Singapore Welcomes Its First Berlin-Style Eatery

February 27, 2024 — Singapore’s food scene just became more international. This happened with the opening of Berlin 65. It’s the city’s first restaurant dedicated to Berlin’s unique food on Stanley Street. The spot is casual dining and has quickly become a haven for those craving real German street food. They serve the iconic currywurst, Berlin-style kebabs, and a selection of beers brewed in the heart of Kreuzberg.

Berlin65 is the brainchild of Stephan Zoisl and Lorenz Raich. They are both Austrians who deeply appreciate Berlin’s diverse food. Zoisl is known for his work at the fine dining establishment Chef’s Table by Chef Stephan. Raich is the group executive chef at the casual Bavarian chain Brotzeit. They have brought a slice of Berlin to Singapore. Their motivation? They had a personal craving for the German capital’s street food. They felt it was missing in Singapore’s international culinary scene.

The heart of Berlin’s street food culture, the currywurst, is given special attention at Berlin 65. Unlike the fast-food version many might expect, Berlin65’s currywurst is a gourmet affair. The curry ketchup is made in-house from fresh ingredients. It follows a special recipe developed by Zoisl. The dedication to authenticity extends to the curry powder. It’s imported from Germany. This ensures a taste as close to Berlin’s streets as possible.

Complementing the currywurst is Berlin65’s selection of Berlin-style doner kebabs. Raich points out that while Singapore offers a variety of sausages and schnitzels, the German take on the kebab was notably absent. At Berlin65, the doner kebabs are loaded with fresh vegetables and sauces. This sets them apart from the Turkish ones. The menu features options like the 1972 Berlin Original. It has spit-roasted chicken and a garlic yoghurt dressing. There’s also the Banh Mi, a nod to Vietnamese influences. It has spit-roasted chicken, pate, and sriracha.

But Berlin65’s menu doesn’t stop at street food. It also covers traditional Berlin home cooking. It includes dishes like Konigsberger Klopse, veal, and beef meatballs in a caper-infused white roux. And Berliner Buletten, spicy beef patties served with a side of potato salad and braised red cabbage. For dessert, patrons can enjoy a Berliner. It’s a jelly doughnut. It famously led to a language misunderstanding with former U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

The ambience at Berlin 65 is laid-back and has street art-styled walls. It mirrors the edgy, artsy character of Berlin. It’s a tribute to the city’s history, multiculturalism, and vibrant food scene. The scene includes significant Turkish and Vietnamese influences. This new eatery fills a gap in Singapore’s diverse food landscape. It also shows that good food and its stories have universal appeal.

Berlin 65 keeps winning over locals and expatriates. It stands as a testament to Berlin’s enduring culinary charm and the creative spirit of its founders. Do you love German food or wonder what makes Berlin’s culinary scene special? Berlin65 offers a taste of the German capital in the heart of Singapore.