Berlin’s grocery stores can be a chaotic introduction to life in Germany. Discounters like Aldi and Lidl skimp on presentation for bargain-basement prices. Fancier chains like Rewe and Edeka have recently upped their games with fancy salad bars, fresh sushi, and even living herb walls.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t still a pseudo-Apocalypse experience at times. The grumbling masses at the pfand deposit. Lines are merely a suggestion at check-out. If a new line opens, there is no decorum and whoever gets there first – wins. And the lack of customers service extends tenfold to grocery store workers. “Where are the spices?” may very well be met with a shrug and a point in a general direction.

Photo: Erin Porter

Turkish Markets in Germany

The aforementioned grocery stores don’t encompass the full scope of your grocery options, however. Germany is increasingly international and its largest ethnic minority, Turks, have had a lasting impression on the country’s history and culture from döner kebab to Ramadan. This extends to the many German grocery stores and markets available around the country, and particularly in Berlin.

If you aren’t shopping at specialty shops like Turkish markets (and to a lesser degree Asian and African  shops), you are missing a fascinating glimpse into Germany’s immigrant culture and a chance to expand your cooking in Germany.

Best Turkish Markets in Germany and What to buy There

While the days of shopping at each charming specialty store like the Käse Laden (cheese shop) and Metzgerei (butcher) are not very common any more, there is still reason to split up your shopping. We used to have a Aldi, Kaisers (RIP), and Bolu right in a row and would routinely shop at all three for different items. Turkish markets often offer the cheapest and best produce, bulk and unusual spices, hard-to-find items like jalapeños, superior meat sections,  and delectable spreads.

Typical Turkish chains are Bolu and Eurogida. They are similarly no-frills like other discount grocers, but fairly large with lots of goods on offer. Out front, sellers hawk fresh fruits and offer free samples of whatever is in season. (Take note that this means that they can also be a haven for wasps in late summer.) And that’s right – FREE SAMPLES! While this might not seem surprising before shopping in Germany, take my word that this is not a common  practice within the country. My daughter has received a stray cookie here, an apricot there; a welcome sign of warmth in the cold climate of shopping in Germany.

More important than the freebies are the deals. In season, there are mangoes by the box full, strawberries by the carton, and mountains of onions in a dizzying array of colors. Some times these are imported from far away and quick to spoil, so inspect your produce carefully before purchasing. But often they are at peak ripeness and begging to be eaten on the spot.

Photo: Erin Porter

Another highlight for me are the spreads. There is always garlic and yogurt, but they can get wildly inventive. Red pepper, walnut, arugula (or rocket or rucola depending on your origin), the list goes on…Pair it with traditional Turkish bread and you have a full meal.

Another adventure in shopping at the Turkish grocer is the meat counter. Meats you never see make it to the German Metzgerei are proudly displayed. Lamb plays prominently, and different cuts of chicken like thigh are available. Sheep heads and cow tongues are sure to attract the attention of the children (or at least my child). And – of course – everything is halal which means it adheres to traditional Islamic law.

Photo: Erin Porter

In my never-ending quest to cook decent Mexican food in Germany, the Turkish grocer was instrumental in my first efforts. They offered the closest thing to tortillas, canned jalapeños, and sacks full of cumin. A few dedicated Mexican grocers (Hola Chili & Paprika!) have made this much easier, but I still rely on the Turkish shops in a pinch.

Türkischer Markt

In addition to these brick and mortar Turkish stores, there is the now-legendary Türkischer Markt off of Maybachufer in Neukölln. A twice-weekly pop-up on Tuesday and Friday, this is the premier place for produce deals, fabrics, and cheap Turkish meals. Open 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., this used to be a sleepy farmers’ market for the locals. It is now a major destination and you can expect it to be packed on sunny days, summer, fall, spring, or winter.