Essen in Berlin | Food Excursions

I didn't take photos of all of my meals but here are a few snippets of the highlights.

Der Imbiss | Curry Lentil Soup + Dirty Naan | Pretzberg

This was my first meal in Berlin, and I'd have to say my favorite. The food was ridiculously flavorful. For people who don't like salt I wouldn't recommend the dirty naan, also, this plate was easily enough food for 2 people so keep that in mind when ordering. The portions are reasonably priced and huge! 

Markthalle Neun | Wine, Cheesecake, Sausage, ... | Kreuzberg

Markthalle is a large warehouse busting with a variety of food and beverages. Be sure to walk around before you choose your lunch spot as many of the vendors provide samples. We enjoyed a slice of  cheesecake and 2 glasses of wine. Both were delicious and it's nice to walk around the space before making a decision. 

Kantine Neun | Unsere Currywurst | Kreuzberg

Kantine Neun is located inside of Markthalle Neun, it's the largest vendor so you definitely cannot miss it. They offer locally grown and sustainably raised dishes. We went with the Currywurst (yes made from pork) it was delicious; juicy, flavorful, and knowing it's local just makes it taste better. It came with salad and fries and was 8€ which I think was a great price! Typically I'm not a fan of fries, but these were fantastic! I still only ate a handful but if you're a fry lover you'll be in heaven.

Weinerei Cafe | Wine | Mitte

This cafe has wonderful pastries and soups during the day, and a "pay what you wish" potluck type food option for dinner. I didn't partake in the dinner but it looked fine. I did however have a slice of cake and some wine and was in heaven! If they have carrot cake when you arrive definitely grab a slice, the owner let me know it was their specialty. 

I found this spot because I was looking for a cozy wine bar with couches and a nice ambiance. I had passed it my first day but didn't go back until the last night. And for those of you who desire outdoor seating they have that too.

Rothaus | Veal Spatzel Special + Weiner mit Potato Salad + Chocolate Apple Crepe | Mitte

Unfortunately I didn't snag a photo of the food at this joint, but this was the most "traditional" faire I had in Germany. Definitely a tie for my favorite restaurant in Berlin. Der Imbiss was fantastic but on the other end of the spectrum from this joint. The food was comforting and flavorful everything was balance perfectly and the beer and ambiance was great too. I was on the hunt for Spatzel throughout the trip and this was a spinach Spatzel which I'd never had before, but I was impressed. Great place for a quiet/hip dinner. The staff was wonderful and spoke English too!

Lissabonbon | Pretzel | Kreuzberg

My partner in crime was Portuguese so when we wandered past this bistro we had to stop in so he could check out the goods and make friends with the owner. As they were getting to know each other I snagged one of her hommade pretzels. Everything in this place is fresh baked by the owner. She also offers fresh soups, other lunch items, as well as Portuguese products including sardines! 

Overall, the food in Berlin was spectacular! If you're in town do yourself a favor and avoid the touristy places and chain restaurants (but this is my recommendation for any city). Berlin is thriving, just ask a local, do a quick yelp or google search, or wander around and get lost. I'm certain you'll find a good place to eat. My favorite neighborhoods for this were Mitte + Kreuzberg (as you may have noticed from the offerings I've provided you).

If you try any of these we would love to hear about it!

Cheers,

-Nelli

Kaffee in Berlin

Berlin Coffee, like food, is up to par with NYC quality and prices. Coffee is a "hip" commodity and all the coffee shops have gourmet pastries. This meant I had to try something at each! Also, if you're vegan or dairy free Berlin has soy offerings for you. I'm not, but I like to switch back and forth between milk and soy. Coffee was good, and pastries were better!

The Barn | Flat White + Scone + Flapjack | Mitte

As I conducted my coffee research The Barn continuously popped up, and luckily it was located only a few blocks from my hostel. Keeping with my love of Flat Whites I snagged one here. I also grabbed a flapjack for breakfast which is equivalent to a hommade granola bar beware these are filling! My friend grabbed a raisin scone which was the perfect consistency! 

Espresso Ambulanz | Soy Macchiato | Mitte

This little place has a nice ambiance and the barista was very sweet. With your drink every patron gets a little treat. Mine was a little brownie.

Zeit Fur Brot | Soy Cortado + Laugencroissant | Mitte

I'd been reading about laugencroissants for weeks and couldn't wait to try one! Zeit Fur Brot was "the bakery" to have them at, so when I Rome.... This treat was delicious!!!!!! 1/2 croissant 1/2 pretzel I was in complete heaven with 2 of my favorite baked goods in one! My friend got a chocolate pastry which was equally as delicious. The coffee here was not my preferred, but then again they are a bakery and known for their baked goods which (again) are fantastic!

Koffain | Soy Gaelo | Kreuzberg

This drink is similar to a Cortado only in a taller glass. I had to try it as I'd never heard of it before. 

Five Elephants | Soy Cortado + Cheesecake | Kreuzberg

OMG one of the best cheesecakes I have ever had! Coffee was very good as well, but it's hard to focus on coffee with cheesecake this good!

In and outdoor seating and a cute little place. The owner was sweet and even made a special drink for my pal.

Cafe a | Soy Cappuccino + Blueberry Scone | Mitte

The cappuccino and pastry here were both good quality, however, nothing that  stands out in my mind. They do have other offerings including fresh fruits.

Einstein Coffee | Cortado | Everywhere - German Starbucks

This coffee did not warrant a photo, coffee was good for an "on the run" cup of joe, similar to a Starbucks. Avoid it if you can, but if you need your "fix" they will do the job.

Bauhaus Archive

If I haven't mentioned it before, I work as an architect and as you may have noticed from my photos I'm a bit of an architecture junkie. So when I found out that the Bauhaus had an archive in Berlin I knew I couldn't pass that up!

I happened to be in Berlin on May 18, which was "international museum day" as well as having my student ID card (which you should never never get rid of) this got me into the exhibit for a whopping 4€ quite a steal if you ask me.

While "no photography was permitted" my rebel self snuck a few shots of my favorite pieces. 

The exhibit was broken up into 3 sections: furniture + industrial design, art, + architecture. It was fascinating to read about their philosophy + methodology on teaching art as my precious knowledge on the Bauhaus pertained to their role in shaping modern architecture.

My cohort for this exhibit continuously commenting on how the products  "looked like ikea," + while I couldn't help but agree, I had to explain to him that ikea got most of their designs from them. The Bauhaus produced simple clean designs often based on the mindset of "form follows function." Plus, good designs are copied in every sector of our modern world. 

If you happen to be in Berlin I think the Baihaus archive is a nice museum to visit. It's not the most vast collection you'll find, but it is good solid work and different from what you'll find in other cities. 

Living in NYC + traveling has allowed me the opportunity to experience many museums, so now when I travel I'm often on the hunt for an exhibit that is unique to the region. I no longer want to see Greek + Roman art. I've had my fill, studied it, find it to be beautiful but my life thrives on variety and this exhibit provided that.

Until we meet again, 

-Nelli

Goodbye Germany

I'm heading to Oslo for a layover, then its back to the states for me.
This has been an amazing 3 weeks, I've met some of the most wonderful people, eaten amazing food, spent nights laying awake, walked my ass off, and, and, and....
As I mentioned in my last post I will be writing in-depth reviews for each of my travels (like Savannah). But for now enjoy a few of the photos I've taken for Instagram + my family.

It's bittersweet, but we will meet again Madame Europa.

-Nelli