One of the things that make me feel local is having a network of coffee spots at the ready. I drink coffee irregularly and when I do, I look out for high quality beans. One of my favourite spots in the south-west of Berlin is Tom’s Kaffeerösterei, an owner managed artisanal coffee shop inside the shopping arcade right beside the U-Bahn station Onkel Toms Hütte. They blend and roast their coffee themselves in very small batches and with a bit of luck you might even get to watch: it is done on site and you will leave smelling of freshly roasted coffee!
As well as serving the usual and some fancy coffee drinks you can sit down with (I had an iced coffee with homemade syrup recently), they also sell all sorts of coffee makers, crockery and accessories. The main reason I come here is to buy coffee for making at home. I have always been given good advice, the beans are freshly ground to order and I enjoy supporting a local business!
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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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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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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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"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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