The Top Places For Authentic Turkish Food In Berlin

What better place to get great Turkish food than the Turkish market? The various stands offer vibrant and seasonal fruits and vegetables. It’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is the stomach. Butchers are also dotted along the street selling their Halal meat. Here, it’s easy to gather the ingredients for creating the perfect Turkish dish. There are also the prepared food stalls that offer everything from Gözleme to Backlava in case hunger immediately takes hold. The bold do both, that is, shop and eat; after all, multi-tasking is the way of the future. It’s open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11am-6:30pm.

Defne is a pleasant dining experience that goes beyond the usual offers of kebabs from a stand. The cuisine balances classic flavors and aesthetics, while the restaurant balances warmth and intimacy. From sautéed jumbo prawns to walnut stuffed figs with chocolate and vanilla sauce, Defne offers decadence without the pretentiousness. There’s an outdoor patio that faces the Landwehr Canal when it’s warm out. The food is hearty, fresh, and deliciously authentic.

At a glance, this place gives the appearance of being a Turkish candy shop. Beyond the barrels of iridescent and sugar-soaked mouth pleasures lies a modest restaurant with most of the clientele eating one thing. That one thing is Kumpir. The restaurant holds its own in terms of other Turkish cuisine, but the Kumpir is why people come back. Fresh, warm potatoes caked in various toppings that range from olives to safran salad. Show up hungry.

A newer restaurant on the Turkish food scene, this exposed-brick restaurant is changing the game. The trendy aesthetic isn’t the only thing drawing in the hungry masses; each table comes with its own grill. This idea puts the diner in charge. Plenty of food and house-made Ayran make this place a go-to locale when craving hot and tasty Turkish food.

This Berlin institution has its original location in Kreuzberg. This is a family-owned restaurant that has had much success in Berlin, as they now have five locations. It’s a favorite of many Berliners because of the fresh ingredients, homemade sauces, and great menu variety. The döner and the fresh Turkish pizza (lahmacun) are some of the menu’s highlights. The meat is always fresh and the prices are always cheap.