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CRAZY KIMS: TRADITIONAL KOREAN CUISINE MEETS CUTTING-EDGE SEOUL FOOD CULTURE — RECOMMENDED BY HIEN LE

CRAZY KIMS: TRADITIONAL KOREAN CUISINE MEETS CUTTING-EDGE SEOUL FOOD CULTURE — RECOMMENDED BY HIEN LE

Amidst the hype of Korean Barbecue, bi bim bab and kimchi, Hae-Jung Kim, one of my favorite Kreuzberg locals, opened the doors of Crazy Kims in summer 2019, steps away from Lausitzer Platz and Markthalle Neun. It had been a longtime dream of Hae-Jung’s to open her own Korean restaurant infused with creativity, a love of good food and a real passion for showing Berliners how much the cuisine has to offer. She and her kitchen team combine traditional specialties from her childhood with the latest culinary trends straight from Seoul. One of my favorite dishes is Hae-Jung’s Mandus (Korean dumplings), which are covered in a thin, crispy rice flour crust. Biting into one is like breaking through the crust of a perfect crème brûlée. And while every stew is rich and delicious, the Galbitang (beef broth) is a truly special, yet simple delight. A wide range of tasty meat-free options mean the vegans and vegetarians don’t miss out either. Tip: reserve your table at the weekend – Kim’s fills up quick! (Text: Hien Le / Photos: Savannah van der Niet)

Hien Le is a true Berliner and a fashion designer based in Kreuzberg @studiohienle.

Crazy Kims, Muskauer Str.12, 10999 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Tue–Sat 17–0h, Sun 16–23h
@crazykims

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MIRIKA: COMFORT FOOD FROM THE FAMILY IN PRINZEN-KIEZ

MIRIKA: COMFORT FOOD FROM THE FAMILY IN PRINZEN-KIEZ

On cold gray Mondays and hungover Sundays, sometimes you’re just in need of some hearty comfort food. At Mirika they’ve got solid German classics including Käsespätzle, Buletten und Stullen, but they’re served not in an old-school pub, but rather in stylish, airy, modern surroundings bursting with beautiful houseplants. Behind Mirika are the three siblings Lilo, Jette and Moritz Klinkenberg, who know the Kreuzberg Prinzenkiez from their childhood days – bringing solid local connections. Together, the three serve authentic, down-to-earth food like vegetarian Swiss capuns (stuffed chard leaves with cream broth and alpine cheese). The seasonal menu changes weekly at Mirika, but you can always count on popular classics like Spätzle and Schnitzel, not to mention a hearty brunch on Sunday. This warm, inviting restaurant is exactly the kind of place that makes the winters a little bit cozier. (Text: Katie Burton / Photos: Mirika)

Mirika, Prinzenstr.103, 10969 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Mon–Fri 10–17h, Sun 10–16h
@mirikaberlin_

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LAYLA — LEVANTINE FINE DINING FOR A DINNER TO REMEMBER

LAYLA — LEVANTINE FINE DINING FOR A DINNER TO REMEMBER

In Berlin foodie circles, Layla is on everyone’s lips. Occupying the ground floor of an imposing hotel building near Anhalter Bahnhof, renowned Israeli chef Meir Adoni’s Berlin debut leads a new wave of trendy eastern Mediterranean restaurants. But Layla sets itself apart – starting with its elaborate interior of brass, polished concrete and North African tilework. Adoni’s next trick is a high-end menu that brings nonstop surprises. On our visit we had smoked trout doughnuts topped with mandarin aioli, and the “Qatayef” Lebanese pancakes served with duck confit in hot spices and a chili vinaigrette. At the bar, Middle Eastern wines provide the perfect pairing for the cuisine, while the classic cocktails, updated with Mediterranean herbs and botanicals, are reason alone to visit. For dessert we had the deconstructed solet (semolina flour) cream crumble with olives, wild berries, blood orange/arak sorbet and sumac meringue. It’s this kind of bold experimentation that makes Layla one of the city’s most memorable restaurants. (Text: Eric James Bain / Photos: Savannah van der Niet)

Layla, Hallesche Str.10, 10963 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Restaurant: Tue–Sun 18–1h; Bar: Daily from 17h
Also: Layla is also inviting you bring in the new year with an eight-course culinary journey on 31.12.2019. Details and booking online.
@layla_berlin

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A POP-UP GETS A HOME OF ITS OWN: SEASONAL AND HOME-PICKLED DISHES FROM OTTO

A POP-UP GETS A HOME OF ITS OWN: SEASONAL AND HOME-PICKLED DISHES FROM OTTO

In October 2019, with hundreds of kilos of pickles at the ready, chef Vadim Otto Ursus opened Otto just streets away from where he grew up in Prenzlauer Berg. The 20-seat space contrasts warm, approachable service with a sleek concrete-wall interior, while the menu brings sophisticated and delicious food that’s both organic and regional. 27-year-old Vadim is an avid fermenter, and his pickle plate features an Angurian cucumber and a four-week pickled egg whose yolk is left unbelievably creamy. Mains are seasonal, with highlights including wild boar ribs and charred young cauliflower in a pool of beurre blanc. For the sweet-tooth, raw milk ice cream comes on a bed of brown butter crumble atop a frozen stone – the result is as tasty as it is eye catching. The all-natural wine menu moves between elegant classics and experimental bottles by winemakers such as Marto and Brendan Tracey. We guarantee your plates will be left clean, and your glasses drained. (Text: Savannah van der Niet / Photos: Cate Gowers and Savannah van der Niet)

Otto, Oderberger Str.56, 10435 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
Fri–Mon from 18h
@otto_berlin

On 02.12.2019 at 19h join Otto und Alejandro Muchada for a dinner and some delicious palomino wines. Book tickets here.

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MAMA SHABZ: PAKISTANI FLAVORS SERVED WITH SPICE AND SPARKLE

MAMA SHABZ: PAKISTANI FLAVORS SERVED WITH SPICE AND SPARKLE

Proper Pakistani cuisine is a constant at Mama Shabz. Originally from London and with family roots in Kashmir and Punjab, owner Shabnam now serves her mum’s favorite dishes to hungry Berliners. Following pop-ups at Markthalle Neun, Bite Club and Fusion Festival, Mama Shabz has got a location of her own not far from Görli. There she serves dazzlingly authentic dishes in weekly rotation, like the spicy Shalgam (turnip) curry, the lamb and gourd Ghiya Ghosht and a classic Dhal. Pakora and samosas keep the vegetarians happy while for the carnivores there’s a special weekend treat in the form of a Nihari, the ultimate Pakistani breakfast stew. Once you’ve sampled all that, a must is the unorthodox but yummy grilled cheese Paratha, an indulgence we promise you won’t regret. The restaurant’s compact, colorful interior has appeal in bucketloads, with the tables handmade by Shabnam herself. Best of all, the place has a real community feel, with regulars coming in for a chat and a spicy pick-me-up. (Text: Katie Burton / Photos: Savannah van der Niet)

Mama Shabz, Reichenberger Str.61a, 10999 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Wed–Fri 8–21h, Sat 11–17h
@mamashabz

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