way to learn about the history of the city through its flavors.