EuroTribe

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Category: Food & Drink

Berlin’s Bargain Bites

Berlin is a city in which you can eat almost anything you can think of. Besides local cuisine, the city is known for its incredible international offer and for its…

Berlin is a city in which you can eat almost anything you can think of. Besides local cuisine, the city is known for its incredible international offer and for its fantastic value for money. The open-air markets are particularly popular among locals who enjoy visiting and sampling food from various mobile kitchens. For instance, Kreuzberg hosts the so-called Street Food Thursday where you can try whatever you can imagine! However some dishes have the cult status and here are the best Berlin’s bargain bites;

Currywurst

This dish consists of pork sausage which is cut into slices and seasoned with tomato sauce and a curry powder on top. It often gets served with the French fries but you can also opt for a bread instead. The best place to try it is at Curry 36. It’s very popular among locals and there’s a little standing patio area where you can even bring your own drinks. This is an authentic Berlin fast food stall and in my opinion, a must for the first time visitors. They even have a bio currywurst on their menu. The Currywurst museum in Berlin estimates that approximately 70 million currywursts are eaten in Berlin alone every year.

Where to try it

  • Curry 36 in Mehringdamm

  • Curry 195 in Charlottenburg

  • Witty’s in Schöneberg (famous for organic sausages)

  • Konnopke’s Imbiss in Prenzlauer Berg (This was the first outfit in East Berlin to serve currywurst. Opened in 1930 and it’s still family-owned to this day).

currywurst at curry 36 berlin

Döner kebab

Probably the second most popular choice after currywurst, doner kebab can be found basically anywhere you look. The sliced meat and salad are usually wrapped in a flatbread and you have the choice between different sauces such as hot sauce, garlic sauce or yogurt sauce. Locals swear by Mustafa’s kebab which can be found at Mehringdamm 32. However, the queue here is abnormally long and people sometimes wait for 3 hours to get their order . Curry 36 is in the same street so you can try to get both! Berlin kebabs are usually unbeatable and here are some other great places where you can try this popular dish:

  • Hasir Restaurants (they have several locations in the city)

  • Babel in Prenzlauer Berg

  • Imren Grill & Restaurant in Schöneberg

  • Schlemmerbuffet in Mitte

Donner Kebab, Cologne, Germany

Falafel

This traditional Middle Eastern dish is another popular fast food option in Berlin. The best places to try it are:

  • Dada Falafel in Mitte

  • Habibi in Schöneberg

  • Rissani in Kreuzberg

  • Falafel Dream 2010 in Wedding

 

Mondays at Il Forno : Falafel

Pho

If you’re a fan of the Asian cuisine try this Vietnamese noodle soup which is usually served with beef or chicken. There are many Vietnamese places in Berlin and the great ones are;

  • Monsieur Vuong in Weinmeisterstrasse

  • Onkel Ho in Prenzlauer Berg

  • District Mot in Mitte

  • Co Co Deli in Mitte

https://www.flickr.com/photos/toolmantim/7236668036

Healthy Fast Food Restaurants

Berlin is a great city for vegetarians and vegans and some popular fast food options include veggie burgers, tofu currywurst, organic fries, seitan sausage and more.

Some of the best places are;

  • Veganz in Prenzlauer Berg (This is actually a vegan store with every vegan product you might need but they also have a small bakery and a cafe with great vegan desserts!).

  • Yellow Sunshine in Kreuzberg

  • Nil in Kreuzberg (Sudanese restaurant with many vegan choices)

  • Vego Foodworld in Prenzlauer Berg

Eat with locals

With Locals is a website where local people can offer their skills to travelers. This includes preparing authentic and delicious food! I love websites like this because they bring people together through food and experiences and it’s great for socializing when abroad. Berlin chapter has a lot of experiences on offer and a rich selection of different cuisines so I genuinely recommend this website next time you’re in town.

withlocals

Self-Catering

The city has a wide selection of supermarkets, but it seems that Rewe and Edeka are catered mostly towards budget travelers. Talking about Edeka they made an awesome promotional video which went viral and you should totally check it out 🙂

Have any other suggestions? Feel free to comment below.

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Some Bavarian Dishes You Simply Must Try

Bavaria is the largest state in Germany, and not only is it home to some amazing scenery, architecture, and one of the most famous football teams in the world, there…

Bavaria is the largest state in Germany, and not only is it home to some amazing scenery, architecture, and one of the most famous football teams in the world, there is a lot of seriously good food on offer. There are many reasons why a trip to this region would be a pleasurable experience and the cuisine on offer can serve to enhance that experience even more.

Bavarian food traditionally includes meat and knodel dishes, and the prominent use of flour. In the state capital of Munich the cuisine differs slightly from the rural cooking, because the people from the city could generally afford more expensive cuts of meat. Here are some Bavarian dishes you simply must try;

Munich Weisswurst Feb08

Beef and veal dishes are very common in Munich. One of the most popular sausages from this region is the Weisswurst. It’s white sausage made from minced veal and pork back bacon and flavoured with parsley, lemon, mace and onions. They can be eaten any time of the day but the traditional time to consume them would be between breakfast and lunch.

Sausages like these and others are highly popular in the region, and ideal snacks for watching the football. If you love sport a visit to the world famous Allianz Arena is an absolute must on a trip to the region.

Aside from the vast array of sausages on offer, there are some very hearty and fulfilling main dishes to enjoy when visiting the restaurants. German food is generally quite stodgy to soak up the strong beer, and an ideal dish to do this with is Schweinshaxe. This is a roasted ham hock, often referred to as pork knuckle. It is marinated and pre-boiled in caraway seed and garlic brine, roasted until the skin is crisp, and accompanied by mustard, horseradish and pickled chilli peppers. It is often served with potato dumplings and red cabbage, or sauerkraut and potatoes. These side dishes are particular useful for soaking up all the delicious juices from the pork.

Wiener Tafelspitz

Tafelspitz is another robust meal. This is a cut of beef or veal that is boiled in a broth of root vegetables and spices and served with horseradish sauce. It is the national dish of Austria but is equally popular in Bavaria. Tafelspitz is the name given to the cut of beef. In Britain for example it would be referred to as topside.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/allthingschill/205465455/

After all these filling mains it might seem odd to suggest something for desert. But the sweets on offer are just too good to pass up. Bavarian cream is a delicate dish and a superb way to end a meal. It is similar to pastry cream and flavoured with liqueur, and normally served with strawberries and a caramel sauce.

The dishes mentioned here are just the beginning. There is such a variety of amazing food available in this beautiful region of Germany. Go and visit there and try it for yourself.

Do you have anything else to recommend? Let us know in the comments below.

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Six Best Places to Eat in Madrid

Spain is one of the most popular holiday and tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, if not the entire globe. Many Spanish hotels and resorts can be very expensive, especially in…

Spain is one of the most popular holiday and tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, if not the entire globe. Many Spanish hotels and resorts can be very expensive, especially in Madrid. But as a traveling holidaymaker who simply has to visit Madrid for its fantastic sceneries, attractive history, amazing culture and various tourist attractions, you do not have to break the bank to have some quality food whenever you are visiting the Spanish capital. Here are six best places to eat in Madrid, where you can find both quality and affordable prices!

1) Donde Sanchez

This is one of the best affordable restaurants for Castilian and other Spanish delicacies when traveling to Madrid. Sample sweets from the village of Campo de Criptana; enjoy traditional craft beers from La Mancha; refresh your day with the best of Spanish wines; and buy all kinds of cheese, oils, pates and chorizos. Donde Sanchez also has a small area for gourmet products and a tasting bar that acts as an art gallery. You can even get tapas from as low as 1 euro!

Location: Mercado de Anton Martin, Calle de Santa Isabel 5, 28012 Madrid, Spain.

The first ingredient Project 365(2) Day 290

2) The Pan tumaca

Even if you are a few hundred miles away from Barcelona, the world’s Catalan capital and the second largest city in Spain, you can still have a taste of the fabulous Catalan food and culture right here in Madrid at affordable prices! Apart from being homely, delicious and nutritional, Pan tumaca’s food can cost you as little as 10 euros for a good 3-course lunch.

Location: Mayor, 31 near Sol metro.

Eggplant Cubed with Honey Drizzle

3) Bar Omaira

If you wanna have a taste of Venezuela without having to visit South America and get a hint of Latin American food and culture in Madrid, then Bar Omaira is the place to go! The Venezuela-born owner of the restaurant, also known as Omaira, has worked hard to bring Venezuelan food specialties like “empanadas”, “cariada” and “arepas“ from across the Atlantic especially for you. All this at the most affordable prices of between 5 and 10 euros per portion.

Location: Mercado de Anton Martin, Calle de Santa Isabel 5, 28012 Madrid, Spain.

Shredded Beef Arepa - Cruzao Arepa Bar AUD9

4) Fiaschetteria La Saletta

This restaurant is Italian, and one of the most popular in Madrid for that matter. In the past, they were a big restaurant located in the Madrid CBD but today are situated in a slightly smaller place in Mercado Anton Martin. However, what has not changed is their quality, amazing and affordable Italian delicacies, which is a combination of the most superb Italian flavors. The most popular dishes here include Rigatoni Amatriciana, Lomo with Mustard and Crema de Verduras, with a 3-course lunch meal going for as little as 10 euros.

Location: Mercado de Anton Martin, Calle de Santa Isabel 5, 28012 Madrid, Spain.

Michaelangelo Special Pizza - Michaelangelo, Aspendale Gardens

5) La Biotika

La Biotika is a famous vegetarian restaurant whose affordable meals can set your pocket back by as little as 10 euros only. The restaurant specializes in Macrobiotic veggie cuisines, particularly vegetarian burgers.

Location: Amor de Dios, 3, Madrid, Spain.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetonveg/4450198225/in/photolist-7MfqTB-p9f6iq-p9f6p7-b88UYc-41qpjV-bmRTZh-8W2SfP-bmRSHo-fjqKd-bzLJoB-7B43Wd-6bBnHJ-5Qj7UZ-s5CRH-4VNK5L-bzLLsa-bzLLhr-bmRUx5-bmRUFL-bzLKMr-bzLJMD-asPpnx-57XRwC-9cjB28-88QqWr-88TDHL-88Qr1i-7sAe3p-9wR4C3-bmRSjE-bzLJzH-bzLLQp-bmRVEd-bmRSvN-bzLJXH-bzLKye-aBJgut-aAXmZK-5x96Hb-ddFQnf-9W65YD-9W8UTJ-9W8UPf-9W8URh-9W8ULC-5oxaSa-9mTZf7-6WwTt-2zQYQB-9LiuHE

6) La Taqueria de Birra

Dubbed “Little Mexico” by the lovers of Mexican cuisine traveling in Spain and Madrid, this budget Mexican restaurant offers delicious Mexican meals for as little as 10 euros. They are hot, spicy and filled with Mexican pizazz. Enjoy a taste of Mexico right in the Spanish capital!

Location: Pza. Comendadoras, 2, Gran Via area, Madrid, Spain.

Mexican Food

Besides these six best places to eat in Madrid do you have any other recommendations? Feel free to comment below.

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The best activities to do in Barcelona this summer

The Catalan capital is a scorcher during the summer months but despite this, it’s always great to get involved in some activities in Barcelona with locals whether it’s the heading…

The Catalan capital is a scorcher during the summer months but despite this, it’s always great to get involved in some activities in Barcelona with locals whether it’s the heading to an epic Barça football match or just taking in a bit of the local culture by visiting one of the city’s many art galleries. The city has a whole host of things to do during summer that everyone should take advantage of. Here are just a few favorites activities to do in Barcelona this summer.

Learn to make authentic Spanish paella

Paella is a must in Barcelona, but even better, a professional cooking class with a Spanish home cook! This is ultimately one of the best experiences you can have even if you don’t cook! Believe me, I’m no wizard in the kitchen and I can barely make ice as it is, but under the chef’s guided hands, I found myself preparing this traditional dish with great ease and entertainment in a congenial environment. Accompanied with great friends and more than one bottle of wine, this experience allows you to explore delicious local recipes and discover the culinary secrets of Spain.

Visit Barcelona’s best street market, La Boqueria

But in order to enjoy the best paella, it requires a visit to the finest street market, La Boqeruía. Spanish chefs generally choose to shop in this traditional market as one can find all ingredients imaginable to cook with and more! Filled with local foods and artisan products, La Boqueria has it all from delightful arrays of colorful sweets to fully reddened lamb’s heads fresh from the farm. Its vibrant scene truly gives you a taste (literally) of Spanish cuisine and culture as you weave your way through the bursting stands and of course, all the people!

Barceloneta at sunset

Naturally, one of the leading summer hot spots is the beach, especially Barcelona’s crowned jewel, Barceloneta. Yet to skip the crowded sands filled with sunbathers toe to toe, the best time to go is right before dark to watch the Spanish “atardecer,” or sunset! By day, Barceloneta is a lively point overflowing with people, but by night, it transforms into a quiet, beautiful oasis scented with the sea salt ocean air and set with the warm glow of the boardwalk lights. Bring a delicious picnic and some good friends to find the perfect spot on the beach to relax and watch the sky explode in color. By this time, the temperature has lowered to a reasonable degree but not low enough that you don’t hit the waves!

Yoga at Barceloneta

Learn the rhythms of Flamenco dance

Forget the Whip Nae Nae, there’s a new hot dance to try! Flamenco is a long-ridden Spanish dance deeply rooted in the heart of Spain that boasts color and flair amidst its traditional heritage. But the best way to experience the world of flamenco is to take firsthand lessons from those who know Flamenco the best: its dancers! From experts, you have the opportunity to learn the authentic choreography and style to truly spice up your summer! Don’t worry about technicalities, it’s all in the hips! And take it from me, it’s even more fun when you make a fool out of yourself.

See Barcelona from the Mediterranean Sea

Don’t try to escape the summer heat, embrace it on a private sailboat! Enjoy the beautiful coastal views and soft sea breeze for the ultimate summer hack perfect for rowdy groups of friends like mine. If you are like us and were not blessed with the knowledge of how to sail, local professionals are more than happy to take you aboard to escape the hustle and bustle of the city!

With this, put a spin on your usual travel plans and stray off the beaten path to discover a deeper Barcelona that will be worth the memories – it’ll be one for the books!

This article is written exclusively for EuroTribe by trip4real. Trip4real is a trusted community platform that connects locals with travelers from all over the world.

Photos: ©trip4real

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Travel Guide To Nis – Serbia’s Undiscovered Gem

Serbia is still insufficiently known country in terms of tourism and the first associations related to it are usually great nightlife of the capital and the world-famous Exit festival. However,…

Serbia is still insufficiently known country in terms of tourism and the first associations related to it are usually great nightlife of the capital and the world-famous Exit festival. However, if you decide to look deeper you’ll find more fascinating gems that wait to be discovered by more travelers.

One such gem is Nis, the third largest city in the country. Due to its geographic position Nis has always been considered a gateway between East and the West and one of the most famous military roads in the world called Via Militaris used to run through its territory.

The city is most proud of the fact that Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor and the founder of Constantinople was born here. In 2013, the city was host to the celebration of 1700 years of Constantine’s Edict of Milan.

Besides many important historical monuments, the city offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation in its vicinity, it’s proud of its food and maybe most of all its hospitality. Indeed, many people will say you haven’t actually been to Serbia without visiting its south.

The bloody history of Nis

The fortress in the very center of the city is the most famous tourist attraction. The oldest remains such as the tombstones and thermal baths are linked to the Roman era. Given the fact that the fortress was destroyed and renovated several times, it was in hands of many conquerors, among them the Ottomans. Some rare objects that have been preserved from Turkish times are a hamam and mosque which is now being used as an art gallery.

Nis Fortress, Serbia

The monument which perhaps speaks the most about the brutal history of this city is the Skull tower. It was built after the defeat at the Battle of Cegar in 1809, during the First Serbian Uprising. Turks have built this tower which consisted of 952 skulls of Serbian soldiers. Today however, only 54 stay on it. Upon visiting Nis in 1830, a French romantic poet Alphonse de Lamartine said that the Skull tower was one of the most horrific things he’s seen.

Another sad reminder of a recent history is Bubanj Memorial Park which was built to commemorate the shooting of more than 10,000 citizens of Nis during the Second World War. It’s one of the most famous monuments of this kind in the former Yugoslavia and it consists of three concrete obelisks which symbolize men’s, women’s and children’s hands that defy the enemy.

The citizens of Nis were brought here from the Red Cross concentration camp which was operated by Germans during the Second World War. This is one of the best preserved camps in Europe and a little known fact is that the largest escape from all the camps on the continent was organized here.

Red Cross concentration camp Nis, Serbia

City of burek and “Chaos”

Nis’ main pedestrian street is full of traditional restaurants and cafes where you can sit and relax after sightseeing. The city is famous for its burek, a pastry filled with meat or cheese but there are other varieties too. The recipe for round burek was developed in Nis back in 1498 by a famous Turkish baker Mehmed Oglu from Istanbul and since then it got spread all over the country and beyond. The city hosts an annual burek competion and the world’s biggest burek was made here – its diameter was 2 meters long.

Chaos? Nothing to worry about. It’s just the name of a salad which consists of cream cheese in oil mixed with ground peppers and garlic. Other popular dishes are the shopska salad, cevapcici and pljeskavica – better known as the Balkan burger. When it comes to drinks, a local favorite is rakija, a brandy made from various fruits. The city prides itself on its traditional spirit which is reflected in high number of taverns.

The Alps at the South of Serbia

Just ten kilometers away of the city center there’s a Spa of Nis, a famous health center in Serbia. It is very well known for its hot, radioactive water containing radon. The spa is especially popular among athletes and has a new modern wellness center.

The vicinity of Nis is rich in natural beauties. Suva planina (meaning the Dry Mountain), which was named as the ‘Alps at the South of Serbia’ by the most famous Serbian geographer Jovan Cvijic is especially attractive. Its highest peak called Trem (1810 m) is very popular among mountaineers. There are several trails that are well-marked and which lead to several peaks that offer beautiful views. Mountains in the vicinity of Nis are also ideal for mountain running, climbing, rock climbing, speleology etc.

Suva planina, Serbia

Suva planina Serbia

Cerje Cave for example offers ideal conditions for tours that are tailored to different interests (educational, sports and adventurous visits etc.). For water sports enthusiasts there are opportunities for rafting and kayaking on the river Nisava.

How to get there

Starting from June 29th WizzAir will add flights to Nis from Basel/Mulhouse and to Malme – Sweden from June 25th. However, the best way to reach the city is by bus. ‘Nis Express’ has 22 daily services to Nis from the capital city Belgrade and the journey takes about 3 hours.

 

 

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Seven Bars in Berlin Worth Checking Out

Berlin is a great place for drinking as it offers numerous options for everyone’s mood. From pubs, beer gardens, DJ bars, hotel lounges etc. you won’t have a problem choosing…

Berlin is a great place for drinking as it offers numerous options for everyone’s mood. From pubs, beer gardens, DJ bars, hotel lounges etc. you won’t have a problem choosing a place where to go.

There are way more underground and alternative venues in the East and here I’ll list seven bars in Berlin worth checking out. Beer is of course the most popular drink and there are many varieties from draught beer (fassbier), wheat beer (weizenbier), black beer (schwarzbier) and seasonal beer (bock). Other popular drinks are sekt (German sparkling wine), cocktails and wine. Germans love to drink weinschorle (wine with fizzy water). There’s also saftschorle (fizzy water and juice only) as an alternative.

Once in Berlin go to;

1. Eschenbräu – Wedding area

Eschenbräu bar Berlin

Berlin is a city famous for its beer gardens and Eschenbräu located in the Wedding area is a great place to visit if you want to taste different kinds of German beer. Their own brewery produces 21 types of seasonal beer so you can try Rauchbier (smoked beer) or Black Mamba for instance. If you don’t really like experimenting you can always opt for classics such as Eschenbräu PILS, DARK or WHEAT beer. On a nice day you can sit in the garden which has 200 seats but the interior is also very interesting and is filled with the paintings depicting the entire process of brewing beer. The atmosphere is friendly and lively and it is worth going to Wedding for this place.

Rauchbier (smoked beer) - Eschenbrau bar Berlin

2. Vagabund bar – Wedding

Vagabund bar Berlin

In 2011 three American friends decided to create their own brewery so Vagabund was born. The bar is small but artsy and interior is filled with wooden chairs and tables and beer related posters on white walls. “In wine there is wisdom. In beer there is freedom. In water there is bacteria. – Benjamin Franklin” says one.  There’s a great selection of craft beers, the staff is really nice and helpful and the atmosphere certainly makes you feel that you’re in Berlin. An interesting fact is that this place is Europe’s first crowd-funded brewery. Oh and it’s known for its pumpkin spice ale in the fall!

3.Weinerei – Mitte

Weinerei bar Berlin

If you love wine go to Weinerei. During the day people usually meet here to talk and the atmosphere is pretty much relaxed. There are several types of wine on offer but also coffees, teas and a vegetarian lunch menu.  The place has an interesting concept at night. Basically you pay 2 euros to borrow a glass and then you try whatever food or wine you like. It works on  ‘pay as you want” model. The place can get crowded at night so making a reservation is a good idea. Weinerei also has a  great vintage interior, but the only downside in my opinion is that the staff seemed bit unfriendly. But all in all it’s an interesting place to visit!

4. Madame Claude – Kreuzberg

Madame Claude bar Berlin

This former brothel in Kreuzberg can literally turn your world upside down! Madame Claude is an upside down bar that hosts concerts and events starting from 7pm each day. It’s one of the hipster-ish places in Berlin and a great place to visit before going to the clubs. The interior is really cool and there are pieces of furniture stuck upside down to the ceiling. The concert hall is tiny but Madame Claude is a perfect place to chill, listen to the music and have fun. Come here for the real Berlin feel!

5. Mein Haus Am See – Mitte

mein haus am see

Source: Mein Haus Am See

Mein Haus Am See has a second-hand couches scattered all over the place and interesting wall decor. It’s very popular among hipsters and freelancers who come here to listen to the good music and to socialize. At night the place can get crowded so it might be difficult to get a couch but you can grab a cushion, sit on the stairs and do some people watching which seems like a favorite activity here. There’s an interesting selection of drinks and live music almost every night. Perfectly fits the Berlin mood.

THE UNKNOWN at Mein Haus am See (Every Tuesday) from THE UNKNOWN on Vimeo.

6. Gorki Park – Mitte

Gorki park bar Berlin

Gorki Park is a Russian-run cafe/bar in Mitte. It’s very friendly and cosy with the decor that reminds of the Soviet era. You’ll find lamps, funky wallpapers, furniture pieces and more. The food menu is rich and there’s a great selection of Russian beers. This place is particularly famous for its breakfast menu. So if you are looking for something unusual and different in Berlin go to Gorki Park.

Russian tea Gorki park Berlin

Russian tea

7. Barcomi’s Deli – Mitte

Photo: silverman68 on Flickr under CC

Photo: silverman68 on Flickr under CC

Barcomi is actually more of a cafe than a bar with two venues in Berlin. It’s a great place to relax with a cup of coffee and it also has a rich choice of sandwiches and cakes. The place can get really busy but it has that local feel so it’s worth squeezing yourself in.

I especially recommend these places if you are a first time visitor to Berlin. What are your favorite bars in the city? If you have any recommendations feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

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