Berlin is the most affordable capital in Europe and this extends from accommodation and entertainment to food and drink.
The sprawling city is dotted with a plethora of restaurants to satisfy any desire or taste. From luxurious french cuisine to the corner curry wurst stand you can find a range of great options to fit any budget. However, I am going to focus on the cheaper side where there is still an amazing assortment of great restaurants.
1. Middle eastern restaurant in the Kreutzberg district
First off is an amazing middle eastern restaurant in the Kreutzberg district. Located on Spreewaldplatz across from Goerlitzer park and a few meters from the Goerlitzer Bahnhof on the U1 line is a wonderful little place usually overflowing with people. Perhaps the best schwarma and falafel in Berlin, this place will leave you stuffed and satisfied. Order the plate for 2 if you are with a friend and you will be presented with a giant pile of deliciousness. An abundance of roasted chicken, falafel balls, deep fried feta cheese, humus and a selection of salads will delight your tastebuds. Wash it down with wonderful black tea, offered free of charge with every meal. Best of all a meal for two will be under 10 euro and will probably leave you with leftovers for an after bar snack.
2. Trendy Wine Bar in Prenzlauer Berg
In Prenzlauer Berg, there is a wonderful cafe that has a unique dinning experience. During the day they serve coffee and the typical accompanying pastries as well as wonderful homemade soups for only two euro a bowl. It might be the best deal in town for a midday meal. There are usually two options available with one meat and one vegetarian. As the day turns to dusk the place transforms into a trendy wine bar with a catch – it is based on the honor system. Each guest pays one euro to get a glass and then helps themselves to as much wine as they want – a variety of white and red wines are available as well as some roses and dessert wines. A limited buffet is also offered starting at 8 pm although it is often gone by 8:30. At the end of the evening each person is responsible for paying as much as they feel is appropriate for the amount of food and drink they consumed. You place your payment in a large glass jar and step outside into the cool Berlin night. The cafe sits at the corner of Fehrbelliner Strasse and Veteranenstrasse across for Volkspark am Weinberg.
3. Curry Wurst in Kreutzberg
For our last edible delight I will talk about something that is not necessarily unique in Berlin but rather unique to Berlin. There is nothing quite like a piping hot curry wurst after a night on the town. A fried bockwurst covered in ketchup and curry powder and your choice of sides – I would go for the fried onions – is definitely not the healthiest choice but one of the most satisfying. Although they aren’t hard to find, a great curry wurst is worth seeking out. I would recommend looking in two places. Curry 36 on Mehringdamm 36 – I wonder where they got their name – once again in Kreutzberg has the reputation of being the best wurst stand in the city. It is busy at almost any hour of the day with people bursting out onto the sidewalk. Best visited with a belly full of beer! If you happen to be in town in the fall winter or spring and its a Saturday check to see if their is a Herta football match. This is my second recommendation for the ideal environment for a hearty curry wurst. Vendors line up outside the stadium offering all sorts of beers and of course the famous German sausages. Grab one before and after the game!
There are so many great meal options in Berlin and almost all are affordable for all types of travelers. These three offer a combination of affordability, great taste and of course some local charm.
Top 5 Budget Hotels in Berlin
- Hotel Alte Feuerwarche – Double Room from €34
- Hotel Berolina – Double Room from €35
- Amstel House Berlin Hostel – Double Room from €49
- Pension Gasteiner Hof - Double Room from €54
- Generator Berlin Hostel – Double Room from €64
Photo of currywurst plate by Kent Wang
Topic: Restaurants & Food |
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Tags: Berlin, budget, food, restaurants
About the author
Lucas is an architect, an artist, a designer, an ultimate player, and a writer. He was born in upstate New York yet has lived and traveled throughout the world. He has resided in Shanghai, China for 2 years, Bangkok, Thailand for 1 year, Montreal, Canada for 5 years and am now setting up shop in Berlin. Along with exploring Europe, writing about his adventures, and playing Ultimate Frisbee he am looking for work as an architect.
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