The FU-BEST Cookbook

Welcome to our cookbook!

Each of us in the team has come up with one (or more) tasty recipes to share with you.

We thought to share you delicious, budget-friendly, and easy recipes, and we hope these ideas will inspire you when you’re thinking about what to buy and cook. Plus, they´re also perfect for impressing your friends and family when you head back home!

Kristina´s Recipes

Pink Pasta

via Pink Pasta, das Rezept zum Foodtrend

This is a quickly prepared, very fresh and colourful meat-free spring and summer recipe (but also a great vitamin booster in winter since you can get all ingredients all year round). It’ll give your taste buds something to talk about for days!

Ingredients (for 2):

  • 200g cubed and pickled beetroot
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Some olive or sunflower oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • Salt, pepper
  • 250g pasta (Rigatoni, Penne, or Spaghetti)
  • 125g Feta (sheep’s or goat’s cheese)
  • 35g Cashew nuts (unsalted)
  • Optional: Some small mint leaves to sprinkle on top

Preparation time: 15-20 minutes

Difficulty: Simple – but you will need a stick blender!

1. Boil the pasta according to the instructions on the package.

2. In the meantime, set aside two tablespoons of the cubed beetroot. Put the rest in a pot and heat gently.

3. Add the chopped garlic, feta (put a little aside to sprinkle over the finished dish), cashew nuts, lemon juice and zest and blend to a smooth paste with the stick blender. Turn off the heat.

4. Mix together the pasta and the beetroot paste and add salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve sprinkled with the remaining beetroot cubes and feta and, if you like, mint leaves.

Guten Appetit!


Turkisch Flatbread „Pizza“

A great and quick meal for those days when you don’t feel like cooking but need more than a sandwich or a salad. Superb for sharing and lends itself to all kinds of variations.

Ingredients (serves 3)

  • 1 pide bread – you can get it in supermarkets but often also at your local Döner place
  • Mayonnaise and ketchup
  • 6 round slices of cooked ham („Kochschinken“)
  • 2-3 tomatoes
  • A little dried oregano
  • 6 slices of cheese (I normally use Gouda or Cheddar but you can use any cheese that melts well)

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Simple

1. Using a long bread knife, cut the pide horizontally in two halves.

2. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half and ketchup on the top half.

3. Place the ham on the bottom half. Cut the tomatoes into slices and spread them on the ham. Sprinkle with a little oregano.

4. Lay the cheese on top of the tomatoes. The slices can overlap but shouldn’t go too far over the edge of the pide or it will get messy in the oven.

5. Put the top half of the pide on the bottom half, place on a sheet of baking paper on the oven rack and put it in the oven. Bake at ca. 180 degrees for 10 minutes (the cheese should have melted but the pide shouldn’t get too crispy.

6. Take the pide out and cut into 6 pieces like a pizza.

Variations: garlic butter, tomatoes, black olives, sliced feta cheese  /  BBQ sauce, tuna, sweetcorn, cheese  /  whatever you like

Guten Appetit!

David´s Recipe

„Kochkäse“ with bread and onions

This is a traditional meal from my hometown and its region „Hessen“. I prefer to eat it while enjoying a glass of cold „Apfelwein“, which is similar to a typical Cider. To garnish the meal you can put caraway on top of it. „Kochkäse“ can also be served with a good „Schnitzel“. As I grew up with it, I can´t imagine to live without „Kochkäse“!

Ingredients:

  • Slices of rustic bread (or any bread you prefer)
  • 50g Butter
  • 200g Harz cheese, diced
  • 200g processed cheese, diced
  • 250g curd cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • Caraway
  • 3 onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons of oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  1. Start by putting butter, harz cheese and processed cheese e together in a pot while stirring it over medium heat until creamy.
  2. When everything is mixed into a homogeneous mass, add baking soda and stir for another 2 minutes. Then allow to cool to lukewarm.
  3. Add the curd cheese, stir in, and season with salt. That´s your „Kochkäse“!
  4. Mix vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper to make a vinaigrette and pour over the onions.
  5. Spread butter and „Kochkäse“ on the bread, add carawy seeds, and spread the onions on top.

Additional Tip:

  • You can lightly toast the bread so that the „Kochkäse“ melts on top.

Guden!

Xingye´s Recipe

Chinese tomato and egg stir-fry

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 Tomatoes
  • 3-4 Eggs
  • half Scallion
  • Salt, oil, sugar, vinegar, white pepper
  1. Boil the water and put tomatoes in it for a few seconds. Then it is easier to peel. Then cut tomatoes into wedges (optional). Or just directly cut the tomatoes into wedges (Remove the stems).
  2. Chop the scallion.
  3. Then crack all eggs into a bowl and season with a little bit salt, a little bit white pepper and a little bit vinegar (a little bit is like ¼ teaspoon). Beat eggs until the whites and yolks are well integrated (like about 20-30 seconds). *If you don’t have vinegar, then don’t add it. Black pepper is also okay…
  4. Preheat the wok or the non-stick pan over medium heat. Then add some oil (like 2 tablespoon) and add the beaten egg mixture in the pan when it is hot. Scramble the eggs and remove from the pan. Set aside. (Don’t overcook the eggs, can get it out when it takes shape but still moist looking)
  5. Back to the pan, add some oil (like 1 tablespoon) and scallion to the pan, and add the tomatoes after 5 seconds.
  6. Stir-fry for 30 seconds or so and add a little bit water. Leave to cook until the tomato becomes a little mushy. (if your stove gets very hot and liquid tends to cook off very quickly in your pan, add a little more water).
  7. Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan. Sprinkle salt, sugar and scallions over. Give everything a quick stir to combine.
  8. Serve with steamed rice or noodle. Whatever you like.

Feel free to add more or less seasonings, etc. You can adjust this recipe to your taste.

Guten appetit!

Fruzsina´s Recipe

Roasted root vegetables

These roasted root vegetables are an easy, healthy, and colorful option for a main dish or side. Roasting brings out the natural flavors, and the herbs make them super tasty. Adding red onions and garlic gives them extra aroma, while the tahini and lemon yogurt add a nice kick that highlights their sweetness and adds a bit of freshness.

Equipment:

  • large rimmed baking sheet (with or without parchment paper)

Ingredients (what i mostly prefer):

  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 2 parsnip (medium sized) peeled and halved lengthwise
  • 3 red potatoes scrubbed clean, peel on
  • 1-2 beets (red or golden), trimmed and scrubbed clean
  • 1 carrots (large) peeled and halved lengthwise
  • 1 large red onion or 2 smaller ones, peeled and cut into larger wedges lengthwise.
  • 6 whole garlic cloves large sized
  • ca. 1/2 cup olive oil 
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary and 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 3tsp dried rosemary and 2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1-2 tsp salt or more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or more to taste

Ingredients for the Lemon Yogurt:

Ingredients for the Lemon Yogurt:

  • Zest a lemon to get about 1,5 tsp
  • 350g extra thick Greek-style yogurt

Ingredients for the Tahini Sauce:

  • 60g tahini paste
  • 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)
  • A pinch of salt (to taste)
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed (optional)
  • 3 tbsp water (or more, as needed)
  1. Place a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat to 200°C (180°C for fan). Cut all the vegetables into chunks about 1 1/2 inches wide – the key is to cut everything to the same size so they cook evenly. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cut vegetables, red onions, and garlic cloves with 3 tbsp olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated.
  2. Brush a large rimmed baking sheet with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Spread the vegetables evenly on the sheet, then place the rosemary and thyme sprigs on top, evenly spaces across the sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, then stir the vegetables, moving the outer pieces to the center and the center ones to the edges. Put them back in the oven and continue roasting for another 15-25 minutes until the largest pieces are tender.
  3. Remove the rosemary sprigs, then stir the vegetables (some rosemary leaves will stay, which is fine). Season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
  4. While the tomatoes are roasting, prepare the lemon yogurt and tahini sauce.
  5. Mix the yogurt with the grated lemon zest and ¼ tsp salt. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
  6. Tahini souce: Whisk all ingredients together, except for the water. Gradually add water while whisking until the sauce is smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  7. The vegetables are great served warm or at room temperature. Transfer them to a bowl or platter. Drizzle with the lemon yogurt and tahini sauce, then serve with pita bread.

Additional tips:

  • You can use any mix of root vegetables you like. Not into sweet potatoes? Just swap them for regular potatoes. Can’t find parsnips? Add more carrots instead. Butternut squash works great here, too.
  • If you’re using red beets, keep in mind they’ll release a pink juice that can color the other veggies. I think it looks nice, but if you’d rather not have pink veggies, just leave the beets out.
  • I like to keep the seasoning simple with salt, pepper, cumin, rosemary, and thyme to bring out the veggies’ natural flavors. If you want some heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes.
  • This dish tastes just as good warm or at room temperature, and it’s super simple to make ahead and reheat. 

Jó étvágyat!

Maria´s Recipe

Blini (Russian Crepes)

via Blini (Russian Crepes) – Tara’s Multicultural Table

These large, thin pancakes are perfect for pairing with a variety of sweet or savory options.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2-3 cups (470-710ml) milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil plus more or butter for the pan

For serving:

  • Sour cream
  • Honey or sweetened condensed milk
  • Jam
  • Peanut butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Ham
  • Cheese
  • etc.
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Slowly whisk in the milk until combined and no lumps remain. Add 2 cups (470ml) milk for slightly thicker and easier to handle pancakes or up to 3 cups (710ml) milk for thinner, more delicate pancakes.
  3. Whisk in the eggs, followed by the vegetable oil. If too thick, slowly add a little more milk. If too thin, slowly add a little more flour.
  4. Cover the bowl and allow to rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
  5. Place a large nonstick skillet or pan over medium low heat. Lightly grease with oil or butter.
  6. Once thoroughly heated, add 1/4 – 1/3 cup (60-80ml) batter to the center and immediately tilt the pan in a circle to coat the bottom in a thin layer.
  7. Cook until set on the top and the bottom turns golden, about 2 minutes.
  8. Flip and cook until the other side is golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove to plate. Rub the pan with more oil and repeat with remaining batter.
  9. Serve immediately with a topping of your choice!

приятного аппетита!

Philip´s Recipe

Vegan Banana „Bread“

Ingredients:

  • 3 big bananas (or 4 small ones)
  • 250g all-purpose flour (“Weizenmehl Typ 405” in Germany) (can also use 150g almond flour plus 100g all-purpose flour)
  • 80g sugar
  • 10g baking powder (not baking soda)
  • 80g peanut butter (use the runny, organic kind and stir before measuring)
  • Vanilla extract to taste (or use 1-2 packets of “Vanillezucker” as part of the 80g of sugar)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Plant-based milk to loosen the dough if necessary
  • Walnuts, chocolate, or whatever you want to add
  1. Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt).
  2. In a separate bowl, smash the bananas and mix in sugar, peanut butter and vanilla extract.
  3. Mix in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
  4. Fold in mix-ins like chopped chocolate and/or walnuts.
  5. Pour the batter into a pan lined with parchment paper (or use plant-based butter/margarine to butter the inside of the pan).
  6. Bake at 175°C for about 30 minutes (depends of the oven and pan; the time is for a 25cm loaf pan).
  7. Check with a wooden skewer after 25 minutes and use foil to cover the top if it gets too dark and isn’t done yet.

Guten Appetit!

How to dive into Berlinale 2026

Living in Berlin means navigating through a myriad of events, cultural happenings bursting from every corner, and immersing yourself in the beauty of art in all its forms. From music in clubs and pubs, bars, and concert halls to museums, art exhibitions, and street art, the city offers an endless stream of cultural experiences all year round. Among these, one event stands out as Berlin’s „showcase of the free world“ deeply rooted in its history: the Berlinale, Berlin International Film Festival.

Founded in 1951 at the start of the Cold War—during which Berlin became both a stage and a symbol—the Berlinale reflects the city’s unique cultural, political, and social dynamics. Destroyed by World War II and later divided, Berlin is a place where diverse ideas meet and clash, creating a vibrant intellectual and artistic ferment. The festival was conceived and organized by Oscar Martay, an American officer stationed in West Berlin, who secured funding from the U.S. military to launch its first edition. The goal was to rebuild the identity and consciousness of people devastated by the war through artistic expression.

This year, the Berlinale runs from February 12 to 22. While the first few days have already flown by—and you may have been lucky enough to experience them—the festival’s program is still packed with must-see films. And if you don’t manage to get tickets in time, don’t worry! It’s still a great opportunity to stay informed, keep an eye on upcoming film releases, take notes, and engage in discussions about a wide range of topics.

Below is part of my personal selection of films that caught my attention—ones worth watching now, or in the coming months when they will become available in theaters or on streaming platforms:

  • No Good Men, by Shahrbanoo Sadat – This year´s opening film is from Germany! The Afghan director’s first two films have already been screened at Cannes, where they caused quite a stir. In the romantic comedy No Good Men, Shahrbanoo Sadat also plays the lead role of a young woman who believes that there are no good men in Afghanistan. The film is set shortly before the return of the Taliban and thus before the total disenfranchisement of women in Afghanistan, which gives the comedy a serious political undertone.

No Good Men, Berlinale 2026

  • At the Sea, by Kornél Mundruczó : The film, starring Amy Adams, tells the story of a woman who has to get her life back on track after rehab. The last two films by acclaimed Hungarian director Kornél Mundruczó (Pieces of a Woman and Evolution) were screened at Cannes, and now he is represented in the Berlinale competition with the US-Hungarian co-production At the Sea.
  • Gelbe Briefe, by İlker Çatak: Derya and Aziz, a celebrated artist couple from Ankara, lead a fulfilling life with their 13-year-old daughter Ezgi until an incident at the premiere of their new play changes everything. Overnight, they become the target of the state and lose their jobs and their apartment. They move to Istanbul, where they temporarily stay with Aziz’s mother. While Aziz scrapes by with odd jobs and sticks to his convictions, Derya searches for a way out that will make them financially independent. Gradually, the distance between them and their daughter grows until they have to choose between their values and their future together as a family.
  • Rose, by Markus Schleinzer: In the 17th century, a mysterious soldier appears in a remote Protestant village in Germany. The small, quiet stranger, whose face is disfigured by a scar, claims to be the heir to an abandoned farmstead. To substantiate his claim, he presents the suspicious villagers with a document. Over time, they abandon their doubts. He proves to be a hard-working and God-fearing man and becomes part of the community, even though his desire to belong is based on an untenable lie. The true and convoluted story of a land and people swindler who was born a woman, behaved like a man, and deceived an entire village. Starring german actor Sandra Hüller.

Rose, Berlinale 2026

  • Good Luck, Have Fun, Don´t Die, by Gore Verbinski: A man from the future (played by Sam Rockwell) enters a diner and must find the right people to help destroy an artificial intelligence before it destroys humanity. Michael Peña and Juno Temple also star.
  • Run Lola Run, by Tom Tykwer: Lola and Manni live in Berlin and are in their early twenties. When Manni, who works as a money courier for a car thief, loses a plastic bag containing 100,000 marks in the subway while fleeing from ticket inspectors, he has only 20 minutes to get the money back. Desperate, he calls Lola, who immediately sets off. In three variations, “Run Lola Run” recounts the same twenty-minute period – with small changes that each lead to a different outcome. The film, shot in Berlin in the summer of 1997, was released in theaters on August 20, 1998, and is considered a milestone in young German cinema.

Run Lola Run, Berlinale 2026

Please note: As students, you always receive discounted admission tickets. To prove your student status, you must show your student ID at the entrance to each performance. However, discounted tickets sell out the fastest, so be quick or switch to regular admission tickets, which are still affordably priced.

Sarah´s FU-BEST Experience

Hey, everyone! My name is Sarah El-Hefnawy, and I am a senior at the University of Pittsburgh. As a Museum Studies major focusing on Weimar art, I decided to come to Berlin to do some more research for my senior thesis. What I didn’t anticipate is how much I would fall in love with Berlin and studying abroad – even the parts I was skeptical about!

Once you live abroad, there are unexpected things you grow to love. If you told me five months ago that I would actually enjoy the one-hour commute to campus every day, I would have laughed. But now, I have extra time to reflect, perfect my fall playlist, catch up on reading, or finish homework (oops!). I find myself taking the time to observe everything, whether it’s people
watching on the U-Bahn or looking at familiar sights out of the window on the S-Bahn. The campus commute was something I was originally dreading, but now it’s become a favorite part of my daily routine.


Another thing I didn’t expect to love as much as I do now is my German class. I remember asking my thesis mentor for advice on which German course I should take – the experiential class that met twice a week, or the intensive class that met four times a week. When he insisted that I take the intensive course to get a better grasp on German for my thesis, I absolutely dreaded the idea! While it’s not always easy to get up for a 9 am class, I forgot how much I loved learning
languages since I haven’t taken a formal language course in a while.

On top of that, my professor makes sure our classes are never dull, and I met some of my best friends through a class that I take 12 hours a week. If you’re on the fence about which track to take – I suggest the intensive track. I know it’s more work, but you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll enjoy it and how quickly you pick up German!!

Being abroad for so long, I didn’t realize how much I would not only miss my friends back home, but the experiences that come along with the American college experience. I realized pretty early on that I would miss the entire football season at my D1 university. I was never big into sports at all, but something about missing that first homecoming game felt like I was leaving
a part of home behind.

Seeing all of my friends post about their first week of classes, snapping pictures with our favorite professors, and going to all of my favorite bars and restaurants was rough. But I found my own experiences here that I can indulge in, and can’t wait to share with my friends back home.
I’ve always been a vintage enthusiast – I collect records, lowball sellers on second-hand clothing apps, and have a wide variety of tchotchkes in my apartment.

While I knew Berlin had a good vintage scene, I didn’t expect it to be nearly as widespread as it is! From massive open-air flea markets in Fehrbelliner Platz and Boxhagener Platz to antique stores owned by eccentric Swedes in Neukolln, there’s a whole world out there for vintage lovers in Berlin. I’m definitely going to miss this vibrant community when I leave, but I’ll have souvenirs in the form of records, jackets, and other vintage goodies!

Another thing I appreciate about Berlin is how open-minded its inhabitants (generally) are. As an alternative queer person with a ton of tattoos and piercings, I never felt judged for my appearance. Rather, I fell in love with the open, proud LGBTQ+ and alternative communities in Berlin, and living here has made me even more confident in my identity and presentation. I even have a few tattoos to commemorate my time here – from a spur-of-the-moment flash piece from a visiting artist to a tattoo I’ve wanted for years and even a free tattoo I got at a special event in Neukolln! I never would have predicted that I would get a tattoo for free from a trendy millennial funeral company serving gin and tonics on a Saturday, but magical things happen in Berlin!

Looking back at my time in Berlin, I realized just how quickly four months went by. I feel like I just got to Berlin yesterday, and as I prepare to leave, I remember how many wonderful people, experiences, and places have made my trip worthwhile. From my meditative morning commute to more exciting outings exploring Berlin’s vibrant nightlife, I am grateful for every moment I’ve had here. If you’re looking for a sign to study abroad, this is it! This is the best choice I’ve ever made in my college career, and there is so much to discover while abroad.

Sarah El-Hefnawy

Christmas market season in Berlin

Visiting Christmas markets is a long German tradition and one of the best parts during Winter season. The smell and taste of mulled wine, cinnamon and traditional food will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit! Of course, there are several opportunitys in Berlin to experience the vibe of German Christmas markets. Some of them are larger and more eventful, while others are smaller and more cozy. Here´s a brief introduction of some Christmas markets in Berlin.

Weihnachtsmarkt am Schloss Charlottenburg

Illuminated with colorful lights, Charlottenburg Palace towers above numerous festively decorated wooden huts and pagoda tents. The smell of traditional foods such as candied apples, wood-fired bread, and mulled wine fills the air. The Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace invites young and old alike on a romantic journey into the past. Feel like royalty at the Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace!

  • Dates: November 24 – December 28
  • Opening hours: Mon-Thu 1pm-10pm; Fri-Sun 12pm-10pm
  • Admission: free
  • Location: Schloss Charlottenburg, Spandauer Damm 22, 14059 Berlin

Weihnachtsmarkt auf dem Alexanderplatz

Roller skating amid festive lights, brass bands playing from the tower, and fun in the huts with Santa Claus: the winter Christmas market on Alexanderplatz is as diverse as Berlin! Christmas cheer reigns on one of Berlin’s most famous squares when, in December, wooden stalls decorated with lights transform Alexanderplatz into a winter village filled with the scent of chestnuts and punch. During this time, the hustle and bustle of the square gives way to the cozy, winter atmosphere of Berlin’s Christmas market. One of the highlights is the gigantic Christmas pyramid from the Ore Mountains.

  • Dates: November 24 – December 26
  • Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11pm-22pm
  • Admission: free
  • Location: Alexanderplatz, 10178 Berlin

WeihnachtsZauber am Gendarmenmarkt

WeihnachtsZauber is the most luxurious of Berlin’s Christmas markets: artists offer fine handicrafts indoors in the arts and crafts tent, and gourmet food lovers can feast in a festive atmosphere in heated tents. Glassblowers, goldsmiths, candle makers, tailors, and many other exhibitors offer their treasures for sale in the heated arts and crafts tent. The arts and crafts tent also houses the Christmas Magic Bar, where guests can enjoy a sip of champagne or other fine wines.

WeihnachtsZauber also has plenty to offer in terms of cuisine: in addition to traditional Bavarian and Austrian dishes such as Neuburger Rahmbrot (cream bread) and Kaiserschmarren (sweet pancakes), various gourmet restaurants in heated and beautifully decorated tents offer all kinds of delicacies to feast on.

  • Dates: November 24 – December 31
  • Opening hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm-11pm
  • Admission: 2€
  • Location: Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin

Wintermarkt Schlossplatz am Humboldt Forum

In the heart of Berlin, the Schlossplatz around the Humboldt Forum is transformed into an atmospheric winter wonderland. In keeping with the historic backdrop, there is plenty of arts and crafts to admire at the new winter market in Berlin’s Mitte district. Historic rides and carousels entice younger visitors to enjoy some Christmas fun. And for the grown-ups, there are mulled wine specialties and all kinds of sweet and savory Christmas treats. Between the baroque facades of the Schlüterhof, a Christmas market awaits you, masterfully combining tradition, enjoyment, and modern staging. The square unfolds its magic especially in the evening: light projections illuminate the architecture and bathe the area in a festive atmosphere.

  • Dates: November 19 – January 4
  • Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm
  • Admission: free
  • Location: Schloßplatz, 10178

LGBTQIA* Winterdays in Schöneberg

Welcome to Berlin’s queerest Christmas market – a celebration of diversity right on Nollendorfplatz! Here you can look forward to a festive atmosphere and a special selection of mulled wine specialties. In addition to classic mulled wine, we also offer unusual hot cocktails, perfect for cold winter evenings.

Whether you’re celebrating with an entertaining drag show on stage or strolling through the festively decorated stalls, the Christmas market at Nollendorfplatz invites you to enjoy the festive atmosphere. From delicious mulled wine variations to handmade products and delicious food, there is something for everyone.

  • Dates: November 5 – December 23
  • Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sun 3pm-10pm
  • Admission: free
  • Location: Nollendorfplatz, 10777 Berlin

Heissa Holzmarkt Winterfestival

Walk under the giant Christmas bauble and step into the festive winter wonderland of the Heissa Holzmarkt. In November and December, the Holzmarkt on the banks of the Spree is transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland for a few weeks, inviting all Berliners and visitors to the city to the Heissa Holzmarkt from Thursday to Sunday. In addition to stands and exhibitors offering beautiful gift ideas for sale, there is plenty to experience at the Heissa Holzmarkt: for example, you can watch films or listen to fairy tales, marvel at artists, and dance to the beats of various DJs.

  • Dates: November 14 – December 21
  • Opening hours: Wed-Fri 4pm-10pm; Sat 2pm-10pm; Sun 2pm-8pm
  • Admission: 3€
  • Location: Holzmarktstraße 25, 10243 Berlin

We wish you a wonderful Christmas season and hope you enjoy visiting the Christmas markets! ✨🎀🎅❄️🎄

Thanksgiving in Berlin

On the fourth Thursday of November, people in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving – probably the biggest national holiday. As an American living abroad, you might be missing the usual holiday festivities around this time. Thankfully, there are a lot of American expats that brought the tradition to Berlin with them. Here are a few places that offer authentic American Thanksgiving food as well as tips on where to find ingredients if you want to cook for yourself!

Enjoying Thanksgiving with the help of a restaurant…

P.S. If you plan on visiting one of these restaurants during thanksgiving, make sure to make a reservation ahead of time – spots can fill up quick!

1. Masha’s Bagels and Delicatessen

Masha’s Bagels hosts a traditional U.S. Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 27th. They have seatings from 11 AM to 4 PM, and they offer a special Thanksgiving plate with all the classics: herb-roasted turkey, sourdough stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, gravy, cranberry sauce and a barely-mushroom knish. For dine-in, the plate (including a dessert) costs 25€/each, and for pre-ordered takeaway, the cost is 30€/each. It´s first come – first serve, so there are no reservations possible!

2. Hard Rock Café

As an alternative, check out Hard Rock Café, which serves thanksgiving meals from November 24th to November 30th. Enjoy slow-roasted turkey breast, pumpkin pie and the seasonal Autumn Apple Fizz cocktail! One meal is 22.75€/each and you have to make reservations.

3. Barcomi’s

Barcomi’s are famous for their American-style cakes and pies which you can order for pick-up or delivery in their online shop. Special Thanksgiving menu items are available!

Thanksgiving – for all who prefer to cook themselves

The turkey…

Germans eat turkey for Christmas, if at all, so it’s good to organize your bird in advance. Most Fleischereien will be able to sort a bird out if you give them a week’s notice. Plan on 500 grams per person when ordering, more if you’re fond of leftovers.

… and where to get it:

  • Kaufland, several locations across Berlin: In this huge grocery store you can often find frozen turkeys in the meat section. Expect to pay between 8-10 Euros per kg of turkey.
  • Kaufhauf des Westens (KaDeWe), Tauentzienstraße 21, Schöneberg: This famed department store also has a delicatessen, along with plenty of other international food options that make it the perfect place to pick up your thanksgiving essentials. Open: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Tel. 030 21210 (poultry counter)
  • Fleischerei Domke, Warschauer Str. 64, Friedrichshain: They say it’s best to come by in person to place an order, but Domke always has a few turkeys (presumably frozen) on hand. Open: Mon-Fr 6am-9pm, Sat 7am-9pm, Su 9am-9pm, Tel. 030 2917635.

Make your own vegan loaf:

This hearty vegan lentil loaf is packed with healthy ingredients and holiday flavors. It’s even gluten-free too!

German guide to the Thanksgiving classics:

The stuffing/dressing

Since you can’t turn to admittedly-terrifying bags of stuffing mix, you’ll want a sturdy white bread that won’t fall to bits nor stay too stodgy. We suggest cubing Soluna’s La Boule or else what’s called französisches Landbrot, which is sold at many organic bakeries. Vacuum-packed chestnuts are easy to find in Berlin grocery stores and often more affordable than in the States, so they’re suited well as an addition to your stuffing.

The mashed potatoes

Look out for potatoes described as mehlig or mehligkochend (i.e. floury potatoes): they’re the best substitute for russets.

The pumpkin pie

You can find canned pumpkin at KaDeWe and Broken English. As a cheaper alternative, fresh pumpkins are available at most general supermarkets at this time of the year.

The sweet potatoes

If you want to make a sweet potato casserole, Süßkartoffel and marshmallows are sold in most grocery stores in the city.

The cranberry sauce

Cranberries can be found at most large grocery stores like Edeka and Kaufland, as well as most organic shops.

Staying in Berlin over Break? Here are some places to check out

You’ve made it through the first half of the semester! Yay!

Now it’s time to rest and enjoy 10 days in Berlin with no (or very few) responsibilities. Berlin is a city that never sleeps, and there are always plenty of interesting things to do, even if you stay here.

Exhibitions

In Berlin art teems in all corners, and it’s hard to be aware of all the things there are to do, and all the art performances and exhibitions you can see.

Here’s a list of exhibitions I would see if I were in Berlin these days.

  • Yero Adugna Eticha: Black in Berlin / Fotografiska Berlin – until November 10th

The exhibition showcases portraits of black people in Berlin. It all began 15 years ago with an idea: Yero Adugna Eticha wanted to make Black people in Germany visible. When around 15,000 people took to the streets in Berlin during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, the project took shape. He suddenly saw the size of the Black community and distributed several thousand postcards on the streets of Berlin to people he identified as Black. The message: an invitation to the studio.

You can find more information about the exhibition here: Yero Adugna Eticha – Black in Berlin | Fotografiska Berlin | Fotografiska Berlin

  • Global Fascisms / HKW Haus der Kulturen der Welt until December 7th

The exhibition Global Fascisms presents a critical examination of the aesthetic, social, and political dynamics of fascism, focusing on its impact and ideological functioning. One of its main objectives is to understand fascism not only as a historical phenomenon, but also as an ongoing global threat that transcends a historically limited definition and manifests itself today in various political, cultural, and social contexts. The exhibition focuses on historical and current contexts in which right-wing extremist ideologies thrive, questioning concepts such as ‘identity,’ ‚community,‘ and ‚belonging.‘

Global Fascisms | HKW Haus der Kulturen der Welt

  • Christopher Bauer: Kollektion / DARK MATTER Berlin

The journey through the COLLECTION is an experience in seven chapters—sometimes meditative, sometimes hypnotic, but always intense. Each work of art is structured according to its own dramaturgy, which unfolds over a longer period of time. In the velvety black rooms of a former factory site, visitors are immersed in a world of light, movement, and sound. The spectrum of artworks, some of which are interactive, ranges from intimate, small light compositions and walk-in, interactive objects to room-filling, audiovisual light shows with a 3D sound system that is unique worldwide.

Visitors are invited to linger longer in each room and allow the different facets of the works to sink in. Those who want to experience all the works on display in their entirety should spend at least 1.5 hours in the exhibition.

Kollektion | DARK MATTER Berlin

  • Van Gogh: Between Genius, Masterpieces and Madness / New Media Art Center

Walk through the final years of Vincent van Gogh’s life — a time of turmoil, genius, and unforgettable beauty. Discover the man behind the myth in a deeply personal and emotional journey. Experience Van Gogh’s most iconic works like never before — brought to life through cutting-edge 360° projections, soundscapes, and motion. Stand beneath Starry Night and feel the brushstrokes surround you. This is not just an exhibition — it’s a multisensory space where technology, storytelling, and emotion blend into an unforgettable experience. Let Vincent’s letters, colors, and passion move you.

Van Gogh Immersive in Berlin

Go to a festival!

  • Festival of Lights 2025 – from October 8th to October 15th

Let’s shine together!

Under this motto, Berlin celebrates the 21st Festival of Lights 2025! This year, everything revolves around unity, community, and connection. Through the diversity of light art, we tell stories that build bridges and showcase the beauty of Berlin.

Berlin will become a place for encounters and shared experiences. The Festival of Lights invites you to create connections – between people, cultures, and generations. Because light knows no barriers and unfolds its full power when shared. Experience the strength of togetherness – for together we shine the brightest!

Festival of Lights 2025

  • Voices Berlin Festival 2025 – from October 24th to November 16th

The Voices Berlin Festival is an international platform for contemporary performing arts and music. Artists from more than 20 countries present their work at numerous venues throughout Berlin. The productions range from performative sound installations and avant-garde theater experiments to dance projects. The festival, which took place for the first time in 2023, represents a variety of artistic perspectives and sees itself as a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

Voices Berlin Festival

Enjoying Berlins flea markets

Berlin’s flea markets are world renowned, and I’m sure many of you have visited a few already, but there are always new flea market finds to be made. It can be hard to pick which flea market you want to visit, but I’ve written down a few that I think are worth checking out.

  • Boxhagener Platz (every Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
  • Flohmarkt im Mauerpark (every Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
  • Nowkoelln Flowmarkt (every second Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • RAW-Flohmarkt (every Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Trödelmarkt am Marheinekplatz (every Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; every Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Wochenmarkt am Kollwitzplatz (every Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Regardless of wether you stay in Berlin or travel somewhere new, I know you will have an amazing week, full of new sights and experiences. Don’t forget to take sometime to relax and wind down – you deserve it!