And The Culinary Renaissance of Berlin After Reunification
Historic overview
In the real old days Berlin – Brandenburg, like most other regions, had a kitchen that emphasized hearty taste and saturation rather than refinement. That has changed with increased standard of living and adaption of international traditions. The Berlin food and culinary scene has changed dramatically since the reunification. However the change started much earlier than that for instance with the 17th century immigration of the Huguenots, who brought their cooking traditions with them.
With the founding of the German Empire, Berlin became the capital of a world empire and the arrival from different provinces expanded the city’s cooking tradition, and Berlin cuisine began to internationalize. Jewish and Eastern European types of preparation were added, which expanded.
The Huguenot influence
To be a bit more specific about the Huguenot influence:
They brought rustic dishes centered around pork, goose, fish (such as carp and pike), peas, beans, and potatoes. These ingredients became staples in traditional Berlin cuisine. And the Huguenots refined Berlin’s confectionery, adding their expertise in sweets and desserts.
Influence from Turkey
Talking about the international influence, we must mention the Ottoman or Turkish kitchens influence on the Berlin Kitchen and eating habits. By the 1970s, Turkish immigrants had become a significant part of Berlin’s population, particularly in West Berlin´s neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Neukölln. Their influence on Berlin’s cuisine is profound and delicious! One of the most iconic contributions is the Döner Kebap, a popular street food that has become synonymous with Berlin. The Döner Kebap is a grilled meat sandwich, typically made with lamb or beef, served in flatbread with various toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and sauces.
Turkish cuisine has also introduced a variety of sweets and pastries to Berlin, such as baklava and Turkish delight, which are now widely enjoyed. The presence of Turkish restaurants, bakeries, and food stalls has enriched Berlin’s culinary landscape, offering a taste of Turkey and Ottoman cuisine.
Vietnamese Influence
There are many Vietnamese restaurants in Berlin and it has its history. In the 1980s, the East German government and the Communist government of Vietnam struck a deal to bring Vietnamese immigrants to East Berlin as temporary contract workers (Vertragsarbeiter). These workers were brought in to fill labor shortages in East Germany’s industries.
Many Vietnamese immigrants came to East Berlin during this period, and some South Vietnamese who fled the Vietnam War also settled in West Berlin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, many Vietnamese immigrants lost their legal residence statuses and jobs.
However, some managed to stay and established small businesses in the newly unified Berlin.Today, the Vietnamese community is one of the largest South East Asian communities in Berlin, with significant populations in areas like Lichtenberg, Mitte, and Marzahn-Hellersdorf. The community has made notable contributions to Berlin’s economy, particularly through small businesses like convenience stores, flower shops, and restaurants.
Roaring Twenties and Nazi Period
In the 1920s, Berlin was one of the largest cities in the world. Numerous large hotels and restaurants offered different dishes.[4] The Nazi regime and the Second World War of annihilation that followed put an end to this culinary diversity. While in the eastern part, as the de facto capital of the GDR, the upscale gastronomy almost completely disappeared and international influences did not appear for decades, the restaurant scene in the west recovered slowly from this break.
The Cold War Period
The first restaurants for fine cuisine opened in the rebuilt City Westafter the war. During the division of Berlin, the delicatessen department of KaDeWe remained one of the largest of its kind in the world and is still very popular with city residents and tourists alike.[5]
The Berlin currywurst is said to have been invented in 1949 by Herta Heuwer from Königsberg, who was running a small snack stand in Charlottenburg at the time.[6]
In 1958, the Café Kranzler opened on Kurfürstendamm, which wanted to follow the pre-war coffeehouse culture. The café established itself in the following years as a West Berlin institution.[7]
After the Reunification and to the Present
The fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the city. As East and West Berlin merged, so did their culinary traditions. The reunification brought about an amalgamation of diverse flavors and cooking styles that reflected the city’s newfound unity. The city opened up to the world and began to embrace a wide variety of international cuisines.
We have already mentioned Turkish and Vietnamese but French, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines have found a prominent place in the city’s gastronomic offerings. And not to forget Indian, Chinese and American
ones (Steakhouses)…………….and numerous others.
The post-reunification period also witnessed the rise of street food culture in Berlin. Markets such as Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg became hubs for food enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of street food options. These markets not only provided a platform for local chefs and food entrepreneurs but also fostered a sense of community and cultural exchange.
In recent years, Berlin has emerged as a hotspot for innovative and experimental cuisine. The city’s culinary landscape is now dotted with Michelin-starred restaurants, food trucks, and pop-up eateries. Chefs in Berlin are known for their creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional cooking, resulting in a dynamic and ever-evolving food scene.
Moreover, Berlin’s commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients has further enriched its culinary offerings. Farmers’ markets and organic food stores are prevalent, reflecting the city’s dedication to promoting healthy and environmentally friendly eating habits.
In conclusion, the development of Berlin’s food scene after reunification is a testament to the city’s resilience and ability to adapt and embrace change. From traditional German dishes to international flavors and cutting-edge culinary innovations, Berlin’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry that continues to captivate and inspire.
Content: Edited sources from AI, Wikipedia and Huguenot history
