goldies

From a Three-Michelin-Starred Kitchen to Berlin’s Best Snack to Go

In 2017, Kajo Hiesl and Vladislav Gachyn opened their first Goldies branch in Berlin-Kreuzberg, serving Belgian-inspired fries. The two met in a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Wolfsburg. Instead of opening another fine-dining concept, they focused from the outset on high product quality and an independent brand aesthetic. The result is as simple as it is consistent: from homemade sauces and pickles to carefully selected meat, nothing is left to chance at goldies.

What makes the fries special? The toppings range from a Berlin variation with pulled pork hock and fresh sauerkraut, to miso furikake with bonito flakes and pickled daikon, all the way to Beijing style with braised duck leg and hoisin-plum mayonnaise. In addition, there are 15 different homemade sauces. This turns a classic snack to go into a small culinary adventure.

goldies: Smash Burgers with Class

The real breakthrough came in 2021 with an idea from the USA: smash burgers. What’s special about a smash burger is the cooking method: the patty is pressed firmly onto a hot griddle, creating an intense crust full of roasted aromas. Instead of an extensive menu with countless variations, there are only a few burgers to choose from, including a classic Double Cheeseburger, the Super Smash Brother, and the Super Smash BLT with bacon and tomato. So, less is definitely more here.

The interior also proves that goldies is no ordinary snack bar: a bright yellow floor, industrial-style neon lights, and minimalist furniture with deliberate decorative accents create a modern atmosphere. The Kreuzberg original has now become a nationwide brand, with 16 branches and further expansion. However, anyone looking for the best snack to go in Berlin should start where it all began: at Oranienstrasse 6 in Kreuzberg.