It had been nine years since I last set foot in Berlin. The last time, much like this one, was short but sweet, and I fell in love with the city. This time, exploring the eastern side, I discovered a vibrant, intense city brimming with immigrant cuisine and people basking in the rare sunshine.
I spent a few days celebrating my birthday after a grueling week of work and events. My mantra was simple: eat, drink, repeat. This time, I was with a mix of locals and international friends, and our perceptions of the city’s culinary landscape varied. Celebrating friendships and diverse foods reminded me why traveling is such a powerful experience.
Brunch—ah, brunch. It tried, failed, tried again, and finally cemented itself as the reigning queen of any restaurant aiming for that modern chic vibe or willing to deal with the most demanding clientele. Yes, brunch-goers are picky; they want dinner service with a breakfast menu. The only difference is that it’s socially acceptable to drink at 11 AM.
As a breakfast enthusiast, I love brunch. Call it brinner (brunch and dinner), elevensies (thanks, Hobbits), or just a massive spread of toast, salads, mimosas, and pastries.
In Berlin, I had two brunches and one brunch-disguised-as-lunch. I had already had a on-the-go hotel breakfast just to get the day going and was ready for all the german brunch ahead.
Day 1: Neumanns
I don’t speak German (wish I did), so I asked for an English menu. No Spanish menu, which would’ve been closer to Portuguese (my mother language). My friend recommended the toast with a massive slice of goat cheese, and despite browsing the entire menu, I couldn’t resist ordering it (I can be so influenced by other people suggestions on food they already tried and loved). The oat milk latte was superb. Bread and salad, which took a while to arrive, is the ultimate combo.
After the first cup of coffee, your stomach finally accepts that you can eat something other than just toast, and then you are ready for whatever brunch takes you.
Day 2: Datscha
Russian breakfast, brunch, or lunch—in Germany.
With all the political issues, even Chicken Kiev got a name change. I was thrilled to see vareniki, which I learned to make in a french bistro in São Paulo that the owner is jewish (so, many recipes from grandma, like varenikis and matzo ball soup). And borscht, that sour beet and beef broth soup with possible Ukrainian roots.
My solo stomach opted for the "Breakfast on the Beach": cured salmon, scrambled eggs, avocado, house-made trout mousse, brioche, blini with cream cheese, horseradish, and sesame.
Only.
The trout mousse was a delightful surprise. The service was surly, but I chalked it up to the Russian vibe and enjoyed another oat milk latte (300 ml of happiness).
Day 3: Aleppo Supper Club
This was a lunch disguised as brunch, and I was well-prepped with a strong cup of coffee. It was incredible. A small Syrian family-run place with impeccable service and mouth-watering dishes that we shared (is there any other way?).
Our group had vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores. We ordered widely and I had the best baba ghanoush of my life. Haloumi, tahini-coated falafel, pomegranate galore, grape leaf rolls, shakshuka, vegan fritters, and lamb dishes (which I didn’t touch—because lamb and all its family I just cannot).
This Syrian feast was something I’d return for anytime. In São Paulo there are a few restaurants from immigrants and they are so nice, but simpler and cheaper.
I'd come back anytime to Aleppo.
Thais’ Top Tops TTT
The best Berlin newsletter—The Next Day Berlin
Lalai Person, who used to write "Chicken or Pasta," has an amazing Substack called Espiral, but this one is for the people living in Berlin and it's in English. It’s packed with Berlin tips and much more.
Berlin Airport - Tempelhofer Feld
For those stuck in São Paulo/London/NYC trafiic, who occasionally escape to a major park, you’ll love this former airport turned park. It’s got grass, terrible bathrooms, and people barbecuing and dancing (no one exercising). An airport turning park, with party people meeting healthy people, german style.
A Win Wenders perfect movie, but in Japan
Thanks for reading!
I look forward to sharing more about food, innovation, new places, chefs, and perhaps even interviews.
See you next time!
Tschüß