If you ever get the chance to visit Berlin, one of Europe’s most famous tourist cities, you will immediately notice the incredible number of Turkish restaurants lining the streets. In fact, outside of Turkey itself, Berlin boasts what is arguably the largest concentration of Turkish eateries in the world, most of which are proudly run by the Turkish diaspora. This deep food cultural exchange between Berlin and Turkey dates back to the aftermath of World War II.
Following the war, Germany faced severe labor shortages which prompted the government to recruit workers from Turkey under a bilateral labor recruitment agreement signed on October 30, 1961. To fill these industrial gaps, thousands of young, often unskilled workers from rural Anatolia were recruited through German liaison offices set up in major Turkish urban centers.
Upon arriving in West Berlin, these workers faced arduous conditions which included grueling shifts in heavy industry, basic barracks-style housing and deep social isolation. The German authorities originally operated under a “rotation principle” assuming these workers would return home after a maximum of two years to be replaced by a new cohort. However, German employers resisted the constant costs of training new workers and the rotation system ultimately collapsed.
Then, the global oil crisis of 1973 and the subsequent recruitment freeze on November 23, 1973, marked a major turning point. Realizing that leaving Germany would permanently revoke their right to return, many Turkish workers chose to remain in Berlin and bring over their families. As these communities grew, the first generation of immigrants established small businesses, including grocery stores, mosques, coffee houses and small eateries restaurants. Today, the thriving culinary scene we see is the direct, long-term outcome of that history.
So, let’s discuss the types of Turkish food and restaurants you can try, including a few I’ve already experienced.
The Kreuzberg area is your best first option if you’re looking for traditional Turkish food and culture. Öz Adana Grillhaus and Adana Grillhaus are standout choices here. Various traditional kebab items are the main highlight, alongside delicious desserts and a selection of soft and hard drinks. It is highly recommended to reserve a table in advance if you plan to visit on the weekend.
Next up is the Neukölln area where Haci Baba operates multiple branches, each specializing in different items. If you are in the mood for quick snack items, the Haci Baba Burger shop is a great option. For traditional, hearty kebab items, your best bet will be Haci Baba (CÖMLEK).
The Charlottenburg area features two excellent fine-dining restaurants serving Turkish cuisine that goes far beyond standard street food - Restaurant Baba Angora and Adana Grill. Both offer versatile, traditional menus in a more upscale setting. As usual, they accept advance reservations.
If you are looking for classic, single-serving Turkish staples rather than a sit-down feast, the Köpenick area has great spots for that, most notably Mix Box and City Grill. Here, Döner, Dürüm and even Turkish-style pizzas are the main dishes on the menu.
The Rudow area also hosts a traditional Turkish restaurant where you can taste a wide variety of authentic dishes, including Arel Restaurant. While the restaurant area itself isn’t very large, their food menu is impressively extensive.
Lastly, a couple of interesting details to keep in mind: whenever you order kebab dishes at these restaurants, you will almost always receive complimentary side dishes, such as a fresh salad, bread and various sauces. Furthermore, most of these establishments offer both indoor and outdoor seating arrangements. The outdoor spaces are particularly convenient for smokers or anyone requiring wheelchair accessibility.
