In 2013, when I finally moved to Berlin’s Mitte from Macau, for months “ocelot, not just another bookstore” had become my afternoon spot every Saturday, after its neighbouring municipal library was closed. A very confortable and welcoming bookstore, ocelot is one of my favorite friend meeting places, alongside Handebstand: the first one is a bookstore, the latter is a secondhand one, both on the same street. Book dealers Maria-Christina Piwowarski, Ludwig Lohmann or Eva Voigt organize remarkable literary events regularly and also serve tasty coffees! Eva is for example always mindful and even lent me an iPhone charger once, a Japanese/Taiwanese attitude!
The staff is well informed and available for recommendations for a good read. The majority of publications are in German, but a good English section is present, both for adults and children. For example, the English translation of Half a Lifelong Romance by prominent modern Chinese woman writer Eileen Chang - what a pleasant surprise! The cozy reading seats for parents and children, along with the children book section, occupy one third of Mitte’s bookstore! Also a surprise is that children's books for Arabic refugees or even written in Canada’s indigenous language Inuktitut can also be occasionally found! Ocelot’s huge display windows face Volkspark am Weinberg. Both are must-visits for those who are around.
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"She Said" in Berlin features books by female and queer authors only - it's the kind of bookstore that was still missing from our diverse city!
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What makes them even more special is their friendly nature. On most days, you might run into their owner Jonathan, the heart and soul of the café. SPRO would not shine the same way without his thoughtfulness.
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They take the traditional döner in Berlin and transform it into a borderline art form. With flavorful sauces, meat, vegetables, spices, herbs, bread, and cheese, there's no wonder each bite tastes better than the last.
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Heard of a croffle? What about an egg drop sandwich? Well, let me introduce you to your new favourite brunch food. Even if you've heard of these two before, you must try Puffle Bees.
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For €2, you can enjoy their falafel, shawarma, or kafta wrap. Their falafel wrap can be fully plant-based, too, just let them know, so they omit some sauces. They're better off as a snack because they're a bit on the smaller side.
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Gözleme is a savoury doughy Turkish bread, somewhat similar to a turnover or quesadilla. This stuffed flatbread can be filled with all sorts of ingredients, most commonly meat, cheese, or vegetables.
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I'm here to introduce you to one of the best vegan restaurants in Berlin: Alaska Bar. Everything is great at Alaska Bar, which works out wonderfully because they are a tapas restaurant!
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This restaurant will have you double-checking with the waiter if the food is genuinely vegan. This is part of what makes this place so special: its authentic and inventive nature.
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This small bakery located in the neighbourhood of Graefekiez, Kreuzberg may seem unassuming at first, but step inside and you'll see the magic this little shop brings to this kiez.
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Their Sabich includes delicious eggplant, potato, tomato salsa, egg, pickled red onion, fresh herbs, tahini, Iraqi curry, harissa, and salted lemon. All of it is served inside a fluffy, freshly baked pita.
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"Neue Nationalgalerie" is THE museum for modern art in Berlin, it is simply a must-go. Recently renovated with more to come, it's an absolute must-visit!
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The farmer's market on Karl-Marx-Platz in Rixdorf, Berlin is one of my favorite markets and a favorite of tourists & locals alike! Great street food, too.
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217 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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