Berlin's Culinary Identity: The Stories Behind Döner Kebab and Currywurst, Iconic Street Foods Shaped by Migration and Innovation

Berlin's street food scene is defined by the döner kebab and currywurst, dishes that reflect the city's history of migration and cultural fusion. * Currywurst originated in 1949 when Herta Heuwer mixed ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and curry powder, serving it over sliced sausage. This quickly became a staple, symbolizing the city's post-war reconstruction. * Döner kebab emerged in the 1970s thanks to Turkish worker Kadir Nurman, who put lamb in pita bread with salad and sauce. This portable version of a traditional Turkish meal became a symbol of Berlin's identity. * Today, Berlin boasts over 1,000 kebab stands, with Mustafa's Gemuese Kebab being a standout for its roasted vegetables, feta, yogurt sauce, and lemon. These dishes continue to evolve, adapting to modern tastes while remaining central to Berlin's culinary landscape.