PERFECTLY-CRAFTED BAGUETTES, FLUFFY BRIOCHE AND AUSTRIAN-STYLE BREAD FROM A WOOD-FIRED OVEN — TAKTIL

In my mind, the perfect baguette should be slim, light and crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. But then what do I know about French baked goods? The extent of my knowledge is holidays in France. That said, I reckon I’m vindicated by Taktil bakery founders Katharina and Lennert, who went to Provence to learn the art of this great bread. These guys make the best baguettes I’ve ever had in Berlin, leading me to make the short cycle ride to inconspicuous Nogatstraße near Körnerpark on a regular basis. But it’s not just the bread I come for: the pair do wonderfully heavy and buttery brioche plus round cardamom loaves based on Austrian baking traditions that are delicious with fresh butter and a slab of cheese. The place and the people are likeable too: the shop is pleasantly unpretentious, with a large wood-fired oven used for the baking and a direct view of the artisans at work. If you want to eat your brioche on the spot, take a seat on the red chairs next to the turntable or grab a spot outside. The duo love to talk about their passion and how their self-described “Bakery in Progress” is coming along. No doubt there will be more to come from this pair, but the currently small selection is actually a good thing: I know exactly what I’m after and always go home happy. My baguette will of course be opened before I make it home. After all, this place is called Taktil, and getting hands-on is the name of the game…

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Savannah van der Niet

Taktil, Nogatstr.38, 12051 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Wed–Sat 9h30–17h, Sun 9h30–15h

@taktilberlin

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Cafes

CLASSIC ITALIAN COFFEE CULTURE WITH A MODERN AUSSIE TWIST —ZACHARIAS KAFFEEBAR

Berlin is a home-away-from-home for many Australians. On a daily basis, it’s possible to overhear Aussie accents all over – not least at the cafes that celebrate the country’s third wave coffee culture. But the fastest way to be transported down under? Bite into a freshly-toasted slice of crispy walnut and pear banana bread at Zacharias Kaffeebar. Add a good lather of butter and you’ll be daydreaming of the Antipodes in no time. Serving pastries and baked goods, warm or toasted, is commonplace in Australia – something Zacharias founders Johannes and Mario learned back in 2017 while working at the same cafe in Melbourne. Fast forward to 2021 and the pair have their very own shop in Prenzlauer Berg’s Kollwitzkiez, taking the maiden name of Johannes’ grandmother. Inside, Maria Martinez of Kim Wang Architects has drawn from classic Italian and modern Australian design to recreate the feeling of the fast-paced service at Italian coffee counters mixed with the warm, high-quality approach of Melbourne neighborhood cafes.

Coffee options include the Rungeto blend, which is grown on volcanic soil in Kenya. It can be enjoyed over ice or as a steaming pour-over, with the heat bringing out the sourness of the blackcurrant and rhubarb notes. For something more adventurous, try the smokey, whiskey-like Soarez blend or ask about the off-menu mocha and affogato specials. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach is never a good idea, so we recommend sampling the many delightful pastries supplied by Neukölln bakery Jean De Pierre. The vegan charcoal croissant has the consistency of cotton candy and will melt in your mouth just as quickly, while for a trip to Naples there’s the freshly-baked ricotta and orange-filled sfogliatella napoletana pastry. As for the banana bread, here it’s zero-waste, composed of sweet, ripe bananas no longer fit for sale. Guilt-free indulgence at its finest.

Text: Claire Mouchemore / Photos: Zacharias Kaffeebar

Zacharias Kaffeebar, Kollwitzstr.44 10405 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
Tue–Fri 8–16h, Sat–Sun 9–17h

@zacharias.kaffeebar

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Bars, Cafes, Restaurants

MIDDLE — ALL-DAY BISTRO FOR MORNING COFFEE, LEVANTINE LUNCH AND EVENING DRINKS AND TAPAS

For me, this year more than any other has been about finding small pleasures in life’s simpler things. And spending the last rays of evening sunshine sipping a bittersweet Campari Spritz at Middle brings me a lot of pleasure. Add in a smattering of small sharing plates that showcase contemporary Levantine cuisine, and the evening is going to be a good one. Tucked away on Mainzer Straße in Neukölln, Middle is what owner Itamar Lanner describes as a mini-bistro. The relaxed and compact neighborhood spot has an all-rounder concept, opening the whole day for morning coffee, lunch, and evening dinner and drinks. As for the food, you can expect some similar tastes to those at Middle’s Kreuzkölln partner Kitten: think crisp vibrant greens paired perfectly with soft Labneh cheese, zingy fermented courgette, creamy smooth hummus, earthy roasted cauliflower and kohlrabi, and pillowy pitta bread, to name just a few dishes on the menu. One taste I cannot forget is my absolute favorite: the homemade harissa. If, like me, you find this condiment something quite special, you can purchase it to take home along with a selection of other treats in jars. Whether you are looking for a quiet morning coffee with a delicate piece of sweet baklava, a long lunch or an evening spritz paired with a few olives to nibble on with friends, Middle has got you covered.

Text: Chloe Galea / Photos: Kateryna Firsova

Middle, Mainzer Str.39, 12053 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Mon–Fri 9–22h, Sat & Sun 10–22h, closed on Wednesdays

@middleberlin

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Cafes, Shops, Sponsored Post

A BIT OF BAVARIA IN BERLIN —EDAMAME LOAVES AND NATURAL SOURDOUGH BREADS FROM HOFPFISTEREI

“One Edamame Sonne, please!” If you hear yourself saying that, then you’re ordering not at a Japanese restaurant, but at the counter of Bavarian bakery Hofpfisterei. The Munich-based company have always been a fan of Berlin, having operated in the capital for over ten years with their 12 branches. They’ve been baking favorites including Vinschgauer (a type of spelt baguette), crispy butter pretzels and, of course, natural sourdough loaves that involve a three-stage dough making process taking almost 24 hours. The result is loaves that look and feel like they should: large, round and heavy. The loaves are mild, yet substantial, making them perfect for the classic German Abendbrot or a sandwich on the go. But even for a traditional company like this one, time never stands still: the Bavarian bakers are always looking to keep up with the times by working on new recipes such as the Pfister Eco Edamame Sonne. This latest addition is based on rye and wheat flour and, as the name suggests, contains a high proportion of edamame beans. Like all the other ingredients used, the beans are organically farmed in an eco-friendly way, a commitment which Hofpfisterei extends to its packaging with a cooperation with Umtüüt to offer reusable alternatives to plastic bags. The bread contains edamame for more than just taste reasons: the bakery takes an active interest in experimenting with plant proteins nourished by the sun. All this circular sustainability in a little round loaf? Sounds like the perfect match to us. Visit hofpfisterei.de to find your nearest Berlin bakery.

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Sophie Doering

Hofpfisterei, Oranienburger Str.5, 10178 Berlin–Mitte; map
Mo–Fr 8–18h, Sa 8h30–14h

@hofpfisterei

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Cafes, Events

FRENCH BREAKFAST TREATS, FRESH FLOWERS AND BEATS — DISCO BRUNCH AT SCHMILBLICK

The quintessentially French cafe and concept store Schmilblick is remixing its usually chilled weekend for the second time with the return of the Disco Brunch and flower market this Sunday (25.07.2021). It’s an event that will satisfy all senses, starting (most importantly) with taste: the team are serving up their French favorites, including fresh cheeses with homemade jams, charcuterie plates, classic Mediterranean accompaniments such as sundried tomatoes and olive tapenade alongside perfectly-iced brioches and fresh pastries. As for hearing, the disco comes courtesy of sets from DJ PA and DJ Niko who bring guaranteed grooves and good vibes to accompany your brunch. The olfactory side is taken care of by Schmilblick’s fresh and dried flower bouquets and scented candles from in-house brand Garden State. You can reserve a table for the brunch by messaging the team on Instagram or alternatively just turn up on the day, grab a coffee, browse the store and enjoy the vibes. Sensory perfection!

Text: Lottie Mac / Photos: Corina Straub & Laure D’Utruy

Schmilblick, Pettenkoferstr.6, 10247 Berlin–Friedrichshain; map
Brunch will be served from 9–15h. The flower market is on until 17h while supplies last.

Opening times: Tue–Sat: 11h–19h (shop); Tue–Sun: 9h–18h (cafe)

@schmilblick.berlin

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Language

PERFECTLY-CRAFTED BAGUETTES, FLUFFY BRIOCHE AND AUSTRIAN-STYLE BREAD FROM A WOOD-FIRED OVEN — TAKTIL

CLASSIC ITALIAN COFFEE CULTURE WITH A MODERN AUSSIE TWIST —ZACHARIAS KAFFEEBAR

MIDDLE — ALL-DAY BISTRO FOR MORNING COFFEE, LEVANTINE LUNCH AND EVENING DRINKS AND TAPAS

A BIT OF BAVARIA IN BERLIN —EDAMAME LOAVES AND NATURAL SOURDOUGH BREADS FROM HOFPFISTEREI

FRENCH BREAKFAST TREATS, FRESH FLOWERS AND BEATS — DISCO BRUNCH AT SCHMILBLICK