14 Best Berlin Foods To Try in 2025
Cosmopolitan and diverse, like the city itself, Berlin food is satisfying, traditional, modern and absolutely jam-packed with flavor. With a fascinating history and an emphasis on free expression and multiculturalism, Berlin is a delicious hub that should be on every foodie must-visit list.
But which dishes are the absolute must try for visiting gourmets? From spicy currywurst to iconic Pfannkuchen doughnuts, we’ve gathered up 14 top Berlin food picks that you’ll definitely want to sample.
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What Food is Berlin Known For?
Berlin, the capital of Germany and its biggest city, has always had a reputation as a place that supports culinary creativity and innovation. However, it may not be on your radar as one of the best foodie cities.
Traditional hearty and rich Berlin food such as currywurst and spätzle still also play a huge role in the city’s foodie identity. Sweet toothed Berliners also love fresh pastries such as splitterbrötchen and strudel. In the city, Michelin-starred restaurants rub shoulders with legendary street food trucks, small eateries and independent coffee shops and you’d be missing out if you didn’t visit all of them.
Expert-led food tours in Berlin can help you to uncover the best Berlin food in unexpected places, from hotspots tucked away in historic buildings to buzzing modern markets. As you stroll past famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate or the Reichstag, you’ll learn more about Berlin food culture and get a personal introduction to the best food in Berlin.
The 14 Best Foods in Berlin, Germany
1. Currywurst
Ask anyone what to eat in Berlin and chances are they’ll reply “currywurst”. Many natives of the city will say that currywurst was invented in Berlin although many other German cities claim the same!
According to Berlin food legend, currywurst was first made by Herta Heuwer sometime during the 1940s or 1950s at a stand in Charlottenburg. Whether the legends are true or not though, currywurst is a great place to start when exploring Berlin food.
There’s some slight variation in currywurst across the city but in essentials it’s made from a pork sausage, cased or uncased, served in a tomato-based curry sauce. The curry can vary wildly in heat, from lightly spiced to very fiery so there should be something to suit all palates. A pint of local German beer is an excellent complement to the spicier editions so it should come as no surprise that this is a popular Oktoberfest food.
Currywurst is usually served in a takeaway platter with a wooden fork so you can eat on-the-go. It can also come with a side of fries. It’s one of the most popular Berlin food options and can be eaten as a meal or a snack.
2. Königsberger Klopse
Another Berlin food with historical links, Königsberger Klopse are rich meatballs that originated in Prussia. In fact, the dish is named after the city of Königsberg (now Kaliningrad in Russia). Classic Königsberger Klopse are made from minced veal but modern versions of the Berlin food may also be made from beef or pork.
The minced meat is combined with onion, breadcrumbs and seasonings, and the traditional recipe also includes anchovies. The meatballs are then simmered in a broth which is used as the basis for a rich white sauce enriched with egg yolk and flavored with capers. The meatballs and sauce are then served with boiled potatoes and beetroot or occasionally, with rice.
3. Döner Kebabs
The perfect Berlin food for a quick lunch or dinner before hitting one of the city’s museums or galleries, döner kebabs are a must-try when you’re visiting Berlin. Originally introduced into Berlin in the 1970s by Turkish immigrants, döner kebabs are now a city-wide favorite. Unlike the Turkish version made from lamb, a Berlin döner is more often made from marinated chicken or turkey and includes fewer spices.
They’re often accompanied by a tomato sauce and served in a wrap rather than a pita. They can be customized with a selection of fresh salad and pickled vegetables and each cook will have their own unique way of serving so you might want to try a few during your visit. They’re open late into the night so if you fancy a midnight feast this could be the ideal option!
4. Pfannkuchen
Although the name pfannkuchen translates to "pancake," these delightful treats are actually Berlin’s answer to the doughnut. They can also, somewhat confusingly, be called "Berliners" by outsiders or "krapfen," although "krapfen" is more of a Southern-German and Austrian term so is less common in Berlin.
Indulgent pfannkuchen are possibly some of the very best food in Berlin and are made from enriched dough that has been deep-fried, filled, glazed or sprinkled with powdered sugar (be prepared for things to get messy). Plum and strawberry jelly are the most popular fillings but you’ll also find them filled with sumptuous chocolate or light vanilla custard.
Pfannkuchen are probably the top sweet treat among Berlin food options and can be eaten for breakfast or as a sweet pick-me-up in the afternoon. They’re available across the city but for the best pfannkuchen, visit a bakery early on for the fresh treats and the largest choice of flavors.
5. Schnitzel
Although an Austrian recipe in origin, hence its name Wiener schnitzel (i.e. from Vienna), schnitzel has long been a beloved staple food in Berlin, Germany that’s especially popular on chilly evenings. Like the Austrian version, Berlin schnitzel is made by flattening a veal escalope and coating it in flour, egg and seasoned breadcrumbs. It’s then fried until crisp and golden.
Berlin also has Schweineschnitzel (pork schnitzel), which is more common and affordable. Schnitzel is most often served with sides of pickled cucumber and potato salad and pairs perfectly with a pint of Bavarian beer, letting you enjoy two gastronomic icons of Berlin at the same time.
6. Apfelstrudel
No exploration of Berlin food would be complete without sampling apfelstrudel, a heavenly dessert of thinly sliced apples cooked between paper-thin layers of crisp pastry.
While apfelstrudel is absolutely delicious served à la mode style with ice cream, it’s most commonly served here with a thin vanilla custard. If you’re visiting Berlin’s famous festive market, then apfelstrudel is also a classic German Christmas food.
7. Splitterbrötchen
An institution among Berlin food, splitterbrötchen (literally meaning ‘splitter rolls’) are slightly sweetened, soft pastries. They’re made from dough laminated with butter, similar to a croissant, which gives them a distinctively delectable flakiness.
You can find fresh splitterbrötchen at traditional bakeries across Berlin, especially in the Eastern part of the city. They can be enjoyed any time of day or night but we’d recommend grabbing one for breakfast, with a fresh coffee and taking an early morning walk through Berlin’s beautiful architecture.
8. Brezeln
Known in English as pretzels, brezeln are one of the most iconic of all foods in Berlin, Germany. Invented in, and popular across Germany, brezeln were taken to the U.S. by German immigrants where the name was anglicized and they became a firm favorite.
Brezeln are available in a traditional salted version or dusted with sugar. You can purchase fresh brezel from bakeries, bars and Berlin food stalls or look out for brezel sandwiches if you fancy something more substantial.
9. Eisbein
A mainstay among Berlin food, eisbein is a cured, softly-cooked pork knuckle. It’s a classic dish that may not be to everyone’s taste but emphasizes the historical Berlin food focus on maximizing the value of every ingredient.
Eisbein from Berlin differs slightly to the dishes bearing this name outside of the city, particularly in Southern Germany. There, the pork knuckle is baked, while in Berlin it is cooked with a soft rind. Eisbein is generally served with sauerkraut and mushy peas and makes a hearty dinner after a long day of exploring the German capital.
10. Buletten
Another signature Berlin food that’s fantastic to eat as a snack, buletten are meatballs made from ground beef or pork combined with softened brötchen (bread rolls), onion and parsley.
If you buy buletten from a snack bar or pub, they’re usually served in a bun with mustard or ketchup, making them similar to hamburgers. In restaurants, they’re more likely to be served with mashed potatoes and mushy peas or fries.
11. Kartoffelpuffer
Crispy and light, kartoffelpuffer are fried potato pancakes that are among the best-loved Berlin food. They can be served with apple sauce as an accompaniment to meat dishes or on their own topped with a poached egg for a light breakfast or brunch. You can find kartoffelpuffer at cafés across Berlin.
12. Flammkuchen
Another classic addition to any Berlin food itinerary, flammkuchen is the German version of a pizza (or perhaps pizza is the Italian version of flammkuchen). It starts with a flat, dough base which is sprinkled with onions, bacon lardons and cheese before being cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Flammkuchen (translated as ‘flame cake’) is a typical pub food but is also available from cafés and market stalls until late in the evening. The typical Berlin food schedule includes dinner between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. but it’s not unusual for Berliners to grab a bite from street food stalls and casual eateries until midnight or beyond.
13. Spätzle
Perfect for vegetarians, spätzle is a noodle dish that’s a part of Berlin food culture although it actually hails from the Alsace area. This exciting gourmet region where French and German food collide should be on every foodie bucket list, not just for this dish.
There are many versions of spätzle but one of the best among Berlin foods is käsespätzle. It’s a little like the German version of mac ‘n’ cheese and features egg noodles covered with a cheese sauce. Rich and comforting, it’s the perfect way to warm up after a chilly walk through the city.
14. Berliner Luft
No journey through Berlin food would be complete without sampling Berliner Luft. The name, meaning ‘Berlin air’, refers to both Berlin’s legendary atmosphere of creativity, diversity and freedom of expression as well as a peppermint liqueur with a fascinating history.
Originally developed by a Russian, Berliner Luft was produced behind the Iron Curtain when Berlin was divided after World War II. Now, Berliner Luft is a popular order for shots at any of Berlin’s pubs or trendy nightclubs.
Learn How to Cook Berlin Foods
Berlin is a fantastic choice of foodie destination, but if you fancy recreating some of the best Berlin food at home then online cooking classes can help you out. Led by an experienced local chef who’s passionate about sharing their love for Berlin food, you’ll acquire valuable tips, new recipes and practical kitchen skills to build your confidence.
Alternatively, cooking classes near you are an excellent way to increase your skills in an authentic kitchen environment. Working alongside new friends and a chef tutor, you’ll learn how to create some of the best-loved Berlin food in a fun and engaging way.
With world-class museums, an intriguing history and a thriving cultural scene, Berlin is one of the coolest destinations and exploring Berlin food is a fantastic way to get to grips with the soul of the city. Wondering what to eat in Berlin?
The modern dining scene is expansive and includes cuisines from around the world although traditional cooking is very much at the core of Berlin’s foodie personality. Use this guide as your starting point and we can guarantee you won’t go hungry in Germany’s capital.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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