Fast Food

Currywurst in Berlin with a view of the Brandenburg Gate: Over 20 years of tradition make Curry Wolf a true Berlin original. The in-house Opium sauce is especially recommended for those who like it extra spicy.

On Lietzenburger Straße, this shop works with smoked beef brisket, which hardly any burger joint in Berlin puts on its menu. In addition, there are toasted brioche buns, a burger in a butter croissant, six house-made sauces from Korean BBQ to Chili-Mango, and a Vegan Burger. The Classic Burger costs 11.99 Euros here.

Since 2008, a burger joint on Krossener Strasse has been bringing together hip-hop and real craftsmanship: the beef from Brandenburg heifers is ground in-house and smashed into a patty on a hot griddle, the potato bun is baked vegan, and the peanut sauce, coleslaw and guacamole are all made in the kitchen on site here.

Beneath the elevated railway arches of Schönhauser Allee in Prenzlauer Berg, Konnopke's Imbiss' yellow kiosk has stood since 1930. Those seeking Currywurst in its most authentic form in Berlin will find it here.

Since 2014, this shop on Kollwitzstraße has been forming its patties from aged entrecôte from pasture-fed cattle, baking them in sourdough buns from a Berlin bakery, and caramelizing onions for ten hours in butter. In addition to thick steakhouse burgers, the flattened smash burger is on the menu, each also available plant-based.

In the heart of Potsdamer Platz, KERB Berlin transforms a former cinema into a playground for 12 independent street food markets. Under soft green lights and the smell of something sizzling, you’ll find juicy fried chicken, cheese plates rolling past on a belt and that easy-going Berlin vibe all hanging out together.

One of Berlin's most famous currywurst stands has been located on Mehringdamm in Kreuzberg since 1981. Curry 36 is not a hype, but lived capital city culture: loud, honest, heartily good.

The red-painted snack bar on Linienstraße is located opposite the former Tacheles art house, a few steps from Oranienburger Tor. Next door, a two-story space also serves as a gallery. The chickpea mixture is packed with fresh herbs, recognizable by its green core. Falafel in Mitte is available here along with an exhibition.

Vegan snack bar with character: Lia's Kitchen in Kreuzberg, at Urbanstraße 32, is Berlin's go-to for homemade seitan burgers, rich sauces, and satisfying salads, all 100 percent plant-based and freshly prepared daily.

On Mehringdamm, a family runs a small burger joint whose menu features brie and cranberry chutney, gorgonzola and caramelized pineapple. Three burgers come with a vegan mushroom patty, and seven sauces are available separately. Among Berlin's best burgers, Marthas Delicious Burgers is an independent spot alongside the big fast-food names.

Right by Winterfeldtplatz in Schöneberg, Habibi cooks its chickpea balls in a pot instead of a deep fryer, making them golden brown on the outside and significantly more aromatic on the inside. The Premium Falafel Bowl costs 7.00 Euros, the Highlight Plate 14.00 Euros, and tea is included for free. Among Berlin's falafel shops, this offers the best value for money.

Opposite the Adlon, Curry Wolf grills the Berlin currywurst with or without skin, served with twice-fried chips and the house chilli sauce Opium. As a gift for men the sausage goes over the counter in a swing-top jar, alongside a currywurst gin of its own and vouchers for a Berlin menu for two people, redeemable at both stands.

Named after the Japanese shiso leaf, this establishment on Auguststraße has been bringing together burgers and Asian cuisine since 2013: Angus patties, even Wagyu on request for the Asia Burger, served with a homemade black sesame bun. In addition to Bulgogi, the menu features variations with salmon, shrimp, and marinated tofu.

In Friedenau, LuLa Deli & Grill bakes its bread from its own sourdough, cooks according to a weekly changing menu with international influences, and consistently uses organic ingredients. Right on Breslauer Platz, it has become a firm meeting point in the neighborhood.

Since 2004, Dolores California Burritos has brought the San Francisco Mission-Style to Berlin, with locations in Mitte and Schöneberg. If you want to get full at lunchtime without spending a lot, this is the perfect place: Cali-Mex cuisine at a low price, fresh and without frills.

Located directly under the S-Bahn arch at Warschauer Platz in Friedrichshain, Scheers Schnitzel has been serving crispy home-style food since 2010 at prices that even Berliners find surprising. If you want to have an inexpensive lunch without sacrificing quality, this is the place to be.

In Neukölln's Bohemian Village, this shop consistently builds its burgers plant-based, either around a flat-pressed smash patty or Beyond Meat. Additionally, there's a complete Chick'N line made from breaded plant protein, loaded fries with mustard-cheese sauce, and two desserts, all of which are also free of animal ingredients.

At Sonnenallee 134 in Neukölln, frying only begins after an order is placed, which is why the falafel arrives hot and crispy on the plate, and the wait is bridged with a cup of tea. Each dish includes bread, hummus, sesame sauce, and salad; the falafel box costs 5.00 Euros. Al Hanan is Neukölln's go-to spot for fresh food at a low price.

Habba Habba at Kastanienallee 15 works with light and fluffy sesame falafel, served either in a wrap or on a salad with herbs, nuts, and pomegranate dressing. The wrap costs 8.50 Euros, the mint-yogurt sauce is an additional 1.50 Euros, and only cash is accepted. For falafel in Prenzlauer Berg, this is the most unique option.

Korean Street Food to Go in the heart of Charlottenburg: Son Kitchen on Kantstraße combines homemade, fresh cuisine with Berlin influences and Korean tradition. Kimchi Tacos, Bibimbap, and the legendary Kim Cheesilla Fries make this small eatery a staple in Berlin's snack scene.

This Neukoelln establishment's Big Burgers carry a full 180 grams of beef, cooked only once the order is placed. Alongside the Cheeseburger at 11.90 Euros, the menu offers extravagant creations such as the El Gordonita, a smaller smash burger line, six variations of fries and its own vegan burger with a Beyond Meat patty.

The Greenhouse in Glienicke/Nordbahn is the American diner in Berlin for Californian cuisine amidst tropical plants. The burgers are made from Hohenloher beef from Schwäbisch Hall, complemented by spare ribs and beef brisket cooked for 24 hours. Free parking is available outside on the B96, and inside, a new fireplace lounge awaits.

Sahara Imbiss in Schillerkiez serves Sudanese cuisine: Mustafa opened his first shop in 2009 while studying, bringing the flavors of Khartoum with him. Today, there are eleven locations in Berlin. The hallmark is the homemade peanut sauce served with falafel, along with foul and okra. Falafel in Berlin tastes different here than anywhere else.

Germknödel that make you happy: Häppies in Prenzlauer Berg is dedicated to both sweet and savory dumplings, serving them in creative to-go variations. Small shops, big personality, all handmade.

This small shop in Prenzlauer Berg stands out from many others with a simple idea: every burger is regularly available with 180 grams of beef or as a BabyBurger with 62.5 grams. Cooking is done openly in the dining area, the sauce is homemade, four vegetarian burgers are available, and the cheeseburger costs 8.90 Euros here.