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

Knöpfle & Cheese

While not extremely rich in vitamins, this is a very quick, filling, and simple dish. It’s like the student version of the famous and (if done properly) quite challenging „Käsespätzle“ that you will find in restaurants and homes across Austria, Bavaria, and especially Baden-Württemberg in the southwest of Germany – but please don’t tell anyone living there I said that or they’ll come after me with pitchforks and burning torches! (It’s probably also a German version of Mac’n’Cheese, but I suppose less creamy…)

To speak of „cooking“ here might actually be stretching the term a bit, but it’s the perfect meal if you are hungry, tired, and can’t wait to put your feet up after dinner (which you’ll probably have to do after this anyway). My kids love it – and if they can agree on a dish, that tells you everything…

I admit that I use „convenience“ ingredients (just because they make this so simple and quick, and you can always have them in stock in your fridge to fall back on after a long day). If you’re averse to those, skip to the next recipe.

I use „Knöpfle“ egg noodles – you can usually find them in the fridge section of any supermarket. Don’t be shy to take the no-name house brand of your supermarket if it has one – it‘ll cost a fraction of the more expensive ones and usually taste as well (the cheese does it, anyway, so you might want to spend a bit more on your favourite variety there). I prefer „Knöpfle“ (smaller and round) to „Spätzle“ (longer) simply because the cheese melts more nicely around them, but that’s personal taste and „Spätzle“ are fine, too, if you can’t find „Knöpfle“.

As for the cheese, you want the kind that melts well and has great flavor (so no „light“ or fat-reduced versions, and pure Mozzarella is too bland for my taste – my favourite is Emmentaler but Gouda works well, too).

For both the egg noodles and the cheese, you can find vegan options in larger supermarkets.

Ingredients (2-3 servings):

• A pack of „Knöpfle“ fresh egg noodles – 400-500g will yield two big portions, or three normal ones if you have a side salad, too (thus, a great recipe for a team of cooks/eaters)
• A pack of grated cheese („Reibekäse“) – 250g will make for a very cheesy experience, so if you prefer a bit less, look for smaller portions of 200 or 150 grams
• Cooking oil (I use sunflower)
• Optional: Bacon cubes

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Simple

1. Heat a little oil in a frying pan, medium heat (e.g., 5 out of 9).
2. Add the „Knöpfle“ (or „Spätzle“), pour a little oil over them, too, and separate them with your cooking utensil (e.g., a wooden spoon or spatula) so they don’t stick together in a big lump any more.
3. Fry for 5-6 minutes, turning them over occasionally, until they have a golden-brown look.
4. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the „Knöpfle“ (or „Spätzle“), stir both together gently and turn down the heat to the minimum possible. If the cheese has molten (stir again if you’re afraid it might burn) and pulls threads when you lift a spoonful of the noodles, you’re ready to serve! Don’t wait too long or the cheese will get too hard.

Guten Appetit! (And seriously, have a salad on the side for some vitamins.)

Optional: If you find this too boring and are not a vegetarian or vegan, you can fry a handful of bacon cubes in the oil for 2-3 minutes (but don’t let them get too crunchy) before moving on to step 2.

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Potato or Pasta Salad

This is a great and quick dish for the spring and summer, but we also have it at Christmas or actually any other time of the year that we feel like it. You eat it cold, together with any kind of (meat, vegetarian, or vegan) „Würstchen“ or sausage (my favourite being Wiener Würstchen), „Bulette“ (small ground meat steak), Bratwurst, Schnitzel, steak, or whatever you like. Some people say it tastes better after a day, so if you can or need to prepare ahead, no problem (just keep it in the fridge and maybe add some more mayo or yoghurt before serving).

This is just the basic recipe as my kids like it most, but you can add a lot of things to your liking – small peas, cooked ham, sweetcorn, diced or sliced cheese, pineapple bits from the tin, pickles etc. etc.

Ingredients (1 bowl for 2-3 as a side dish)

• 600g potatoes or 300g pasta of your liking, e.g. Farfalle or Penne
• 1-2 apples, according to taste
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons plain yoghurt
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (the taste will change slightly along with the variety, e.g. white vine vinegar, apple vinegar, raspberry vinegar and so on)
• Salt, pepper
• Optional: Some parsley to sprinkle on top (I recommend frozen parsley; it’s always fresh, already cut small, and handy)

Preparation time: 20-25 minutes

Difficulty: Simple

1. Cover the potatoes with cold water in a pot. Add two pinches of salt. Bring to the boil and let boil at low to medium heat for about 20 minutes. Let cool, then peel of the skin and cut into slices. IF YOU USE PASTA, bring about 2 litres of water to the boil, add 3 pinches of salt and the pasta and reduce the heat until the water is still slightly bubbling. Cook for as long as specified on the pasta pack (usually somewhere between 8 and 12 minutes). Drain, shower with cold water, and let cool.
2. Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, yoghurt, and vinegar together and refine with salt and pepper, if need be.
3. Cut the apple into small pieces (I leave the skin on but if you don’t like that, you need to peel them first) and add to the potatoe slices or pasta.
4. Pour the sauce over the potatoes or pasta and apples and mix well. Sprinkle with parsley if you like.

Guten Appetit!

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„Italian“ Potatoes

No idea where the name comes from, but this is a great way to use leftover potatoes, tomatoes, and grated cheese from other recipes. All you need is an ovenproof dish, an oven and a knife. Oregano is one of my favourite herbs – the dried taste of summer (perhaps therefore the name…).

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 400g boiled potatoes (I always leave the skin on since it contains lots of vitamins and other good stuff and adds a certain richness to the taste)
• 4 slices of cured ham (I love Prosciutto Crudo, but you can choose whichever you like best)
• 200g tomatoes (regular size)
• Salt, pepper, oregano
• 100g grated cheese (Gouda or Emmentaler are best in my experience)
• Some oil to grease the dish

Preparation time: 30-40 minutes

Difficulty: Simple

1. Grease the ovenproof dish with about a spoonful of oil.
2. Cut the potatoes into slices and place them into the dish, slightly overlapping (so they look like roof tiles).
3. Cut the ham into slices and lay them on the potatoes.
4. Cut the tomatoes into slices, cut off any of the hard pale green bits of the skin where the stalk was attached, and place them onto the ham.
5. Sprinkle with oregano, salt and pepper and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius (about 350 degrees Fahrenheit, gas mark 4).
6. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the dish and bake for another 10 minutes until golden-brown.

Keep an eye on your dish the first time you prepare this – ovens differ, and you don’t want to burn the cheese. Adjust the baking time if necessary.

Guten Appetit!

Giorgia´s Recipes

Bruschetta

You probably know it as „bruscetta,“ but the correct Italian pronunciation is actually „bruschetta“, with a hard „ch“ sound, like „k“ (Italians can get super touchy when it comes to food. Trust me, don’t say I didn’t warn you!). It’s a simple and delicious snack, typically served as an appetizer in Italy, and it’s perfect for students who need a quick, tasty, and budget-friendly meal. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of rustic bread (or any bread you prefer)
• 2-3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil (about 3 tablespoons)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Balsamic vinegar

1. Start by lightly toasting the slices of bread until they’re crispy on the outside, but still soft inside. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on the bread before toasting to give it some extra flavor.
2. While the bread is toasting, chop up your tomatoes and put them in a bowl. Add a handful of fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces.
3. Once the bread is toasted, take a garlic clove and rub it lightly over the surface of each slice. The garlic will soak into the warm bread, giving it that classic bruschetta flavor.
4. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture onto the toasted bread. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve while the bread is still warm and crispy!

Additional Tips:

• You can top your bruschetta with some shredded mozzarella, goat cheese, or even ricotta for a creamy addition.
• Try adding other ingredients like olives, vegetables, such as roasted peppers, or zucchini.

Buon appetito!

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Polpette al sugo (Meatballs in Tomatosauce)

If there’s one dish that screams “comfort food”, that´s for me polpette al sugo – meatballs in tomato sauce. Whether you’re feeling homesick, craving something hearty, or simply in need of a quick, satisfying meal, this dish is your go-to. You might think it’s complicated, but trust me, these meatballs are super easy to make and perfect for a student budget. Plus, they’re the kind of dish that always impresses!

Ingredients for the meatballs:

• 500g (1 lb) of ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 egg (optional for the vegan version)
• ½ cup of bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, grated (optional for the vegan version)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Ingredients for the tomato souce:

• 400g (14 oz) of canned tomatoes (whole or chopped)
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to help bind it.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on a plate.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs and fry them on all sides until they’re browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked inside at this point; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
4. In another pan, heat a little olive oil and the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato paste, if using. Season with oregano, salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Once the tomato sauce is ready, gently add the fried meatballs into the pan. Cover the pan and let everything simmer together for 20-30 minutes, so the meatballs soak up all that delicious tomato goodness.
6. Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove from the heat. Serve the meatballs and sauce hot, garnished with fresh basil, if desired. You can enjoy them with a side of pasta, some crusty bread, or even just on their own for the ultimate comfort meal.

For a vegetarian and vegan version:

• Vegetarian Option: Instead of ground beef, use a mix of mashed beans (like chickpeas or lentils) and breadcrumbs, with a flax egg to hold everything together. You can also add grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
• Vegan Option: Use the same bean mixture as above, and for the cheese, substitute with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

Additional tips:

• If you want a lighter version, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Depending on how many people you’re feeding (or how hungry you are), you can adjust the size of the meatballs.
• Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
• These meatballs store really well in the fridge for a couple of days and even taste better the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld together!

Buon appetito!

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!

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!

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 13 to 23. 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:

• After This Death, by Lucio Castro – While on one of her usual mountain hikes, Isabel meets the enigmatic Elliott, a musician with whom she instantly feels a deep connection—only for him to vanish without a trace soon after. The disappointment forces her to confront the cracks in her married life, revealing her own vulnerabilities and insecurities. Now, she must embark on a journey of self-discovery and identity.

• Das Deutsche Volk, by Marcin Wierzchowski: The documentary chronicles the 2020 racist attack in Hanau, Germany, which left nine young people dead, as seen through the eyes of the victims‘ families and survivors. It highlights their ongoing struggle with grief, the fight for recognition, and the lack of support from authorities in the aftermath of the tragedy. The film is also an exposition of the inadequacies of a system unprepared for right-wing violence, leaving the victims‘ families to uncover the truth on their own.
• Dar Band. Citizen-Inmate, by Hesam Eslami: If we consider the world as a structure similar to the panopticon, where powers constantly surveil the subjugated, what would happen if the roles were reversed? What if the prisoners were the ones watching their guards, and the system of domination was turned upside down? This documentary confronts us with the rapid advancement of technology, a society struggling to keep up, and the overwhelming political systems, while exploring ways of resistance that can challenge established power.

If you’re interested in rediscovering pieces of Berlin’s past, or if you’d like to experience the city through the pages of books—carrying a piece of Berlin with you even when you leave, to cherish whenever you find yourself missing it back home—then this article is for you.

Berlin, with its multifaceted and dynamic nature, has inspired a variety of narratives that offer readers a journey through the city’s cultural and temporal depths. Below, I’ve gathered some book recommendations about Berlin: books set in Berlin, that talk about Berlin, and that explore life in the city from various perspectives.

– The Passenger: Berlin

The Passenger: Berlin is one of the books in The Passengers series, published by Iperborea and Europa Editions, which, if you haven’t yet discovered, I strongly recommend checking out. This series is a kind of travel guide, but far from the usual guides that simply point out the best places to eat or suggest set itineraries. Instead, The Passengers guides blend investigative pieces, newspaper articles, narratives, and reflections on a wide range of topics about the places they portray.

The Berlin guide combines photography, art, and reportage that intersect within the city. As Karl Scheffler once said, “Berlin is a place doomed to always become, never be”, and this book captures that spirit. Within its pages, you’ll find pieces tracing Berlin’s history from the 1990s onward—the roots of contemporary Berlin and the foundations of what we see today in a city still in flux, a place brimming with potential.

The Passenger: Berlin – AA.VV.

– Friederichstraße 19, Emma Harding

Set around number 19 Friedrichstraße, this story brings together a diverse cast of characters: a cabaret singer, a young Jewish woman, a porn photographer, an orphan taken in by his uncle, a newly divorced woman, and a terrorist. Their intertwined relationships, encounters, and conflicts weave a portrait of a city teeming with varied stories, contrasting experiences, and shadowed depths.

Friedrichstrasse 19 – Emma Harding

– Berlin Alexanderplatz, Alfred Döblin

Franz Biberkopf is back on the streets of Berlin, aiming for a fresh start after prison. But fate seems determined to pull him down, dragging him through a world, thugs, and outcasts. Enduring one setback after another, Franz struggles to stay on his feet until a final, devastating blow threatens to break him for good.

Berlin Alexanderplatz is a vivid portrayal of Berlin’s life and pulse, capturing its gritty streets, lively pubs, and chaotic rhythm in a mix of news reports, street slang, and Biblical references. First published in 1929, Alfred Döblin’s masterpiece immortalizes the soul of the city.

Berlin Alexanderplatz: Alfred Döblin, Michael Hofmann: 9780141191621: Amazon.com: Book

– Goodbye to Berlin, Christopher Isherwood

Set in Germany during the Weimar Republic, this book is partly autobiographical and examines some of the groups most vulnerable to intimidation, persecution, and violence from Adolf Hitler’s early Nazi followers, portraying their stories and struggles.

Goodbye to Berlin – Christopher Isherwood

– Effingers, Gabriel Tergit

If you’re in the mood to dive into a sweeping family saga that spans nearly a century, don’t miss the story of the Effinger family. Their journey moves from Bismarck’s Germany to the Second World War, tracing the gradual unraveling of bourgeois ideals through historical events, political upheavals, love, relationships, and hardships.

Effingers: Roman – Gabriele Tergit

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. Café am Neuen See

2. Masha’s Bagels and Delicatessen

3. Hard Rock Café

4. Barcomi’s

Thanksgiving – for all who prefer to cook themselves

The turkey…

… 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.

• Rogacki, Wilmersdorfer Str.145/46, Charlottenburg: At this traditional delicatessen in Charlottenburg, you should be able to find a turkey. Rogacki may have turkeys in stock, but it is recommended to place an order ahead. Open: Tue-Th 10am-6pm, Fr 9am-6pm, Sat 8am-2pm, Tel. 030 3438250

• 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: Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, Mon-Tue 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 6:30am-10pm, Sat 8am-9pm, Su 11am-9pm Tel. 030 2917635.

Make your own vegan loaf:

German guide to the Thanksgiving classics:

The stuffing/dressing

The mashed potatoes

The pumpkin pie

The sweet potatoes

The cranberry sauce

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.

• A World In Common: Contemporary African Photography / CO Berlin

The exhibition showcases works by over twenty African artists, aiming to redefine Africa’s representation in the global narrative. Inspired by Achille Mbembe’s philosophy of imagining a „world in common,“ it challenges stereotypes and highlights the continent’s diverse realities. Structured around themes of Identity and Tradition, Counterhistories, and Imagined Futures, it explores Africa’s past, present, and potential futures.

You can find more information about the exhibition here: A WORLD IN COMMON | C/O Berlin

• Käthe Kruse: It’s All Good Now / Berlinische Galerie

Käthe Kruse’s exhibition at the Berlinische Galerie is the first institutional showcase in Berlin honoring her work from the 1980s to the present. TIt highlights her multidisciplinary approach, blending performance, music, text, painting, and film, with a deliberate amateurism that challenges conventions. Her works, often tied to personal experiences, address social issues such as domestic violence, abortion, and war, using everyday objects transformed to new meanings.

Käthe Kruse. Jetzt ist alles gut – Ausstellungen in Berlin – Berlinische Galerie

• Helmut Newton: Polaroids / Museum für Fotografie – Helmut Newton Stiftung

Helmut Newton’s Polaroids will be on display at the Museum für Fotografie. This exhibition will feature his iconic Polaroid works alongside pieces by other renowned photographers like Robert Mapplethorpe, Mary Ellen Mark, David Hockney, and more.

Polaroids were often used by Newton as instant sketches or tests for his fashion shoots, experimenting with light and composition. Here you can observe the versatility of the Polaroid technique, showcasing its creative use across various genres, including landscape, still life, portrait, fashion, and nude photography.

Museumsportal Berlin – Museum – Museum für Fotografie

• Alfredo Jaar: The End of the World / Kindl – Zentrum für zeitgenössische Kunst

Alfredo Jaar’s new site-specific installation has been developed over five years of research, and it delves into the ecological and political crises that threaten the future of our planet. Jaar focuses on ten strategic metals—such as cobalt, lithium, and copper—that are essential for the digital and electric industries, drawing attention to the environmental destruction and human rights abuses tied to their extraction. Jaar highlights the global struggles over these resources and the disturbing possibility of future wars fought over their control.

Jaar — KINDL – Zentrum für zeitgenössische Kunst

Go to a festival!

• MaerzMusik – from 21.03. to 31.03.2025

MaerzMusik is an annual contemporary music festival held in Berlin, renowned for its approach to explore new and innovative musical ideas. It is a celebration of a diverse range of experimental works that merge classical traditions with modern and postmodern elements. It often emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaborations, bringing together composers, performers, and artists from all over the world. MaerzMusik is not just about music—it engages with pressing sociopolitical, cultural, and ecological themes, offering a platform for exploring how art can respond to contemporary challenges. With performances ranging from cutting-edge compositions to immersive sound installations, the festival invites to experience the future of music in dynamic and thought-provoking ways.

MaerzMusik

• European Month of Photography – from 1.03. to 31.03.2025

The European Month of Photography (EMOP) is Germany’s largest photography festival, taking place every two years in Berlin. In 2025, the festival marks its 11th edition with the theme „What Stands Between Us,“ focusing on political tensions and the fragility of democratic values.

EMOP Berlin

Enjoying the Outdoors

Go to a Flea Market!

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. Personally, I will be spending my next free days scouring the flea markets for the perfect fall appropriate leather jacket. 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.

You can find a selection of nice flea markets and vintage places in our previous article: A vintage lover’s guide to Berlin – FU-BEST BLOG (fu-berlin.de)

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!

Nowadays, the need to reduce compulsive clothing purchases from fast fashion stores is becoming more and more urgent. And let´s be honest: is it really worth it? In most cases, we end up wearing those clothes for a season – if we´re lucky, and then throwing them away. However, I truly believe that expressing the personality through style is a fun, creative way to show off who you are, to experiment with different side of yourself, and it can also be an original tool used to build self-esteem.

Whether you´re using your style to communicate who you are to the world, explore your inner self, or simply because you want to show off your vanity, it´s super important to know where to spend your money wisely. Indeed, why not find unique pieces that are both stylish and sustainable?

Thrifting in Berlin is a unique experience. The city is bursting with vintage shops, weekly markets, and street corners practically overflowing with second-hand clothes and all kind of items – often in excellent condition! You´ll discover vintage clothing that´s not only high-quality, but also unique. Whether you´re into retro, chic, or quirky, there´s something for everyone. Plus, a lot of these places are often packed with wonderful objects, jewelry, accessories, and home décor items.

Below, you´ll find a very small selection of vintage stores and markets I´ve discovered here in Berlin, that are definitely worth checking out.

• HFOC – Home Full of Clothes

In the Prenzlauer Berg area, you can’t miss HFOC, a unique store with an incredible selection of bags, sunglasses, and original shoes. Moreover, they often organise events with dj sets and live music.

Bonus tip: HFOC is currently teaming up with a Laundromat at Stargarderstr. 74, where you can snag some awesome vintage Adidas pieces!

Homefullofclothes – Google Maps

• UTI EXI

Founded in 2021, UTI EXI is a Berlin-based fashion brand that focuses on upcycling, creating one-of-a-kind fashion items by exclusively using existing materials. The name, derived from the Latin uti existentium meaning „use the existing,“ perfectly captures their philosophy of sustainability.

UTI EXI is dedicated to transforming the fashion industry by repurposing discarded textiles into fresh, modern clothing and accessories.

UTI EXI (@utiexi_official) • Instagram-Fotos und -Videos

• SCHÖNEBERG FLEA MARKET

Usually, it takes place every two Sundays, and it´s classified as an „art and second-hand market“. Here you can find a lot of cool stuffs, like second-hand clothes – in particular, vintage Levi´s denim! -, every kind of vintage items, collectibles, arts and crafts, and everyday used goods.

Flohmarkt Schöneberg – Google Maps

• ARKONAPLATZ FLEA MARKET

In Berlin-Mitte you can find every Sunday, all year round, the historical Arkonaplatz flea market. It offers a mix of antiques, books, art, vintage, furniture.

You´ll also find many unique items from the former East Germany (DDR), making it a treasure trove for collectors.

Arkonapl. – Google Maps

• RAW MARKET

Located not too far from Warschauer Straße station, the RAW Market is located in a underground venue, between bars and clubs.

The offer usually includes bags, clothes, jewelry, decorative objects, antiques. Moreover, it is plenty of food stands of snacks and street food from all over the world.

RAW-Gelände – Google Maps

• KARLSHORST MARKET

It is one of the most original flea market I found in Berlin. It is the place for anyone who loves high-quality antiques, and cultural treasures from every decade.

Here you´ll find rare books, artwork, antique mirrors, pocket watches, porcelain, silverware. Moreovere, there is a wide range of old postcards, stamps, coins, vinyl records, movie posters, beer steins, toys. There´s plenty of secondhand finds and retro goods from the 50s, 70s, and beyond.

Antikflohmarkt Trabrennbahn Berlin Karlshorst – Google Maps

• TUNTENHAUS

Tuntenhaus is one of the oldest – and sadly, one of the last – queer and gay housing project in Berlin. While it doesn´t have a regular flea market, it often hosts pop-up vintage markets where you can find just about anything. Plus, it´s a fantastic opportunity to support an historical space that stands as a symbol of Berlin´s queer resistance.

Tuntenhaus Bleibt – Google Maps

You’ve likely noticed it yourself during these first days: Berlin is an open-air museum. Every corner of this city unearths pieces of history that define its nature, telling stories of trauma, glory, and the passing of countless people who have shaped its complex and unique past. Berlin’s culture is the result of a rich, often contrasting, blend of influences — cultures, traditions, and ideas that have lived in and continue to live in this city.

A cornerstone of Berlin’s vibrant cultural identity is its underground and club scene, which has now become the city’s signature, attracting tourists from all over the world. I bet that you too were drawn here out of curiosity about Berlin’s legendary clubbing culture, among other reasons!

Indeed, you’re right: the city’s hedonistic, intense, alternative, and disorienting atmosphere is palpable in many corners, creating a unique backdrop for those seeking to experience something different.

However, Berlin’s club culture is much more than a recent tourist attraction or an economic boon, and it can’t be reduced to stories and myths about elusive entry strategies to the city’s exclusive clubs. The roots of Berlin’s nightlife are deeply intertwined with its historical trajectory. It all began in the 1990s: the Berlin Wall had fallen, and for the first time in decades, the divided halves of the city were reunited. There was an overwhelming sense of celebration, joy, and reunification in the air, mixed with the anxiety and unease that accompanied such a radical shift. The collapse of the Wall signaled not only the end of a geographical division but also an ideological and political one. This newfound unity breathed life into creativity that had long been buried under the weight of division. For this reason, abandoned Soviet buildings were repurposed into spaces for collective expression and community, where the past could be left behind, and where openness, fluidity, and freedom were celebrated.

The birth of Berlin’s club culture emerged from this period of transformation — from trauma, pain, and a basic human need for connection. The dancefloors of these newly occupied spaces became sacred, inclusive places where everyone was welcome, no matter their background. These spaces offered something liberating: a chance to escape constant surveillance and, instead, to connect with others and with oneself. Beyond the music and nightlife, Berlin’s clubs serve as vital sanctuaries for marginalized communities, particularly Black and queer groups. They create safe spaces that challenge societal norms and conventions, providing an escape from the pressures, and social norms of the sorrounding urban spaces. These venues offer a protective bubble where respect is mutual, and everyone can shed the labels the outside world may impose.

In the years since the fall of the Wall, Berlin’s club culture has evolved into a global phenomenon. While it’s easy to be captivated by its mystique and allure, it’s essential to recognize it as a product of the city’s history — a living, breathing expression of Berlin’s resilience, inclusivity, and unyielding creative spirit.

There are countless Berlin clubs worth visiting, and it’s important to highlight that, unlike many other cities you’ve probably been to, Berlin clubs aren’t just a reflection of the city’s nightlife. These venues are also spaces where you can spend afternoons or mornings immersed in freedom, good music, conversations with friends or the people you meet there. For me personally, they’re most places where I reconnect with positive energy that nourishes my soul. Here, I’ve decided to share my very personal list of the three Berlin clubs I enjoy the most.

Warning!: These spots break away from the usual Berlin club aesthetic that’s often talked about, and surprisingly, they’re vibrant, and colorful!

– Heideglühen

Right in the middle of the busy traffic of the Wedding district, hidden among scrap metal and shabby wooden shacks that give nothing away, lies Heide. Step inside, and you’ll find a dreamy, relaxed, and happy oasis, full of smiling faces and top-notch music, mostly house. Open from Saturday afternoon through to Sunday evening, it’s the perfect weekend escape. Lineups usually drop every Wednesday on their website and Instagram, so you can plan your groove in advance!

– Sisyphos

Almost on the edge of Friedrichshain, and right across from the tram tracks and sorrounded by chimneys and industrial vibes, you’ll spot Sisyphos from a mile away – thanks to the giant gate with two ducks and the circus tent peeking out from inside. Once you’re in, it’s a whole new world. Just imagine a little village with dance floors, chill-out nooks, a sandy beach open during the summer, and a cozy bar in the winter where you can sip on a hot tea or a coffee. More than a spot for electronic, house, ambient, and techno music, Sisy is a full-on artistic playground, with circus shows and magical performances.

https://sisyphos-berlin.net/

– Club der Visionäre

More than just a typical club, the Club der Visionäre is a super chill spot, perched on a platform over the river, making it the perfect hangout for summer days, late summer evenings, and even those autumn and spring afternoons. Completely open-air, it’s got a bar, multiple levels, and a steady lineup of DJ set covering all kinds of genres. It’s the kind of place where you can chill, have fun, listen to great music, and soak up the laid-back vibes of the sorroundings.

https://clubdervisionaere.com/