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MORE THAN MERCH & MASALA: PATAKHA CELEBRATES THE DIVERSITY OF INDIAN CUISINE & TEAMS UP WITH BERLIN DESIGNERS

MORE THAN MERCH & MASALA: PATAKHA CELEBRATES THE DIVERSITY OF INDIAN CUISINE & TEAMS UP WITH BERLIN DESIGNERS

Do you already own merch from your favorite restaurant? It’s a thing these days in Berlin. If not, here’s your chance. Indian restaurant Patakha has just dropped a small collection. The idea came from two regulars — fashion professor Antje Drinkuth and costume designer Christel Rehm — who teamed up with owner Gaurav to create a uniform for staff. But why stop there? Now, guests can get in on it, too. The graphic prints were designed in collaboration with Danish designer Lind Haugaard and screen-printed by hand in Berlin on certified organic cotton tees. The result: vintage Indian motifs on oversized shirts that capture the energy and meaning of “patakha” (firecracker). If you stop by tomorrow (14.03.2025), you’ll walk straight into a celebration — of the new collection and Holi, India’s festival of colors. Expect more to-go dishes than usual and a lively crowd. A perfect chance to get a taste (literally) and then come back another time for a full deep dive into the menu. Best enjoyed with family and friends and with plenty of time because, as with most Indian restaurants, the menu is extensive. And I know why… The kitchen here is run by three chefs, each from a different part of India: one from the north, one from the south, and one from Bengal. That diversity comes through in the food. You’ll find some classics, of course, like Aloo Gobi and butter Chicken. But also dishes you might not have tried before. A must-try starter is Pani Puri: crispy, bite-sized spheres filled with potatoes and tamarind, served with tamarind-mint water. They’re an explosion of flavors.

There’s a strong lineup of vegan and vegetarian dishes, with some gluten-free options, too. The Eggplant Kari is just as satisfying as any meat dish, and the Lemon Rice with mustard and peanuts is a must-order side. The best way to experience Patakha is to order a mix of dishes and share. Everything comes in individual hand-crafted ceramic bowls, turning the black-and-white tiled tables into a feast for the senses. The restaurant itself is intimate but feels open, thanks to colorful glass panels offering a peek into the kitchen. Owner Gaurav hails from Punjab, which is also the focus of his first restaurant, Prince of Punjab (formerly Bahadur) in Wilmersdorf. With Patakha, launched in early 2024, he’s created a more playful concept. On weekends, the restaurant also serves brunch, opening its doors during the day. But no matter the hour, Patakha is full of flavor. So when will you become a fan and start repping your new favorite Kreuzberg-Indian spot?

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Robyn Steffen

Patakha, Urbanstr.31, 10967 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map

@patakhaberlin

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SÙSÙ 素素: SZECHUAN CUISINE IN VEGAN — RECOMMENDED BY FREDERIK WEGNER

SÙSÙ 素素: SZECHUAN CUISINE IN VEGAN — RECOMMENDED BY FREDERIK WEGNER

I almost overlooked this little spot the first time I walked past, I’m glad I didn’t because that would have been a big mistake. If, like me, you love discovering new flavors in Asian cuisine, then SùSù is a must-visit. Since December 2024, this small, unpretentious eatery on Eberswalder Straße — with its casual snack-bar feel — has been serving up vegan Szechuan cuisine. The name Sù (素) means “simple” and “unpretentious”, and the menu reflects that, offering just four starters and six main courses. The focus here is pflavor. Vegan Szechuan isn’t new to Berlin, but SùSù features dishes I haven’t been able to enjoy in a long time as they’re rarely available in vegan versions. My personal highlights? The Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl and the cold noodles with cucumber, zucchini and a fiery peanut sauce (the five-chili warning on the menu is no joke!). By the way, Cài-Kitchen from Senefelder Platz is behind SùSù, and I love seeing them take a fresh approach with new dishes. One thing is certain, I won’t be walking past this place again. Whenever I have an appointment in Prenzlauer Berg, I make sure to plan a Szechuan stopover.

Text: Frederik Wegner / Photos: Robyn Steffen

Frederik Wegner is the founder of Cerepal.ai, a robotics startup specializing in end-to-end reinforcement learning. When he’s not working on cutting-edge technology, you’ll likely find him at the bouldering gym or (better yet) scaling real rock in the forest.

Sùsù素素 Vegan Food, Eberswalder Str.29, 10437 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map

@susuveganfood

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PUBLIX — A SPACE FOR JOURNALISM, TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY & FOR CO-WORKING (WITH A CANTEEN FOR EVERYONE)

PUBLIX — A SPACE FOR JOURNALISM, TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY & FOR CO-WORKING (WITH A CANTEEN FOR EVERYONE)

Looking for a new lunch option? With contemporary home cooking and a sun terrace? Head to Hermannstraße! The Publix Kantine is the new spot in bustling Neukölln that offers just that. The canteen is run by a team that knows the neighborhood inside out. The makers of 21Gramm (and formerly Terz), a little further down the street, have taken over the kitchen. There is a different lunch dish every day, which is vegan at its base and can be topped with omnivorous add-ons or not. During our visit, the crowd queued up for lentil stew (sausages optional) and for the crunchy, colorful carrot and beet salads. Grilled cheese on the go (with bread from Gorilla — also located on Hermannstrasse, of course), energy balls and lemon poppy seed cake for dessert or afternoon snack. But the canteen is actually a rather tempting add-on to the establishment! Publix is first and foremost a place to work. The idea was conceived by the Schöpflin Foundation in 2017 and the building opened in 2024. The foundation aims to promote independent journalism and strengthen democracy. What could be more important, especially in these times? Publix is now “a new home for all those who do journalism, shape the public sphere and strengthen democracy”. And this is exactly what’s happening here. In the middle of Hermannstrasse, editorial offices, organizations and NGOs are currently working side by side — including the business magazine Good Impact, the NGO Reporters Without Borders and the think tank More in Common — and soon maybe you? Because the building is also a co-working space. There are two models: flex and fixed. Either way, the views are excellent (on both sides). On one side the hustle and bustle of Hermannstrasse, on the other a view of the greenery. In between are conference rooms, cozy telephone booths, a library — there are even apartments for guests. And if you work in media, there is also a podcast studio and a video and editing room. So, space is there, and an incredible network of people to work alongside.

And all of this, in what I deem to be a very successful design, thanks to the architects from AFF Architekten and the interior designers from Kahatt. The interior design is particularly impressive — exposed concrete, floor-to-ceiling windows, metal and wood details and red color accents are designed down to the last detail, including the furniture concept. If you are interested, whether in a workplace for every day or in one of the rooms for special occasions, enquire online or in person. Or come to a Publix event and get to know the building and the vibe. We’ve picked out two events in March 2025 for you (see below). In any case, Publix is more than the sum of its parts, it’s a place with a dedicated team and lots of potential. All that’s missing is you! It opens at 8 a.m. — so no excuses.

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Robyn Steffen

Publix, Hermannstr.90, 12051 Berlin–Neukölln; map

Publix Thursday Event: “Discourse instead of destruction: How can we become a resilient information society?”13.03.2025 18h30–20h

Book Launch: “How we became so beautiful” with Rabea Weihser, moderated by Daniel Schreiber 25.03.2025 19–20h30 

@publixberlin
@publix_berlin_kantine

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WINE WITH A STORY: GEORGIA’S OLDEST WINE-CULTURE AT 8000 VINTAGES

WINE WITH A STORY: GEORGIA’S OLDEST WINE-CULTURE AT 8000 VINTAGES

Originating in the country of Georgia, winemaking is a tradition that dates back 8000 years – a fact that gave a Kreuzberg wine shop and bar its name: 8000 Vintages. Founder Irakli Chkhaidze had already opened six wine shops in Georgia before deciding to bring bottles of Rkatsiteli, Saperavi and Tsitska to Berlin. Each one of the more than 600 different varieties of Georgian wine has its own story and taste and I (a Georgian lover of wine) firmly believe that what makes wine truly special is the culture it comes from, the people who make it, and their unique approach to winemaking. In Georgia this lies not only in the indigenous grape varieties but also in the Qvevri method, an ancient winemaking tradition that involves fermenting wine in large clay vessels (Qvevri) buried underground. The result? Deep, complex flavors that feel both new and ancient at the same time. The shop’s floor-to-ceiling racks display hundreds of wine bottles, creating an inviting atmosphere complemented by a sunlit south-facing terrace. Since wine is best when shared, the bar’s tables are designed for gathering, offering plenty of space to enjoy a variety of food boards as diverse as the wine selection — ranging from a classic Georgian spread with Pickled Jonjoli, Puchkholia, Lobio and Red Beets with Tkemali Sauce.

As a Georgian, I can tell you that we all love to talk about wine, so here are my tips: For a taste of florals and spring, go for a Kisi, a white wine with subtle notes of acacia flowers, apricot, and honey. If you are feeling more adventurous, try Rkatsiteli – the oldest grape variety – which is deep amber, intensely aromatic, and powerfully structured. Crave something darker? Ojaleshi offers a velvety texture, lush berries, and a touch of natural sweetness. Oh, and since it is also a shop, why not pick out a bottle to take home for your next dinner party?

P.S. If you have a free Sunday, chances are 8000 Vintages is hosting a wine-tasting event – a perfect way to discover a new favorite wine.

Text: Liza Amirgulashvili / Photos: 8000 Vintages

8000 Vintages, Großbeerenstr.27A, 10963 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map

@8000vintages_germany

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YAKITORI IS BACK & WE’RE STOKED: AFTER POP-UPS, RESIDENCIES & EVENTS, STOKE INVITES YOU TO ITS NEW RESTAURANT

YAKITORI IS BACK & WE’RE STOKED: AFTER POP-UPS, RESIDENCIES & EVENTS, STOKE INVITES YOU TO ITS NEW RESTAURANT

Everything we share, we share for one reason above all: because we truly believe these places offer the best experiences in Berlin. They are welcoming, inclusive and special. When people ask me where I’ve experienced that perfect combination — where everything felt just right — I think back to unforgettable evenings at Torikabin. In the summer of 2023, Stoke brought their vision to life with a temporary rooftop installation above Kreuzberg, where they mastered the art of cooking over a wood fire. Guests gathered in the intimate wooden cabin to watch the team grill yakitori skewers, rounding off their evenings with refreshing highballs. When I heard that a permanent restaurant with the same concept was in the works, I couldn’t wait. And now, Stoke is finally back — bigger, more ambitious, but just as welcoming as before. Set in an industrial-style concrete and steel space, Jeffrey Claudio, Jessica Tan and Niklas Harmsen invite guests to gather at the long kitchen counter or individual dining tables, centered around the open kitchen, a design that seamlessly connects the space, the team and the guests.

The restaurant brings together the tradition and craftsmanship of Japanese cuisine, serving yakitori and kushiyaki skewers grilled over Binchotan charcoal right before your eyes. The carefully curated menus are complemented by seasonal pickled vegetables, rice and salads, elevating what is traditionally a quick bar snack in Japan into a refined dining experience. Stoke isn’t just about the food, it’s about atmosphere, connection and a cosmopolitan twist on the classic izakaya. Their website reads, “We look forward to welcoming you into our home,” and after an evening with Jeffrey, Jessica and Niklas, you’ll understand just how much they mean it. The sense of family and hospitality is present in every moment, ensuring every guest feels embraced and at home.

Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Stoke

Stoke, Lindenstr.34-35 (Eingang via Feilnerstr.), 10969 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map

@stoke.berlin

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