Purgal Delicatessen’s name is spelled with a “C” on purpose. In the same way the name “Purgal” tells the story of the Polish origin of co-owner Czeslawa Purgal, “Delicatessen” spelled with a “C” is a reference to the infamous New York delicatessens that were also first established by Jewish immigrants. The deli sits in the Rosenthaler Vorstadt in Mitte, in a space that has retained some tiles and the flooring from the East Berlin bakery it used to be. The newer design and tiles were curated by Studio Karhard, and designed to complement the older elements of the eatery. The menu is short and well-considered. There’s the braised rabbit leg: a comforting, delicious dish that comes served on a bed of white beans and also has a vegetarian alternative with carrots. The ham and cheese sandwich stars housemade ham from Havelland, and jalapeño mayonnaise is particularly recommended by Czeslawa Kompagnons and Karsten Ehlers.
You can eat inside overlooking the street, at higher bar seats, on the street seating, or at the terrazzo tables in the back room where they also host events and meetings. If you’re on the go, that’s no problem either: in true deli style, there is a small supermarket in the space which also allows you to take home some items such as Ragù to heat up and eat in the comfort of your own home. There you can purchase items like their housemade pickles, quince jelly or elderflower vinegar from Oderbruch. There’s also homemade cheesecake, apple tart and cookies (we recommend their coconut cookie with organic orange!) made by a friend of the deli. Whatever the mood, it seems Purgal Delicatessen has you covered.
Text & Photos: Savannah van der Niet
Purgal Delicatessen, Brunnenstr.162, 10119 Berlin–Mitte; map
Tue–Sun 10–16h
@purgal_delicatessen
