If you want to be welcomed in old-school Berlin style, I recommend visiting the canteen of the “Bezirksamt Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg” (the local district office) on Yorkstrasse. “Mahlzeit” is probably the first word you’ll hear, which means “hello” and “enjoy your meal” simultaneously. Expect pragmatic architecture and interior, the sound of forks and knives and lots of chit-chatting with heavy Berlin dialect. The food is, of course, very German. Get ready for many meat-and-potato dishes, in my case liver and boiled potaoes (Salzkartoffeln), around a wooden dining table for a decent price. But wait — the best is yet to come: this is a canteen with a view. From the 10th floor, you have an amazing view over the city. I could spend the whole day here!
Bezirksamt Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Yorckstr.4-11, 10965 Berlin-Kreuzberg; map
Mon-Fri 7-15h
Text and Photos: Martin Mascheski
Published in Cee Cee #83 on 15.11.2012
