(Advertising)

A couple of weeks ago, WeShare asked me to explore the area around Potsdamer Straße and Tiergarten, and share my finds as part of the three-part #WeShareMadeinBerlin series. The 100% electric car-sharing service wants to inspire you to discover Berlin’s unique Kiez culture – silently and sustainably. Some of my very, very favorite spots in Berlin are actually located in the area. First of all, Kin Dee, a popular, Michelin-starred restaurant: Dalad Kambhu’s approach to cooking is always delicious, straight-forward, and reflective, she uses local produce to create dishes evoking the flavors of her home country, Thailand. You can watch the video of us chatting, cooking, and meeting inspiring local suppliers of Dalad – like her ceramist Lisa Kosak of Helka Ceramics, and her farmer Lena Buss of Good Food Syndicate – here. A couple of days later, when the snow had melted, I set out on my own Kieztour, got in a 100% electric WeShare VW ID.3 (what a smooth driving experience!), and went to four chosen spots, to get lunch, dessert, dinner, and some very important pantry items. Check my selection below:

Harb GmbH

This Lebanese, family-run grocery store is one of those places, I can’t visit without buying something. I always find an item or three that I want to try, may it be their homemade halwa, their freshly ground coffee with cardamom, cashew nuts with wild Madagascar pepper, preserved lemons, pickled cucumbers, pickled aubergines filled with walnuts (makdous!), Aleppo pepper, laurel soap, or the Al Kanater Tahini (just get the 900g jar, I promise you’ll finish it). It’s easy to lose the sense of time here because the staff is always super friendly and very helpful, and gives great recommendations. There are also cookbooks (if you dunno how to use the nice things you will buy), home decor items, a big selection of Lebanese wine, and cosmetic products.

Harb GmbH, Potsdamer Straße 93, 10785 Berlin – Mon—Fri 10:00–18:00, Sat 10:00–16:00

Rocket & Basil

I wish this place was already open, back when I spent my days studying in the nearby Staatsbibliothek during my time at uni – it’s the perfect lunch food to put you in a good mood. Order either a delightful mix of weekly changing salads (pictured is a roasted cauliflower with fava bean sauce on top of chipotle chickpeas, and mixed radishes) or scrumptious sandwiches (you must! try their grilled cheese with Persian pickles and roasted grapes) plus incredible desserts like the very popular tahini brownie and the pistachio cake with rosewater (my fav). Get a coffee to go, or the Persian sherbet, and be ready to come back asap to try more. Sophie and Xenia, the Persian-German sister duo, are inflicting everything with their very own magic that is inspired by Australia (where they grew up) and deeply rooted in Berlin.

Rocket & Basil, Lützowstraße 22, 10785 Berlin – Tue–Sat 12:00–15:00

Da Jia Le

One thing I really, really miss during the pandemic, is sitting down at Da Jia Le’s tables with the lazy Susan with many friends and order everything off the menu (twice) and just eat and share and talk. Thank goodness they are open for takeout because even though I distinctly miss the grand variety of plates of a proper big dinner with friends, I will be content with ordering my own tofu leaf salad (pictured) and aubergine hot pot. If I would be able to eat more on my own, I would add the Szechuan-style potato slices, the fried aubergine, the cucumber salad, the smoked tofu with coriander, the tofu with spring onions, but also the Yüxiang style aubergine. See what I mean? This unassuming place is usually packed with people enjoying the Dongbei, north Chinese cooking, some of them finishing their meal with the caramelized sweet potatoes that are served piping hot, and create artful sugar threads when you pick them up.

Da Jia Le, Goebenstraße 23, 10783 Berlin – Mon–Tue 16:00–21:00, Wed–Sun 12:00–21:00

Pasam Baklava

Located right across the street from Da Jia Le, these don’t necessarily mix well – even though Baklava would be a great dessert for a scrumptious Chinese meal. But you wanna come early to this popular, family-run bakery because the specialties sell out fast. Like their namesake, pistachio and semolina filled and doused in milk-sugar glazing. However, even if you come later, there will still be delicious, multi-layered sweets to enjoy. Remember to bring some for your friends and neighbors, baklava is best when shared. Need more convincing? Pasam delivers baklava to some prestigious places like Hotel Adlon, the Waldorf Astoria, and several embassies.

Pasam Baklava, Goebenstraße 12A, 10783 Berlin – Daily 10:00–20:00

The post WeShare Made in Berlin: Tiergarten Kieztour appeared first on Stil in Berlin.

Let’s get back on Insta Live! I have some stuff I wanna talk about… So I invited three of the people I love to discuss things with to join me in a three day series –
Als erstes sprechen Sinthujan Varatharajah @varathas und ich am Dienstag, 16.02., darüber, was eigentlich “lokal” ist. Dieses Buzzword wird in der Foodie Szene ja gern gebraucht um progressive Nachhaltigkeit zu markieren – aber was wird damit eigentlich gemeint und vor allem, was (und wer) nicht?
On Wednesday Feb 17 Kavita Meelu @kavitagoodstar and I will go down memory lane to explore what has changed in the foodie scene of our hometown – and maybe we’ll even dare to look into the future into what will (and needs to) change (still).
Und am Donnerstag, 18.02., besprechen Vanessa Vu @vanessa_vu und ich, warum nicht alle Bubble Tea so sehr lieben (wie wir), was das mit der deutschen Geschichte zu tun hat, und wer in der Stadt unseren Lieblingstee macht.
Ich freu mich! See you then!

The post IG Live Series: Food & Stuff appeared first on Stil in Berlin.

Unfortunately, my clothing donation drive “Warm Up” will take a break this year due to … you know why. I am very sad about this, it would’ve been no. 7, we would have collected a lot, and the organisations are already missing out on a lot of donations this year. And it was always a super fun event to get together and see everyone before we disperse for the holidays… However, you can still donate your unworn winter warmers! Here’s a list of local places looking for donations. Some of them will distribute them for free to people in need, while others will sell them in their shops for a little money, which they use to keep up their charity work. None of these are for profit, or sell their clothes in other countries etc. etc. I have also added some free shops, where everything is given away to anyone for free.
As always, only donate clean & intact clothing, only bring what the organisations ask for (most times it’s seasonal items since few of them have storage space & men’s clothing is always in higher demand than women’s), and don’t dump your donations in front of closed doors. Especially now during the lockdown, it’s best to call / email before donating to find out how and what to donate.
Please add more in the comments!

Moabit Hilft

What: seasonal clothing & shoes for men & women, here’s a list
Where: Turmstr. 21, Haus R, 10559 Berlin Moabit
When: usually Mon-Fri 11:00–16:00, closed at time of publishing

Kältehilfe / Stadtmission

What: seasonal clothing & shoes for men & women, here’s a list
Where: Lehrter Str. 68, 10557 Berlin Moabit,
When: Mon–Fri 08:00-18:00 + 24/7 containers available

DRK Mitte

What: seasonal clothing & shoes for men & women
Where: Gotzkowskystr. 8, 10555 Moabit
When: Mon, Tue, Thu 09:00–12:00

Caritas

What: mens clothing incl. shoes
Where: Residenzstr. 90, 13409 Berlin Wedding,
When: Mon–Fri 09:00–13:00 (closed Dec 18-Jan 11)

Berliner Obdachlosenhilfe e.V.

What: men’s winter boots & underwear, women’s hiking boots, here’s a list
Where: Lynarstraße 38, 13353 Berlin Wedding
When: Wed & Sat 14:00–18:00, Sun 15:30–18:00

motz Laden – Charity Shop

What: clothing & shoes for men, women & children
Where: Friedrichstr. 226, 10963 Berlin Kreuzberg
When: closed at time of publishing, usually Mon-Fri 12:00-19:00, Sat 12:00-17:00

Fixpunkt e.V.

What: winter clothing for men
Where: Two vans on the central island of Kottbusser Tor
When: Mon–Sat 13:00–17:00

Kubus Kältehilfe

What: seasonal clothing & shoes for men, more info here
Where: Teupitzer Str. 39 | 12059 Berlin Neukölln
call 030-8103350

GFS Spendenwarenhaus

What: clothing & shoes for men, women & children
Where: Ullsteinstraße 176, 12105 Berlin Neukölln
When: closed at time of publishing, usually Mon–Fri 08:15–13:45

Trial & Error Free Shop

What: everything you think someone else would appreciate
Where: Braunschweiger Str. 80, 12055 Berlin Neukölln
When: closed at time of publishing, usually Tue & Thu 16:00–19:00

Rumpelbasar – Charity Shop

What: clothing & shoes for men, women, children
Where: Am Stichkanal 2-4, 14167 Berlin Zehlendorf
When: Tue 09:30–11:30, Wed 17:00–19:00

JUP Umsonstboutique – Free Shop

What: nothing at the moment, but usually clothing (check the website for updates)
Where: Florastr. 84, 13187 Berlin Pankow,
When: closed at time of publishing

Fairkaufhaus – Charity Shop

What: clothing & shoes for men, women & children
Where: Altonaer Str. 6-8, 13581 Berlin Spandau
When: Mon-Fri 12:00-18:00, Sat 10:00-14:00

Johannesstift Fundgrube – Charity Shop

What: clothing & shoes for men, women & children
Where: Am Oberhafen 16-20, 13597 Berlin Spandau
When: Mon, Wed: 12:00-18:00, Tue, Thu, Fri: 10:00-16:00

Kubiz Raoul Wallenberg – Free Shop

What: everything you think someone else would appreciate
Where: Bernkasteler Straße 78, 13088 Berlin Weissensee
When: rather irregularly, check the website

Kinderprojekt Arche

What: clothing & shoes for children
Where: Tangermünder Str. 7, 12627 Berlin-Hellersdorf
When: Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Jahresring

What: all kinds of clothing and textiles
Where: Pritzhagener Weg 17, 12685 Berlin Hellersdorf
When: Mon-Thu 09:00-16:00, Fri 09:00-14:00

Sozialwarenhaus – Charity Shop

What: clothing & shoes for men, women & children
Where: Roedernallee 88 – 90, 13437 Berlin Reinickendorf
When: Mon–Fri 10:30–17:30, Sat 10:30–13:30

USE Schatzkammer

What: clothing & shoes for men, women & children + household & baby items
Where: Roedernallee 88 – 90, 13437 Kleinmachnow
When: Mon, Tue, Thu 07:15–15:15, Wed 16:00, Fri 07:15–13:00

The post Where to: Donate Clothes in Berlin appeared first on Stil in Berlin.

(Werbung)

Berlin hat richtig viele tolle Einzelhändler:innen zu bieten, von super neuen Läden bis hin zu traditionsreichen Institutionen. Viele von ihnen sind leider nicht so gut online aufgestellt, wie sie es sein könnten – und damit gehen ihnen jede Menge Möglichkeiten flöten. Dabei ist es gar nicht so schwer! Deswegen freue ich mich, die Initiative ZukunftHandel von Google und dem deutschen Handelsverband zu unterstützen und zwei Läden dabei begleitet zu haben, wie sie ihren Onlineauftritt mit Hilfe der Anleitungen und Tools verbessern konnten. Die Initiative wurde ins Leben gerufen, um den lokalen Handel zu unterstützen und mit Tools, wie einem Google My Business Account oder kostenlosen Onlinetrainings, den Läden zu mehr Sichtbarkeit zu verhelfen, damit sie neben ihrem stationären Geschäft auch digital präsenter sind.

#ZukunftHandel: Asia Markt Lee

Angefangen habe ich mit einem meiner Lieblingsläden, dem Asia Markt Lee in der Dircksenstraße 100 in 10115 Berlin, und dessen Leiter Minou. Der Laden ist sehr breit aufgestellt, hat von japanischen Algen, koreanischer Chilipaste bis hin zu chinesischen getrockneten Pilzen wirklich fast alles da – dank der großen Fläche haben sie auch viele Großpackungen von Fischsauce bis Reis. Minou reagiert außerdem superschnell auf alle möglichen Tik Tok Trends wie Jelly Fruits, Ramune Limonade, Mochi und die Samyang Hot Chicken Ramen. Aber online ist der Laden bisher kaum präsent gewesen. Wir habe zusammen diskutiert, wo sie gerade stehen und welche Maßnahmen sie auch wirklich umsetzen können. Ideen hatten wir beide viele, aber es war uns wichtig, realistisch abzuschätzen, was Minou und sein Team auch langfristig machen können.

Als erstes hat er den Google Maps Eintrag des Asia Markt Lee mit der Google My Business App für sich beansprucht. Nur so hat er Zugriff auf die Infos und Statistiken – kann jetzt also zum Beispiel sehen, wie viele Leute ihren Beitrag anklicken, wonach sie gesucht haben, und ob sie sich eine Route anzeigen lassen. Jetzt kann Minou auch die Öffnungszeiten anpassen , relevante Attribute (wie z.B. “Mitarbeiter tragen Schutzmasken” oder “LGBTQ freundlich”) auswählen, die Beschreibung editieren, auf Rezensionen antworten und neue Fotos hochladen. Gerade über die Fotos haben wir viel gesprochen – es ist wichtig, aktuelle Fotos vom Laden, den Produkten und der Außenansicht zu haben, damit potentielle Kund:innen schnell sehen, wie groß der Laden ist, was angeboten wird, und – nicht zu unterschätzen – ihn schnell von außen wiedererkennen.

Minou war richtig überrascht davon, wieviel Spaß ihm das Editieren des Google My Business Accounts macht, vor allem die Kommunikation mit den Kund:innen, die Rezensionen hinterlassen, gefiel ihm. So bekommt er schnell Feedback und Ideen, wie er den Laden noch besser machen kann. In Zukunft will er sich regelmäßig Zeit einplanen, um neue Bilder hochzuladen, Angebote einzustellen und mit den Kund:innen zu kommunizieren.

#ZukunftHandel: Amouny

Der zweite Laden, den ich begleitet habe, ist Amouny von Monia Fettah in der Greifswalder Straße 2 in 10405 Berlin. In ihrem Geschäft in Prenzlauer Berg verkauft sie fair gehandelte Produkte von Kunsthandwerker:innen aus Marokko, von Teppichen, Kaftanen und Jacken, bis hin zu Kissen, Keramik, Schmuck und anderen Home Accessoires. Sie wählt jedes Teil selbst aus und bezieht es direkt bei den Hersteller:innen in Marokko. Außerdem lässt sie Jacken und Accessoires aus Vintage Stoffen direkt in Marokko herstellen. Aus einem Leidenschaftsprojekt wurde schnell ihr eigenes Label mit eigenem Laden. Als sie 2018 in ihre Räume gezogen ist, hat sie sofort den Google Maps Eintrag für sich beansprucht, viel mehr ist auf ihrem Google My Business Account seither jedoch nicht passiert.

Besonders ihre Herzlichkeit und Offenheit macht ihren Laden aus, also haben wir besprochen, wie sie diese Stimmung auch auf ihren Onlineauftritt übertragen kann. Als erstes haben wir zusammen neue Fotos hochgeladen, besonders eine neue Außenansicht. Und die Beschreibung und Attribute aktualisiert: es ist wichtig, dass alle essentiellen Infos drin stehen. Wenn jemand nach marokkanischen Vintage Kaftanen sucht, soll Monias Laden angezeigt werden, also müssen die Wörter „Marokko“, „Vintage“ „Kaftan“ in der Beschreibung zu finden sein. Viele, vor allen Dingen kleine Einzelhändler:innen unterschätzen oft, wie wichtig eine gute Repräsentation ihres Geschäfts auf Google ist. Monia hat sofort eine sehr hilfreiche Funktion entdeckt: die Direktnachrichten! Eine Kundin schrieb sie kurz darauf über die Google Maps Nachrichtenfunktion an und kam wenig später selbst vorbei. Auch jetzt im Lockdown können Kund:innen kontaktlos einkaufen und Ware vor dem Geschäft abholen. Dafür, und auch für die Promotion des Onlineshops, sind gerade jetzt umfangreiche Informationen online super wichtig. Monia wird als nächstes Produkte und Angebote hochladen, um ihre Infos aktuell zu halten.

Und wenn ihr eure Lieblingsshops in dieser schwierigen Zeit unterstützen wollt, schreibt doch nach eurem Einkauf eine Bewertung oder ladet ein paar Fotos hoch, und lasst so andere, neue Läden entdecken. Das geht fix und einfach, und die Händler:innen freut es.

The post ZukunftHandel: Eine Initiative von Google & dem Handelsverband Deutschland appeared first on Stil in Berlin.

Somehow, the 2020 holiday season is of even more importance than any other year. It might be, because it’s literally the only cheerful thing going on in our lives. I for one have definitely enjoyed thinking about what to gift, may it be small baked goods for my neighbours or more conceptual packages for my loved ones. So why not share my trusted sources in the city?

Honestly, this was tough to decide, because there are so many more good shops for gifts in Berlin. So if you don’t find what you need in this list, I want to recommend this new pdf I just published – the Stil in Berlin Shopping Guide 2021 in which I included over 200 shops all over Berlin (and online). Click here to read more and get it for 5.90 Euro.

Oh and yes, almost all of these stores also have an online shop to make up for their Covid-reduced opening times. Happy local shopping!

Interior

Hallesches Haus

One of my favourite places for almost everything, this one’s a great place for gifts. They have very practical things, just very nicely designed. Like cutting boards, but made from marbled Terrazzo, or watering cans, but in brass and elegant shapes, or house slippers, but made out of shiny emerald green velvet and so much more. They constantly update their selection, so there’s always something new to discover. And they stock popular brands like Studio Arhoj, Kinto, Serax, Boy Smells, and more.
Tempelhofer Ufer 1, 10961 Berlin Kreuzberg, Wed–Sun 11:00-19:00,
hallescheshaus.com

International Wardrobe

The selection at this small store in Mitte is so unique, you’ll have a hard time finding any of the items somewhere else. The owner, historian and stylist Katharina Koppenwallner travels the world to bring back unusual home decor items and fashions from tiny manufacturers: embroidered bags from Romania, rhinestone Christmas trees from Bohemia, marbled ceramics from Bulgaria and brocade cushions from Vietnam. Just stunning.
Almstadtstraße 50, 10119 Berlin Mitte, Wed–Sat 12:00–19:00,
internationalwardrobe.com

Parkhaus

If you love elegant little (and big) things,  this one’s for you. Brass bottle openers in the form of a snake, linen napkins, or bookends in the shape of an apple – their assortment changes often, depending on the current likings of the owners, so it makes sense to check the actual store or the online shop often. My favourite are the cashmere knit hot water bottle covers. The brick and mortar store also has selected furniture and lighting options.
Schröderstraße 13, 10115 Berlin Mitte, Tue–Sat 11:00–19:00,
parkhausberlin.de

The Botanical Room

Plants are deservedly having a moment for their ability to make homes more beautiful and pleasant to live in. The Botanical Room doesn’t only sell greenery, but also fun pots by independent artists, seed sets, watering cans, and more useful accessories for your home-grown jungle. And who doesn’t love to receive a plant, really?
Manteuffelstraße 73, 10999 Berlin Kreuzberg, Tue–Fri 13:00–19:00, Sat 12:00–19:00, thebotanicalroom.com

Culinary Gifts

Asia Markt Lee

How about packing a box full with your own favourite ingredients and gift that? I personally would love that, and many people do prefer consumable gifts instead of dust catchers. Asia Markt Lee not only has almost every ingredient to cook almost every East-Asian recipe, it also has super helpful customer service in case you have no idea in which aisle to look for what.
Dircksenstraße 100, 10115 Berlin Mitte, Mon–Sat 09:00–20:00

Amore

You’ve probably seen Amore’s signature shirts around town, declaring their love for everything Italian. This alimentari carries everything from Piedmontese roasted hazelnuts (my fav), Sardinian Fregola pasta, and pistachio pesto, to the best balsamic vinegar, as well as selected design items, socks, and housewares. So yummy.
Sanderstraße 12, 12047 Berlin Neukölln, Tue–Fri 12:00–19:00, Sat 12:00–18:00, amorestore.de

Harb GmbH

This family-owned shop has been providing the city with Lebanese essentials for more than 30 years, including some of the best tahini, nuts, figs, and dates, many of which are also offered in bulk. After a renovation, the store looks more chic, now with added cosmetics, pillows, and more, plus an impressive wine selection. Don’t just gift an Ottolenghi cookbook, get the key ingredients here as well!
Potsdamer Straße 93, 10785 Berlin Schöneberg, Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00, harb-gmbh.de

Kochtail

Having the right tools makes cooking and baking so much more fun. The best place to get those in Berlin is this one, thanks to the staff who knows everything and then some. Really, they got advice on every tool and appliance and make the best suggestions. I have never been unhappy with any item I got here.
Invalidenstraße 150, 10115 Berlin Mitte, Mon–Fri 11:00–19:00, Sat 11:00–18:00, kochtail.de

For Pets

Sonnenberg

Berliners love their dogs more than their neighbors, so no wonder they enjoy spoiling them rotten at this shop, boasting extra-friendly staff, a grand selec- tion of sustainably sourced feed, plush beds, fashionable collars, fun toys, and all the treats your pup could want.
Lietzenburger Straße 62, 10719 Berlin Wilmersdorf, Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00, Sat 11:00–16:00, sonnenberg.berlin

The post Seriously: The Ten Best Shops for Holiday Gifts in Berlin appeared first on Stil in Berlin.

It’s a weird year, my friends. The pandemic has changed all of our lives, and will continue to do so, even though we’re lucky with number of cases and fatalities in Germany and Berlin. I had to postpone the publication of my Best of Berlin 2020 guide from March to June, while losing a lot of other income myself. I’m very glad, that so many of you decided to support me by buying it, especially since I’m aware your own budgets for dining out and shopping have likely decreased. The support of the local community has been essential for our small-scale businesses, who’re doing their best to push through this crisis that is far from over. When I talk to young owners, they are most concerned with doing their best to serve you while keeping their staff safe and their finances in tact.
Carefully selecting where we spend our own money is more important than ever, and I wanna give you some ideas: here’s a list of where to get the best food in Berlin – in my mind. These are the restaurants I tell my friends they need to go to, the cafés I recommend to my guests, and the eateries I will queue for, essentially my own list of top food places in Berlin. It’s subjective, for sure, so you might miss your own favourite – don’t hesitate to put it in the comments!

These are taken from my current Best Places in Berlin 2020 guide, in which you find a lot more, in fact 115 recommendations in eleven categories from all over the city – no ads or other sponsored entries. Each place has a description, addresses, url, price level, link to google maps, and markers for vegan friendly and gluten-free friendly food, and wom*n owned places. Click here to buy it for 4,90€.

And now, here’re my current food favourits in Berlin:

Albatross

There are many excellent bakeries in Berlin these days – this one’s my fav because of their pastries. And because of their breads. But also, their pastries. You might consider it tough what to choose from their beautiful display, so here’s a “my first time at Albatross” cheat sheet: get the Hausbrot and the flaky pastry with apple filling. This should do all the convincing you need to come back the next day (or an hour later). By now, they also have a grocery shelves and fridges established, where you can get some of the finest products from local and likeminded people – from coffee to cheese, wine, and kimchi – or you order it via their online shop archipel.

Annelies

This is the home of the picture-perfect (and delicious) pancake-stack topped with butter, granola, and cream, that you’ve probably seen on instagram a lot. It’s also the cover-star of my own pdf guide to the best breakfast and brunch in the city leading you to 42 different spots (get it here for 3,90€). Go big and get the pancakes after you enjoyed the scrambled eggs on sourdough with pickled veggies. Their approach to a lavish brunch might seem a little delicate at first, but trust me, you’ll be rolling in delight. PS, They introduced a “breakfast sandwich” (a glamourised Egg McMuffin) during lockdown for takeaway and have been praised for it ever since.

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Mary Scherpe (@stilinberlin) am Jan 10, 2020 um 7:01 PST

Chungking Noodles

Ash Lee brought one of her favourite dishes from her home country China to Berlin: The freshly made Chongqing noodles are doused in their house-made chili-oil and fragrant spices, and toppings of your choice. It’s very spicy, yes, but 1, you can order a less spicy version and 2, you can also just eat it slowly (like I do). And get a refreshing Chungking beer specially crafted by local brewery Motel, and hope they have the milk tea ice cream ready for a refreshing desert. Don’t miss the starters!

Cozymazu

What a treat this place is. It only caught my intention a year ago, even though it exists a lot longer, and I’m not happy about my own ignorance. Wei-en Chan’s Taiwanese food is intense, creative, delicate, and just extraordinarily delicious: the seasonal menu offers rice cakes, tapioca balls, tea eggs, and more. Everything’s made in house with sustainability in mind. Extra special mention goes to the congee breakfast they serve on weekends, as pictured on top of this article.

Damaskus Konditorei

If you haven’t had these sweet, Arab treats, you’ve not really experienced Berlin, I will say that confidently. Just planning to go makes me excited, wether it’s for Halawet el-Jibn, or for the full Kunafa Nabulsiya experience. Tamem Al-Sakka reopened his business after having to flee the war in Syria and leave behind his family’s 40- year-old pastry shop, and, wow, are we lucky he chose Berlin. They have three shops by now, all selling the high quality sweets.

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Mary Scherpe (@stilinberlin) am Jun 12, 2020 um 3:55 PDT

Dosha

Boba tea is having a comeback and I couldn’t be more glad about it. This Taiwanese tea house has a very odd location on a dull street around the corner from Ostkreuz, but the high quality of its beverages, with or without boba, will make you forget that. Do yourself a favour and try their whole menu: from classic oolong to assam, from fruit teas to jasmin, and much more. And they have cute, paw-shaped waffles!

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Mary Scherpe (@stilinberlin) am Mär 3, 2019 um 10:22 PST

Gözleme Restaurant

You should try the very good gözleme here, but what I’m coming for are the Anatolian mantı. The tiny, pretty packages are always made fresh, stuffed with potatoes, boiled, and then topped with yoghurt and paprika butter. When they ask whether you want the garlic, you gotta say yes, of course. It adds spice and will remind you about this beautiful dish the next morning, and it’s very healthy.

Jones Ice Cream

Still the best ice cream parlor in the city in my mind, and one of the few food spots I will queue for. Actually, all of the places listed here are places I would queue for. Compiling this list I asked myself whether I would queue, just followed by: how long? I have waited in line for Gabrielle Jones handmade ice cream almost any time I’m there, because they are that popular and they deserve it. Easy trick: come at 12 when they open, and if you’re not in the mood for ice cream for lunch, take one of the pints. My favourite flavours are probably mango passionfruit, salted caramel, and roasted chicory root (if they have it), but tbh, I’ll take any.

Kanaan

This Palestinian-Israeli restaurant joint venture makes an excellent hummus, and everything else with chickpeas and beyond borders. A couple months ago they moved into their new place, and it’s a lot more fancy than the shack by the tracks they occupied before. Fancy means they have real walls, indoor tables, and a huge kitchen, so they’re able to serve more elaborate dishes (chickpea pancakes!) without forgetting their classics (you must try the falafel). During lockdown I walked all the way from Kreuzberg to Helmholtzplatz just for their food.

Kin Dee

You might have noticed how few “fine(r) dining” places are on this list. This has to do with them costing a lot of money and thus me not hanging out at them as much. However, most of them just don’t excite me very much. This is one of the exceptions (email me / comment if you’re craving more recommendations with a higher price level): Dalad Kambhu creates very fine Thai food, often with local ingredients, and serves it as a four course, family-style menu. The flavours in her dishes have so many levels and different intensities, her treatment of vegetables and protein is incomparable, and all that while honoring traditional Thai techniques. Would eat here any day.

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Mary Scherpe (@stilinberlin) am Jun 24, 2020 um 8:37 PDT

Mama Shabz

Shabnam Syed’s food had many fans before she opened her Pakistani restaurant last year, because she worked at street food markets and events for a long time. Her recipes are created from the memories of her family, she serves traditional cuisine in vibrant colours and with deep and warming flavours. I love coming on the weekends for brunch, but I still miss the indulgent Halwa Poori Chana – fried bread lathered with sweet, buttery halwa and topped with spicy chickpeas – that the pandemic kicked off the menu. Do order a pakora here, or two.

Want more? Click here to get the full guide for 4,90€.

The post Seriously: The Ten Best Places to Eat in Berlin in 2020 appeared first on Stil in Berlin.

It took a while – you can probably guess why – but it’s finally here! I selected 115 restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops in Berlin – including 23 new additions – to go into the new Best Places in Berlin Guide, which comes as a handy pdf you can download right now to have it ready whenever you need it.

Berlin is a sprawling metropolis that seems to reinvent itself every 24 hours – but no need to feel lost! This guide helps you find the independent, small-scale cafés, restaurants, bars, and shops that are the city’s most exciting (and satisfying). From boozy brunch options to the best bread and delicious dining options (and really spicy Chinese food!), from cool shops to spruce up your wardrobe (and your home too!) to Gen-Z approved nail salons.

After fourteen years of Stil in Berlin’s full-scale investigation of all things creative and tasty, this guide presents places that literally just opened as well as all-time favorites with long histories to discover.

With a wide range of prices, locations, and styles (including loads of vegan-friendly spots), these suggestions are not only geared to those planning a quick visit, but should also surprise and delight Berliners looking to (re)discover their Kiez.

The Best Places in Berlin 2020 guide is available as a download PDF – click here to buy the guide for 4,90 €.

The sale is handled by Elopage, you will receive the download link to the pdf as an email from them after finishing the purchasing process and will have 48hours to download the file.

Edited, written, and designed by Mary Scherpe, cover design by Alexander Nussbaumer.

PS, if you want more morning options, check out my breakfast & brunch guide here.

What You Get in the Best Places in Berlin 2020 Guide

A pdf for immediate download with 29 pages filled with 115 recommendations from all over the city in eleven categories, that means there are:
7 Bars,
8 Breakfast & Brunch Spots,
4 Coffee Shops,
14 Grocery Stores,
19 Quick Bites,
28 Restaurants,
8 Sweet Treats,
7 Book & Stationery Stores,
6 Design Stores,
9 Fashion & Beauty Stores, and
5 Vintage Stores & Flea Markets in this guide.

Each place has a description, addresses, url, price level, link to google maps, and markers for vegan friendly and gluten-free friendly food, and wom*n owned places.
None of the recommended spots have paid to be in this guide, there are no ads or other sponsored entries. 

My Expertise

After fourteen years of full-scale investigation of all things creative and tasty for Stil in Berlin and other outlets like Vogue and Highsnobiety, I know what is worth your time and money in this city. I moved here in 2003 as a young student and witnessed Berlin’s transition from currywurst-central to legit foodie haven. Today, we enjoy a growing variety of cuisines and styles as well as the city’s histories represented in long-time favorites. Trust me, it’s been a journey. My judgement is always authentic: when I visit a new place, I never announce myself and always pay for my food – to be honest, I don’t accept invites by places I don’t know because I might end up not liking the food – which is always … awkward.

The sale is handled by Elopage, you will receive the download link to the pdf as an email from them after finishing the purchasing process and will have 48hours to download the file.

The post Best Places in Berlin: 2020 Guide appeared first on Stil in Berlin.

This post was first published March 17, and last updated May 14. Updates will happen regularly.

It’s a tough time, not just for gastronomy. Small businesses are especially affected, and I want to do my best to support. So here’s a list of what local restaurants and food businesses are doing during these trying times. This is an editorial post, so I selected places to feature, but please add in the comments, whether you’re a customer or it’s your own business. I will add more, and keep this post updated. Let’s practice care and kindness.

Looking for delivery options? Search for the term “delivery” in this post. Please note, that delivery is only possible in a limited area.
Did my best to keep to the facts, if there’s something incorrect, please let me know.

Status May 14: All bars remain closed, cafés and restaurants are allowed to do table service from May 15 from 06:00 to 22:00, tables and chairs need to be 1.5m apart, it’s suggested to record contact data of guests (kept for maximum of four weeks), staff needs to wear masks in the seating area, it’s recommended guests do the same.
Not all businesses are going to reopen table service with this new ruling, especially smaller places will not be able to provide enough space and safety for their staff to do so and have decided to stick with delivery / take-out only. Make sure you send them some love (and money).

Aera Bakery
What: Gluten-free bread, granola, and cookies.
Remains open, delivery available via message on their Instagram.

Maitre Philippe
What: French and Portuguese groceries as well as produce.
Remains open, online shop available.

Fine Bagels
What: bagels and pastries
Open for distanced seating and takeaway, contactless payment encouraged, home delivery available at finebagels.com

Albatross Bakery
What: bread and pastries.
Open for take-away, card payment only. Home delivery service via Archipel.

Bonanza
What: coffee and beans
Remains open and encourages distance, online shop is at your service.

Five Elephant
What: coffee and beans
Kreuzberg shop is open with limited opening times for takeaway, online shop available. No info on when cheesecake delivery will be established…

Markthalle Neun
What: produce, baked goods, meats and more.
Farmers Market and most sellers remain open with social distancing measures, including the cheese monger Alte Milch, Sironi bakery, Big Stuff, and Bone Berlin Imbiss. Produce delivery service open to private customers.

Original Unverpackt
What: zero waste grocery store
Remains open and has a zero waste delivery service: lieferservice.original-unverpackt.de

Black Isle Bakery
What: cakes, cookies, pastries.
Remains open but only for pre-ordered takeaway and delivery, more info on instagram.

Five Elephant
What: coffee and beans
Mitte shop is open for takeaway, online shop available. No info on when cheesecake delivery will be established…

Gut Gut
What: fermented drinks: kefir and kombucha
Online shop and delivery available, shop remains closed.

Lager Lager
What: craft beer
Open for takeaway Thu–Sat 12:00–19:00. Home delivery available here.

Vom Einfachen Das Gute
What: bread, meat, cheeses
Remains open.

Amore Store
What: Italian groceries, pasta, pesto, roasted nuts, and more
Remains open, and has an online shop! Delivery in Berlin via bike.

Brammibal’s Donuts
What: vegan donuts
Remains open for take-away only, delivery possible via brammibalsdonuts.com, added Oatly to their range.

Companion Coffee at Weserstraße
What: Tea
Open for take-away, vouchers and tea available via message, email, or in person. Tea delivery possible via Archipel. Companion at Voo is closed but might be reopening soon.

Jaja
What: natural wine
The bar is closed, but the online shop is open – including bistro style menus to reheat at home.

Lager Lager
What: craft beer
Shop is open for takeaway Mon–Sat 14:00–20:00. Home delivery available here.

Muted Horn
What: natural wine
Bar remains closed, bottle shop is open Mon-Sat 15:00-20:00 and delivery in the Kiez is possible, more info here.

Populus coffee
What: coffee and beans
Shop is closed, but the online shop is open.

Bonanza
What: coffee and beans
Remains open and encourages distance, online shop also at your service.

Jones Ice Cream
What: ice cream
Reopening for scoops from May 14 everyday 12:00–19:00, online shop with delivery of tubs, cookies, gift cards, and cones on their website.

Motel Brewery
What: craft beer & coffee from Reinickendorf
Online shop is up and running, pickup is also possible.

Bahadur
What: North Indian food
Open for table service, reservation recommended, contact information will be recorded. Home delivery available at restaurant-bahadur.de for certain districts.

KLX – Koshary Lux
What: North African food
Takeaway and delivery available Mon–Sat 12:00–19:30.

Shaniu
Delivery service available at +49 030 91552605, open from 11:30 to 20:30 except Tuesdays.

Goodies
What: “clean eating” bowls, smoothies, pastries and more
All cafes opened with limited times, and the online shop (limited offer) is open.

Hako Ramen
What: Japanese Ramen dishes
Open for table service from May 15, takeaway available daily 12:00–21:00.

Khao Taan

What: Thai food
Open for table service from May 15, more info here. Pick up three of their signature curry pastes for your homecooking or order them online.

Silo Coffee
What: breakfast and brunch food
Closed until further notice, encourages purchase of vouchers.

Annelies
What: Brunch food & coffee
Open for table service from May 15, short menu for takeaway and delivery available here.

Chungking Noodles
What: Chongqing noodles
Created a “Chungking & Chill” product to buy at their shop and prepare at home. Limited opening times, check their instagram.

Fes Turkish BBQ
Open for table service from May 15.

Hallesches Haus
Open for table service with kitchen open Fri to Sun 10:00-16:00, online shop with goods and vouchers is open.

Karloff
Takeaway menus available, more info here.

Lode & Stijn
Restaurant is closed until further notice. Check their instagram for produce boxes.

Madang
What: Korean food
Delivery service now available, more info here.

Mama Shabz
What: Pakistani food
Open for take-away, last week of curry pack delivery, more info on mamashabz.com. Vouchers available at mamashabz.com/gift-vouchers

The Panda Noodle
What: East Asian noodle dishes
Takeaway of the four most popular dishes available, order via Instagram – lil shop open on Fridays and Saturdays with products and snacks from local makers like Mamakan, Khao Taan and more. T-Shirts also available.

Distrikt Coffee

What: Brunch food & coffee
Open for table service from May 15, takeaway menu including coffee still available, order here.

District Mot
What: Vietnamese food
Open for table service from May 15.

Standard Serious Pizza
Open for table service from May 15, Mon-Fri 17:00-22:00, Sat-Sun 13:00–22:00

Barra

What: Natural wine bar with small plates to share
Restaurant closed, fried chicken sandwich and other things like fresh pasta or meal kits available for takeaway, more info on their instagram.

Chutnify
What: South Indian food
Open for takeaway and delivery Tuesday-Sunday 12:00-20:00 order here.

Gazzo Pizza

What: Pizza
Open for table service, inside reservation only, outside drop-in only. Pick up still possible, delivery not available for the summer. More info here

Geist Im Glas
What: brunch food & cocktails
Bar is closed, table service for brunch available from May 15, takeaway for food and cocktails available, more info on their website.

Hallmann & Klee
Open for breakfast from May 16, and dinner from May 19, only with reservation, book here. Crowdfunding on Startnext with pancake benefits.

Home: Brewing & Kitchen
What: coffee, pastries, breakfast food
Takeaway and delivery available for beans, drinks and food, order via at homebrewingandkitchen.com, crowdfunding campaign started at gofundme.com.

Isla Coffee
Open for takeaway.

Okay Café
What: pastries, cake, breakfast & lunch food
Open for takeaway some days, check their instagram for updates. Support them by buying merch like t-shirts, vouchers and posters here.

Palsta
Remains closed and decided not to reopen again.

Roamers
What: breakfast & brunch food
Remains closed.

Chutnify
What: South Indian food
Open for takeaway and delivery Tuesday-Sunday 12:00-20:00 order here.

Kanaan
What: Israeli-Palestinian food
Open for table service from May 15, takeaway info here, delivery via Lieferando also possible, and you can buy groceries, t-shirts and vouchers in their online shop.

Einstein Stammhaus
What: Austrian food
Open for table service from May 15 daily from 12:00 to 22:00.

Goodies
What: “clean eating” bowls, smoothies, pastries and more
All cafes opened with limited times, and the online shop (limited offer) is still open.

Kin Dee
What: Michelin starred Thai food.
Thai curry takeaway menu available, infos on Instagram. Table service starting on May 21st.

Malekeh
What: Syrian food
Open for table service from May 15. Delivery available under 0176 22160998, takeaway possible.

Rocket & Basil
What: Persian inspired breakfast & lunch food
Open for take-away and delivery via rocketandbasil.com

Sironi Lapizza
What: Pizza and ice cream
Takeaway and delivery available, more info here.

Tianfuzius
What: vegetarian Chinese food
Delivery possible in 2km radius, takeaway available, of course.

Fräulein Kimchi & Humble Pie
Setting up a delivery service together, sign up here

Baldon

Open for table service from May 15, reservation recommended here.

Cozymazu
What: Taiwanese food
Takeaway menu available with several menus to finish at home, delivery available for Wedding. Check their instagram for more info, order at contact@cozymazu.com.

The post Corona Crisis: Table Service, Take-Away, Delivery & Online Shops in Berlin (Updated) appeared first on Stil in Berlin.

What I love to see during this crisis is how motivated people are to support small, independent and local food businesses. So here’s another list with suggestions where to spread your love (and money). This time, the focus is on businesses that we tend to forget when most communication happens online on the ‘gram, the neighbourhood places we all highly depend on, which are often owned by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) but who don’t have the type of social media skills needed to stand out in your feed. The idea and start for this list came from the Smells Like collective, a Berlin based group celebrating food heritage, culture & identity. They started it on their instagram channel, collecting shops and restaurants not represented on the Instagram, then I extended the poll to my followers, threw my own recommendations in, and the result is this long list! Why not make it a goal to visit one or two of those per week, to make an effort to support those who often fall through the attention cracks. Happy eating!

Please, do add more in the comments below! Also, here’s a google map of Asian eateries and grocery stores compiled by Athena Lam.

ammAmma
Tamil, Sri Lankan and Indian restaurant, more info here, order via Lieferando.
Urbanstraße 28A, 10967 Berlin

Basmah
Sudanese restaurant, more info here, order via Lieferando.
Reichenberger Str. 26, 10999 Berlin

Blue Nile
Ethiopian restaurant, more info here.
Tempelhofer Ufer 6, 10963 Berlin

Cafe Mori
Brazilian restaurant and café, more info here, order via Lieferando.
Wiener Straße 13, 10999 Berlin

Indian & Sri Lankan Food Grocery
Grocery store with online shop.
Lindenstraße 17, 10969 Berlin

Langano
Ethiopian restaurant, more info here.
Kohlfurter Str. 44, 10999 Berlin

Laxy Cash & Carry
Tamil grocery store.
Wrangelstraße 58, 10997 Berlin

Melek Pastanesi
Turkish Bakery.
Oranienstraße 28, 10999 Berlin

Mercan 
Turkish Restaurant
Wiener Straße 10, 10999 Berlin

Asia Markt Lee
Supermarket for Asian groceries with a big frozen foods department.
Dircksenstraße 101-103, 10179 Berlin

Alagami
Syrian restaurant open again from April 14, more info here.
Sonnenallee 44, 12045 Berlin

Al Andalos
Lebanese restaurant
Sonnenallee 40, 12045 Berlin

Asia Supermarkt
Supermarket for Asian groceries.
Karl-Marx-Straße 242, 12057 Berlin

GK Srilankan Indian Shop
Sri Lankan and Indian grocery store, more info here.
Fuldastraße 12, 12045 Berlin

Ampai
Thai Restaurant, more info here, order via Lieferando.
Kantstraße 105, 10627 Berlin

Cooking Papa
Korean restaurant, more info here.
Wilmersdorfer Str. 72, 10629 Berlin

Asia Deli
Chinese restaurant, order via Lieferando.
Seestraße 41, 13353 Berlin

Atti Asia Markt
Supermarket for Asian groceries, more info here.
Luxemburger Str. 31, 13353 Berlin

Lei’s Küche
Chinese restaurant.
Seestraße 41, 13353 Berlin

Nusantara
Indonesian restaurant, more info here, order via Lieferando.
Turmstraße 18, 10559 Berlin

Punjab Foods
Grocery store with products from Africa to Asia.
Tromsöer Str. 6, 13359 Berlin

Tariq Food
Pakistani and Indian food store, more info here.
Badstraße 55, 13357 Berlin

TS Food Supermarkt
Grocery store with Pakistani, Indian, Persian, Afghan, Arabic, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, African and Nepalese products.
Alt-Moabit 74, 10555 Berlin

Wok Show
Chinese restaurant famous for their Jiaozi. Takeaway menu here.
Greifenhagener Str. 31, 10437 Berlin
 

The post Beyond Instagram: Support Berlin’s Small Businesses appeared first on Stil in Berlin.

While supporting small local businesses is important, we need to keep an eye out for those, who are even more affected by the current pandemic and are too often ignored in the urge to help. Homeless people, refugees, and other people in need are in even more dire situations when stay at home orders are in effect and enforced. The situation at Europe’s boarders is even more awful, even though that is hard to imagine. The pressure and stress on the people working in jobs that are “relevant to keep up the system” is unimaginable, and at the same time nurses, caretakers, delivery people and supermarket staff are massively underpaid. It’s important to take care of ourselves so much, that we can start taking care of others in need. To make it easier for you, I compiled a list of many local and some global initiatives to support right now. Please add more in the comments.

Support Homeless People

Homeless people are experiencing an especially hard time, not only is it hard to social distance and keep a sufficient hygiene without a proper home, since the streets and trains are empty their main source of income is unavailable. They are also especially affected by any strict enforcement of the current confinement rules, like the restriction to sitting on park benches. On top of it, many supporting institutions had to close down or limit their services. So here are options how to provide support and donate:

Karuna is a Verein supporting people in need, and they are currently distributing money and food to homeless around their main spot in Friedrichshain. Donate via betterplace. They are also a driving force behind the request to turn hotels and hostels into temporary shelters.

Stadtmission is the charity organisation of the protestant church, and one of the biggest caretakers of homeless in Berlin. They started a new initiative called #NothilfeBerlin to help in the current situation, with which they provide a helpline, care packages, as well as the production of masks and protective gear. You can donate directly here.

Die Tafeln are food banks with affordable products based on donations, many of them had to close due to the virus. They have just started with delivery of food packages to people in need, you can donate on their website.

Be An Angel is the Verein behind Syrian restaurant Kreuzberger Himmel, who are now very active in getting meals to people in need. You can donate here.

Spendenzaun / “Donation fences” – at several spots in Berlin spontaneous charity fences came up because people started leaving bags with donations of clothes, food, and hygienic articles for people in need. The idea originated in Hamburg in 2017 and is praised for being a low-threshold option. Keep an eye out for one in your area and start supplying it.

Support Refugees & Migrants

While we’re busy re-organising our own lives, it’s easy to forget the situation of people at the European boarders, especially in the abysmal refugee camps, where personal hygiene and social distancing just aren’t possible. Europe’s politics are putting the people in these camps in great danger. Here’s how you can help:

Sign the Leave No One Behind Petition and share & join the online events of Seebrücke.

Support Seawatch and their call to send currently idle cruise ships to evacuate refugee camps, donate here. Other civil sea rescue initiatives are SOS Mediterranee and Sea Eye, whose rescue ship is currently the only one in the Mediterranean Sea, even more organisations are here.

Doctors without Borders are also involved in the fight against the virus, especially helping migrants and homeless, for example in France and Italy, and in the refugee camps in Greece. You can donate here.

Sign Petitions

Many people are hit by the current economic downfall, and while politicians are busy finding solutions, here are petitions you can sign which demand the emergency support to be better:

Instead of loans and temporary funding, this petition calls for unconditional basic income for the time of the crisis, sign it here.

The current Kurzarbeitergeld makes sure employees receive 60% of their usual pay, however, this doesn’t cover the cost of living for many. This petition calls for 90% short time payment, sign it here.

Support Hospital Staff

The crisis is stressful for everyone, but inarguably more so for people working on the front lines: nurses and doctors, pharmacists, supermarket staff and more. Their jobs are essential to get us through, so here’s how to support them:

Kochen für Helden (Cooking for Heroes) is an initiative that started with one pot of Gulasch made by restaurant Tulus Lotrek and delivered to a local hospital. It has grown into a national movement with dozens of participating restaurants in just two weeks, who are now cooking for hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets. A donation site is being developed, you can currently support via their website.

Barcomis has set up their own delivery service and additionally offers care packages, Krankenhaus Kraft Pakete, for selected local hospitals that you can easily order on their website.

Donate Blood

Sounds like a no-brainer, but the current crisis has also led to a decline in blood donations which are now needed more than ever.

Blood donations are organised by the German Red Cross, find the next dates and locations here.

The post Corona Crisis: How to Help Now appeared first on Stil in Berlin.