Springtime in Berlin heralds the International Hotel Investment Forum, where industry discussions swirl around tariffs and supply chains, yet beneath it all lies a prevailing optimism and thirst for growth. As the sun shone brightly, I opted for the underground train from the airport, predicting a quick journey akin to that of a taxi. However, my ride on the S9 took an unexpected turn, landing me at Altglienicke and introducing me to a rail-replacement bus service, reminiscent of London’s quirks, albeit on a Sunday.
Navigating this labyrinth of rail replacements revealed Baumschulenweg; yet, each station visit returned us to our previous stop, creating a comical looping ride. Unexpectedly, this detour allowed me to see hidden corners of Berlin, fostering connections with fellow travellers such as Joseph from Milton Keynes and Regis from Marseille, whose stories would linger longer than a taxi driver’s silent gaze.
Amidst this adventure, I stumbled into the charming Tajikistan Tearoom, or Tadshikische Teestube, on Oranienburgerstrasse, a cultural gem gifted to East Germany from Tajikistan. It evokes a sense of home from Central Asia, with its traditional offerings echoing flavours of both Persian and Russian cuisine. Back at my hotel, the Ibis Berlin Kurfürstendamm, the lobby pulsated with life, hosting vibrant travellers in colourful garb from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Just a stone’s throw away, Betjes-Ethiopia beckoned with its spicy meat dishes generously complemented by tangy injera bread. The past came rushing back with memories of indulging in Berlin’s famed currywurst, and this year, I embarked on a culinary pilgrimage to its birthplace. Herta Heuwer ingeniously mixed wartime rations of sausage, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder in 1949, giving birth to a beloved dish immortalised by a wrought-iron plaque at Asien Supermarket. My gastronomic quest around Berlin concluded here, a harmonious end to an adventure fraught with delightful detours and rich flavours.
The article recounts a vivid journey during the International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin, filled with unexpected detours and delightful culinary experiences. After a comical train ride through various stops, the author discovers the Tajikistan Tearoom, enjoys Congolese culture in the hotel lobby, savours Ethiopian cuisine, and embarks on a pilgrimage to the birthplace of currywurst, culminating in a rich exploration of Berlin’s diverse offerings and connections made along the way.
Navigating Berlin proved to be an unexpectedly whimsical journey, intertwining culinary delights and serendipitous encounters. From the laughter amongst fellow travellers to the rich tapestry of culturally diverse cuisines, the city offered a unique lens on both its history and vibrancy. Ultimately, the pilgrimage to currywurst’s origin encapsulated the essence of Berlin—a place where tradition and modern flavours dance harmoniously together.
Original Source: www.costar.com
