Mate is undoubtedly the unofficial drink of Berlin. But instead of downing a Club Mate, next time try the real thing. On a quaint Richardstrasse you will find a small grocery store called Bintus, offering a mix of Asian, African and South American products. This type of store may not be rare in Berlin, but rarely do you find such a wide and fine selection of Mate teas in one place; and certainly it is the only “world” store in town owned by a professional boxer named John. One corner is dedicated to Mate teas and its equipment like the calabasse, the classic cup, and bombilla, the metal straw. Mate tea is a great way to sip the winter blues away, but of course may be enjoyed ice cold post-clubbing, in a traditional Berliner fashion.
Bintus, Richardstr.6 12043 Berlin-Neukölln; map
Mon-Sat 10-20h
Text: Nina Trippel / Fotos: Martin Mascheski
Published in Cee Cee #97 am 21.2.2013
