Berlin: Food & History Walking Tour in Friedrichshain

Summary

Berlin’s flavors and stories blend on this lively food walk

You’ll taste your way through Friedrichshain’s layered history—currywurst on busy corners, Vietnamese tacos under neon lights, Syrian mezze shared with locals—and walk alongside stories of division and unity at the East Side Gallery. Expect laughter with your guide, plenty of flavors you didn’t see coming, and maybe a new favorite beer or two.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start a Berlin food tour by nearly burning my tongue on currywurst sauce, but there I was—standing in Friedrichshain, trying to look casual while steam rose from the paper tray. Our guide, Steffi, grinned and handed me a napkin. She’d just finished telling us how currywurst became a thing here after WWII (something about British soldiers and ketchup?), and suddenly it tasted like history—spicy, sweet, a little messy. The street was busy but not rushed; you could hear snippets of Turkish and German mixing with the clang of someone’s bike chain.

We wandered from one spot to another—shawarma döner at a tiny counter where the owner nodded when I tried out “danke,” then TyTy Tacos in this neon-lit Vietnamese place that smelled like cilantro and fried onions. I honestly didn’t know Vietnamese tacos were even a thing in Berlin, but apparently they are now. Steffi explained how the area changed after the Wall came down, how people from all over started bringing their own flavors. At one point she pointed out an old squat house covered in graffiti—she called it “living history.” Someone inside was playing guitar way too loud for 2pm.

The beer stops were needed (trust me), especially after our third round of snacks. Berliner Kindl first—light and cold—then something craftier at what used to be an imperial rail yard but is now…well, everything: art studios, skate park, bouldering wall. There was this faint smell of hops mixed with spray paint as we sat outside for a bit. Not sure if that’s classic Berlin or just this block.

By the time we reached the East Side Gallery—the stretch of Wall covered in wild murals—I felt full but also kind of wired from all the stories Steffi had packed into three hours. She handed out these tiny mugs for Glühwein (it was Christmas market season), and everyone huddled close while she talked about old traditions coming back around here. I still think about that view: paint peeling off concrete, someone laughing behind me in Arabic, my hands sticky from cinnamon sugar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Friedrichshain food and history

• Visit Historic Christmas Market
• Drink Berliner Kindl beer
• Eat Shawarma Döner Kebab
• Try Vietnamese TyTy Tacos
• Explore alternative cultural space
• Eat famous Berlin currywurst
• Have Schnitzel Burger and Berliner Pilsner
• See East Side Gallery murals
• Try traditional Syrian Mezze dish
• Pass by Berlin Squat House

Top questions

How long is the Berlin food & history walking tour?

The tour lasts around three hours as you walk through Friedrichshain with several food stops included.

What foods are included on this Berlin food tour?

You’ll try currywurst, shawarma döner kebab, Vietnamese TyTy Tacos, schnitzel burger, Syrian mezze dish, plus beers like Berliner Kindl and local craft brews.

Is there vegetarian or vegan food available?

Yes—email ahead to let them know your dietary needs so they can adapt tastings for vegetarians or vegans.

Does the tour include entrance fees or tickets?

No entrance fees are required; all tastings and drinks are included as part of the walking route.

Where does the Berlin walking food tour take place?

The tour explores Friedrichshain in East Berlin and includes stops near Haus Schwarzenberg and East Side Gallery.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your English-speaking local guide at the starting point in Friedrichshain.

Are drinks included on this food & history tour?

Yes—beer pairings are included along with your tastings at various stops throughout the day.

Can people with allergies join this Berlin food tour?

The tour isn’t suitable for travelers with severe or life-threatening allergies due to cross-contamination risks.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking local guide leading you through Friedrichshain’s streets with all tastings covered: currywurst, shawarma döner kebab, Syrian mezze dish, Vietnamese TyTy Tacos, schnitzel burger plus Berliner Kindl beer and local craft brews—all woven together with stories before finishing at the East Side Gallery.