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!

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.

Do your weekly grocery shopping at the turkish market at Maybachufer

Wochenmarkt am Maybachufer: Der Türkenmarkt | BERLIN ICK LIEBE DIR
Source: https://berlin-ick-liebe-dir.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/berlin-wochenmarkt-maybachufer-tuerkenmarkt-titelbild.jpg

Why not ditch your local supermarket that is only five minutes from your house and go on a shopping adventure to the Turkish market in Kreuzberg/Neukölln (even if not for your weekly grocery shopping, then at least for the experience). The Turkish market at Maybachufer is a mix of stalls selling a variety of different things, from household items to fabrics, to books, and of course, lots of, lots of food (including cooked lunch options). Most of the fruit and vegetable is unbelievably cheap in comparision to normal supermarkets. We remember times, where former roommates used to come home with 10 mangos for only 5€ (noone can eat this many mango though). It can get a little crowded, once local shoppers and curious tourists are all heading down the rather narrow path between the stalls. However, this just gives you the time to slow down your pace and immerse yourself into the numerous food options.

Ein Stück Orient mitten in Berlin « Irgendwo – Nirgendwo
Source: https://i0.wp.com/www.irgendwo-nirgendwo.de/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/tuerkenmarkt-berlin-maybachufer-056_s.jpg
Where? Turkish Market, Maybachufer, 12047 Berlin
When? Every Tuesday and Friday from 11am - 5:30pm

Take the time for some real or vegan schnitzel

SCHNITZELEI MITTE, Berlin - Mitte (Bezirk) - Restaurant Bewertungen,  Telefonnummer & Fotos - Tripadvisor
Source: https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/17/4d/18/1a/schnitzelei.jpg

One of our favourite restaurants to go to with a group of friends is the Schnitzelei. Not only do they serve the probably most delicious Schnitzel you can find in Berlin (they are huuuge), but  they also make their own Schnaps from all different kinds of fruits (Obstler). When you order the Obstler, they serve it in a big bottle that marks each 5cl.  By the end of the night, you only pay what you ended up drinking  Plus, the first round is usually on the waiter/ waitress. The best day to go is Monday – it’s their Schnitzeltag.  This means  their Schnitzels cost only 13.31 € instead of 19.50 € (and you are free to choose either potatoe salad or pan-fried potatoes on top of your order).  Additionally, you will be handed a small beer on the house upon arrival.  For all the vegetarians and vegans under us or for those who are simply not big fans of a Schnitzel, they offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan Schnitzels and loooots of other super yummy dishes. Check out their menu.

Where? Schnitzelei Charlottenburg, Röntgenstraße 7, 10587 Berlin
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 4pm – 12am and Saturday – Sunday 12pm – 11pm

or

Where? Schnitzelei Mitte, Chausseestraße 8, 10115 Berlin
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 4pm – 12am and Sunday 12pm – 10.30pm

The Cake Guide to Germany

Bienenstich

This cake translates to “bee-sting” and ironically does not contain any honey. Classic yeast dough with a lot of vanilla cream and a caramelized almond flake crust on top.

Bienenstich ohne Hefe | Rezept - eat.de
Source: https://eat.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/bienenstich-ohne-hefe-3513.jpg

Käsekuchen

Made with the German dairy product “quark,” German cheesecake is significantly less sweet than its American counterpart. Please don’t leave Germany without trying it at least once.

Omas Käsekuchen: Seelenwärmer Rezept | EAT SMARTER
Source: https://images.eatsmarter.de/sites/default/files/styles/max_size/public/omas-kaesekuchen-58621.jpg

Frankfurter Kranz

To commemorate the city of Frankfurt am Main as the coronation site of the German Kaiser, this “Frankfurt Wreath” is supposed to depict a crown. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s favorite cake from his hometown is basically all buttercream and almond brittle.

Klassischer Frankfurter Kranz Rezept | Dr. Oetker
Source: https://www.oetker.de/Recipe/Recipes/oetker.de/de-de/baking/image-thumb__150576__RecipeDetail/klassischer-frankfurter-kranz.jpg

Donauwelle

The “Danube wave” gets its name from the wavy layer of vanilla and chocolate cake. Topped with buttercream and a chocolate glaze.

Donauwelle nach Omas Rezept Rezept | EAT SMARTER
Source: https://images.eatsmarter.de/sites/default/files/styles/max_size/public/donauwelle-nach-omas-rezept-65217.jpg

Berliner

The rest of Germany calls them “Berliner” and Berliners call them “Pfannkuchen”. Made from yeast dough and in its most classic form filled with red fruit marmalade. Traditionally eaten on NYE  or during the carnival season (though not in Berlin!).

Berliner von CookBakery | Chefkoch
Source: https://img.chefkoch-cdn.de/rezepte/3284331487844428/bilder/993659/crop-960×720/berliner.jpg

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte

The “Black Forest Cherry” Cake is probably Germany’s most famous cake. Made with “cherry water” (very much not water, actually high percentage alcohol) and – you guessed it – a lot of buttercream.

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte - das klassische Rezept
Source: https://images.lecker.de/,id=d14ce90c,b=lecker,w=610,cg=c.jpg

When the bagel hunger strikes you…

Shakespeare and Sons is an English-language bookstore located close to the railway station Warschauer Straße in Berlin-Friedrichshain, selling a wide variety of new and used books and offering a great selection of the best (allegedly) bagels in town. And granted, bagel dreams do come true when you stand in front of their bagel display. The hard part comes when you need to decide for your kind of bagel: poppy seed or sesame? Onion or rosemary? Plain or cinnamon raisin? You finish your order by picking your spread to go with it (for example standard cream cheese, avocado, hummus, goat cheese, and a few special compilations). This sounds mouth-watering to us, but don’t come super hungry, as there probably will be a waiting line.

Where? Warschauerstrasse 74, 10243 Berlin
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-8pm 
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Useful apps for your stay abroad

Going Local Berlin – is an unconventional travel guide. 700 personal tips for Berlins 12 boroughs. The app includes personal Berlin tips for „Hidden Places“; „Must-Sees“ and „Food & Drink“ as well as annual event highlights.
BVG FahrInfo Plus – is a free app that covers all public transportation in Berlin and helps you to easily navigate your way through the city.
The Berlin Wall – is an interactive map that shows the exact location of the Wall. Photos, audio clips and texts about the respective site are stored at historically important locations between Brandenburger Tor and Potsdamer Platz.   
Splitwise – is a free tool to track bills and other shared expenses, so that everyone gets paid back. Perfect for friends travelling together.
  
Happycow – is a worldwide restaurant finder for vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
Komoot – Hike &Bike GPS Maps- is an app that provides you with offline maps, turn-by-turn navigation and recommendations on hikes, cycling routes and mountain bike trails.   
Street Art Berlin – displays 25 walls to help you discover giant paintings, wonderful cut-outs and lovely stencils. This guide will take you right to the hotspots of the Berlin Street Art.
Berlin History Guide – is an interactive city guide directed by the GPS in your smartphone.

 

Kamino – is the perfect app for those of you who love to walk and explore the city without public transport. It offers walking tours created by travel experts and locals – stops for shopping and enjoying yummy food is guaranteed.
DB navigator App – is a convenient app by Deutsche Bahn (the German railway service) that makes plannung your weekend get-aways a little easier.

 

Living room feels at Frollein Langner

As is the case for so many of Berlin’s bar establishments – when you enter Frollein Langner for the first time, you don’t quite know if you have just stepped into your Grandma’s living room or have found a cool bar in Berlin Neukölln. Here, the latter is the case. Fun fact: next to the many cosy sofas and sofa chairs, a bath tub also belongs to the bar’s interior. However, due to the numerous comfortable seating options, we think it should be neglected. They have a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and even small food options (which are cooked at the place next door).

They sometimes do special events, like pub quizzes and music events. For this keep up to date on their Instagram.

Where? Weisestr. 34, 12049 Berlin, Neukölln
Opening Hours:  Monday-Friday 4pm-2am, Saturday-Sunday Noon-4am, Public Holidays 4pm-Midnight.
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Suggestion for humus lovers: Yafo Berlin

There are, obviously, tons of places in Berlin where you can get yourself some real‘ good Humus (bad as well, I might add, but to find those places we leave up to you).  This being said, at Yafo Berlin you can enjoy delicious Humus AND a very cozy environment. This certainly invites for a long and extensive humus feast. Prices lie above the usual Berlin humus price, but in return you get some top-notch quality for your money. One humus plate is probably enough for two people, if each has another main course to go with it (we learned this the hard way, struggeling to finish our own). As far as the humus dish is concerned, we highly (!) recommend their „Yafo über alles“: Humus garnished with slow roasted cauliflower, matbucha, zchug and tahini.

Where? Gormannstraße 17B,10119 Berlin.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday Noon - 3am.
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Share a meal at La Lucha

Let us start by saying that it is probably a good idea to reserve a table at La Lucha, as it seems to get extremely busy. The high demand is justified though, as La Lucha adds a very interesting and, more importantly, very delicious twist to Mexican staples.

Large corn tortilla with baby corn, baby zucchini, shimeji mushrooms and chilie poblano

What seems to become a trend right now – La Lucha orientates itself toward authentic flavors, but takes them up a notch. For example, what would you say about ‚blue corn tortilla with smoked ricotta, melted gouda, crispy parmesan and figs‘? We’d say „yes, please!!“ Modern cuisine might often have the problem that it wants to be too modern, too pretty and too visual and then forgets all about the flavour. As far as we are concerned, this certainly is not the problem here. The food tastes as good as it looks, if not better.

Guacamole; Tacos with miso glazed sweet potato, cucumber & celery salsa fresca, peanuts and habanero; Blue corn tortilla with smoked ricotta, melted gouda, crispy parmesan and figs

We also especially like the restaurant’s belief in sharing food. To encourage this, every order is served as soon as it is ready, without a schedule in mind. We thus recommend to order a bunch of smaller meals and then share everything once it is on the table (have we mentioned the blue tortillas!? Because they are amazing).

In Spanish, La Lucha means “the struggle.” Mexicans are passionate and hard working people, and they use the term La Lucha in a positive way, to refer to their drive to achieve what they believe in. We share the drive and passion of the Mexican people, and strive everyday to bring you an honest, delicious and authentic Mexican experience. La Lucha is our struggle to bring Berlin a taste of the real Mexico.

Where? Paul-Lincke-Ufer 39–41, 10999 Berlin.
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 6pm – 10pm, Friday & Saturday
6pm - 11pm