Berlin Food Experiences: 3 Top Foodie Adventures

Most people may not think of Germany as a top destination for foodies, associating the cuisine with hearty but unsubtle servings of sausage, schnitzel, and potatoes. However, the food scene in Berlin has blossomed in recent years. Here are three can’t-miss Berlin food experiences for the foodie visitor to the capital city.

Berlin Food Market: Street Food Thursday

Berlin has several food markets in market halls throughout the city that are all worth a visit. But the one that shouldn’t be missed is Street Food Thursday at Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg. You won’t find produce here on Thursday nights, but what you will find is a huge variety of pop-ups, many of them test-driving their cuisine before going on to open hot new eateries elsewhere in the city. Downstairs, you can also check out craft brewery Heidenpeter’s. Street Food Thursday technically runs from 5 to 10 p.m., but they usually run out of food before closing. So it’s best to arrive by 6 p.m. for the biggest variety and to avoid the largest crowds. If you’re looking for a more traditional market, you can find one there from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

 Bite Berlin Food Tours

A locally-owned Berlin food tour, Bite Berlin will take you on a journey through the city’s recent history via food. On this tour, you’ll wander through the streets sampling some of Berlin’s most popular dishes. Other cultures have influenced what people eat in Berlin, leading to such unusual fusions as the city’s beloved currywurst. There are a total of five food tastings plus a non-alcoholic beverage at the end. This tour is best taken near the beginning of your trip to Berlin since you’ll also get plenty of recommendations along the way for other Berlin restaurants you’ll want to try. If you’re a vegetarian or have food allergies, Bite Berlin can accommodate you.

Unsicht-Bar Berlin

Dining in Berlin’s “dark restaurant” will surely be one of the more unusual food experiences you’ll ever have. Staffed entirely by waiters who are either blind or visually impaired, Unsicht-Bar aims to heighten diners’ senses by removing one, the ability to see. You’ll choose from several general menus in the dimly-lit foyer before being led into the darkness by your own personal server, who will assist you as needed throughout the meal. It’s not just a gimmick either. Unsicht-Bar uses locally sourced ingredients for its delicious food, and dining in the dark means relying on texture and subtleties of flavor to identify what you’re eating.

These are only a few of the exciting experiences waiting for foodies in Berlin’s thriving food and drink scene. It’s worth asking locals, many of whom speak English, for their own recommendations. From third-wave coffee houses to fine dining and can’t-miss Arabic breakfasts in Neukölln to lavish German-style brunches and more, there are a host of culinary riches awaiting the enthusiastic foodie visitor to Berlin.

Other Fun Foodie Options in Berlin