The Best Street Food Markets in Berlin
One of the biggest highlights of any visit to Berlin is without a doubt the food. With cuisine from all over the world, often at very affordable prices, there really is something for everyone.
The food markets in Berlin are a great place to explore as a visitor while also getting to see a slice of daily life for the average Berliner. They’re also often excellent places to be able to try a range of things cheaply if you can’t quite decide what to eat!
There are many more, but here are the top five most diverse, interesting and unique food markets to explore in Berlin.
1. Maybachufer
One of the most best known food markets in Berlin, this predominately Turkish market that stretches along the south bank of the Landwehrkanal by Kottbusserbrücke in Neukölln takes place every Tuesday and Friday. The majority of stalls sell fresh fruits and vegetables and you’ll see a good cross section of Neukölln and Kreuzberg’s inhabitants vying for the sellers’ attention to grab their weekly groceries.
In between those, there are several places selling falafel, Turkish breads, fresh olives, cheeses, baklava and nuts. Towards the eastern end of the market, there are also a few places with more specialized offerings, including some west African food, organic baked goods and occasionally crêpes and smoothies.
Best time to visit: Friday lunchtime
2. Markthalle Neun
This historic market hall from the late 19th century serves the local Kreuzberg residents as a regular place to do grocery shopping, but also plays host to the famous Street Food Thursday, where every Thursday from 5pm till 10pm you can take your fill of traditional and more innovative meals, snacks and specialties from dozens of stalls representing places as diverse as the UK, Mexico, Peru, Nigeria, Taiwan and Germany.
It also hosts other culinary events (usually with an entry fee) such as the Berlin coffee festival, the breakfast market, the artisan wine fair or the cheese market. Some of these take place at regular intervals, while others are once-yearly affairs, so be sure to check their calendar before visiting.
Best time to visit: Thursday evening
https://markthalleneun.de
3. Thaiwiese in Preußenpark
If you’re in the mood for some authentic Thai food in Berlin, the so-called Thai meadow should be your first and last stop. This ordinary park in Wilmersdorf is taken over at every weekend (but also during the week in good weather) by Thai families offering a good range of authentic Thai food as well as cocktails, drinks, desserts and even sometimes Thai shoulder massages, all at very reasonable prices.
This unofficial market started simply as small groups of Thai expats meeting in the park and picnicking together until people started asking if they could buy some of what was being cooked. Nowadays, while it is certainly still mostly Thai people, it is a popular place for locals, other expats and a sprinkling of tourists to visit for an atypical Berlin experience.
Best time to visit: A warm, sunny summer evening
4. Arminiusmarkthalle
Located in the otherwise less-touristed district of Moabit, this traditional market hall looks similar to Markthalle Neun (it was built in the same period, after all) but feels totally different. Here, you are unmistakably in Germany with many of the vendors selling typical German fare such as local cheeses, bretzels, beer, North Sea fish and an impressive array of sausages.
There are also a few stalls specializing in wine, burgers, Italian or Vietnamese food, as well as flower sellers, tobacconists and a few other non-food offerings. Occasionally, there are one-off events such as wine evenings, flower arranging classes and cooking courses that are worth keeping an eye out for too.
Best time to visit: Friday evening
https://arminiusmarkthalle.com
5. Green Market
Taking place just four times a year, this fantastic vegan market is a venue for the best of Berlin’s vegan scene to shine. There is an entry fee of €2 and with everything from ice cream, donuts, cakes, sweets and juices to Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern cuisine on offer, there’s something to satisfy whatever vegan craving you might be having.
There are also several stalls dedicated to vegan clothing, shoes, jewellery and even household goods, showing that you can live a totally cruelty-free life without compromising on style, usability or functionality. The market moves around, but typically takes place either at Arena in Alt-Treptow or the RAW Gelände by Neue Heimat in Friedrichshain. Either way, it’s right by the Spree, giving you nice views of Oberbaumbücke and downtown towards Mitte.
Best time to visit: a Saturday or Sunday afternoon during one of their events
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