Recap of My First Year in Berlin

Berlin diary: A Mexican Chef Finds Belonging Through Food And Community

Breaking: A year after relocating to Berlin, a Mexican culinary writer shares how the city’s immigrant‑driven food scene reshaped belonging, work, and family. From a Charlottenburg studio to the bustling moabit markets, the year reveals how cuisine can knit cultures together when daily life is infused wiht memory, exchange, and curiosity.

Arrival, immersion, and the turning point

The writer arrived in Berlin on November 28, 2024, stepping into a year of discovery shaped by people, neighborhoods, and familiar flavors far from home. One year later, on the same date in 2025, a local storefront’s milestone underscored how quickly a city can become a chosen family. The celebration at Goldhahn and Sampson—an unassuming Charlottenburg institution—marked more than ten years in business and became a signal moment in the writer’s integration into Berlin’s cultural fabric.

Goldhahn und Sampson became a home away from home, described as the writer’s favorite store in the city. It blends a deli’s warmth with a meticulously curated wine cellars,coffee,kitchenware,and a growing collection of Mexican cookbooks. The staff’s generosity helped transform a professional move into a personal sense of belonging, turning the shop into a surrogate “Berlin family.”

Food as a bridge: workshops, markets, and intercultural meals

November 2025 brought a meaningful workshop at Ahorn, a cultural space tucked into Hermannplatz. The session focused on traditional Mexican comforts—tamales, atole, and calaveritas—an experience framed not just as a culinary lesson but as a reminder that food can erase borders and stitch together languages, memories, and present moments.

The author emphasizes that this ethos—food as a shared language—extends beyond personal meals. Collaborations with community organizations deepen the reach.Outside the box, a partner in Berlin’s intercultural culinary scene, demonstrates how cooking can foster dialog, challenge stereotypes, and nurture a more open society. Their work with refugees and newcomers is highlighted as especially vital in a climate where cultural funding is challenged.

These experiences reaffirm a simple truth the writer has carried since moving: meals are a gateway to connection. They’re not just about nourishment; they’re a conduit for stories, friendships, and new opportunities that emerge around a shared table.

Neighborhoods that shape daily life

Moabit, the writer’s beloved home district, becomes the anchor of daily exploration. It’s described as a non‑gentrified, deeply diverse area with migrant histories etched into its streets. Turmstraße, starting in kleine Tiergarten, morphs into Huttenstraße, offering a spectrum of cuisines—from Middle Eastern staples to Turkish and Lebanese favorites—through busy markets, bakeries, and street vendors.

Arminiusmarkthalle stands out as a pragmatic gastronomic hub: a place where tradition meets affordability, featuring neighbors from the balkans, a warm Serbian presence, and reliable, comforting options. The neighborhood’s panorama expands further with Peruvian cevicherías, American barbecue, and accessible Vietnamese eateries, creating a daily, welcoming ecosystem for varied palates.

Beyond Arminiusmarkthalle, the culinary map broadens. Halal butchery shops, markets selling prickly pears and purslane, and a range of street food—from shawarma and kebabs to pastry shops—make eating well here a consistent and communal experience. The writer highlights a tangible sense of belonging that grows through shared meals, not grand gestures.

Parallels with home and a growing culinary map

Walking—an activity the writer cherishes both in Berlin and in Mexico city—offers space to observe life’s rhythms. The journey is punctuated by encounters with urban wildlife and a sense that nature persists amid concrete and movement. The city’s waterways, layered histories, and resilient character echo the writer’s memories of Mexico’s neighborhoods.

As Berlin and Mexico City reveal striking similarities—Condesa with Prenzlauer Berg, roma with Kreuzberg, and Juárez with Mitte—the writer reflects on how belonging isn’t merely arriving somewhere new but recognizing patterns, connections, and languages already within.

Community, memory, and the future of diaspora cuisine

The personal tapestry includes a bittersweet moment from the past year: the writer’s uncle Germán, close like a mentor, passed away a year before the move. The name Germán—sharing roots with Germany—frames the narrative as a reminder that language, memory, and place can synchronize in meaningful ways. A workshop in November, and ongoing exchanges with neighbors and friends, reinforce the sense that food erases borders and sustains memory across distances.

In Berlin, the writer finds a city that is not easily explained yet welcoming to those who stay. The diaspora cuisines—Arabic, Turkish, Polish, and more—are celebrated as living, evolving traditions that offer affordable, vibrant experiences. Polish influences surface in Moabit, with a corner grocer and a longtime apothecary blending everyday helps and cultural exchange. the neighborly bonds formed here extend beyond the kitchen, shaping a broader sense of home.

Takeaways for readers: belonging through shared meals

The year ends with gratitude, curiosity, and the conviction that food remains the thread uniting memory, language, and place. The writer’s Berlin year is a testament to how cities can nurture resilient communities when daily life—shopping, cooking, and sharing meals—becomes a collaborative, intercultural practice.

Milestone	Date	Location / Details
Arrival in Berlin	Nov 28, 2024	Immersion into Berlin’s immigrant food scene; first year of discovery begins
One-year anniversary celebration	Nov 28, 2025	Goldhahn and Sampson marks a decade; the writer reflects on belonging and community
Tamales workshop	Nov 2025	Ahorn cultural space, Hermannplatz; tamales, atole, calaveritas
Neighborhood immersion	2024–2025	Moabit: Arminiusmarkthalle, Turmstraße, and Huttenstraße; diverse cuisines

Context for readers: Berlin’s multicultural food landscape is shaped by migrant communities—from the Middle East to Eastern Europe—contributing to an affordable, high-quality culinary scene. For broader context on Berlin’s cultural and culinary diversity,see official city pages and reputable profiles of the city’s neighborhoods.

What keeps a city feeling like home is not merely where you live, but the people you share meals with and the connections you nurture over time. The writer’s year in Berlin is a reminder that belonging can be found in everyday acts of cooking, eating, and exchanging stories across borders.

Two questions for readers

1) Which city or neighborhood has helped you feel a sense of belonging through food, and why?

2) Which diaspora cuisines would you like featured in future updates, and where would you like to see them explored?

External Context: For further reading on Berlin’s diverse communities and intercultural initiatives, consider official resources on the city’s culture and neighborhoods. Explore credible sources on Berlin’s multicultural identity to deepen your understanding of how food can connect people across borders.

Share your thoughts and experiences: how has food shaped your sense of belonging in a new city?

Disclaimer: This article provides a narrative view of cultural experiences and community initiatives; readers should consult local sources for specific programs and opportunities.

Berlin official tourism and city information • berlin on Wikipedia

**Berlin Guide for new Expats**

Arrival & First Impressions

• Landed at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) in early spring; the city’s blend of historic architecture and modern street art set the tone for an eclectic year.
• Immediate observations: widespread use of bicycles,the ubiquity of “Willkommen” signs,and the efficient “BVG” public‑transport app that became essential for navigation.

Finding a Home: Neighborhoods & Housing Tips

Key districts for newcomers

1. Kreuzberg – vibrant nightlife, multicultural cafés, and relatively quick access to co‑working spaces.
2. Prenzlauer Berg – family‑amiable, leafy streets, and a strong community of expats.
3. Friedrichshain – affordable lofts, close to the East Side Gallery, and excellent connections to the U‑Bahn line U1.

Steps to secure an apartment

• Register on local platforms: WG‑Gesucht, ImmobilienScout24, and the Berlin Craigslist option eBay Kleinanzeigen.
• Prepare the typical German rental dossier: passport copy, SCHUFA credit report, proof of income, and a short “Mieterselbstauskunft” (self‑disclosure).
• Attend viewings early in the week; landlords frequently enough prefer tenants who can move in within two weeks.

Navigating Public Transport & Getting Around

• BVG ticket options:

1. AB‑Zone monthly pass – €84 (covers central berlin, ideal for daily commuters).
2. Berlin WelcomeCard – 48‑hour or 5‑day variants for tourists; includes discounts on museums and attractions.
3. Bike-friendly infrastructure: over 620 km of dedicated bike lanes; most locals combine U‑Bahn and cycling for “last‑mile” trips.
4. Apps to simplify travel: BVG Fahrinfo, Citymapper, and Google Maps with real‑time subway updates.

Work & Professional Networking in Berlin

• Startup ecosystem: Berlin ranks among Europe’s top tech hubs,with hotspots in Berlin‑Tech‑Park and Factory (co‑working space).
• Job boards: LinkedIn,Indeed Deutschland,and niche sites like Berlin Startup Jobs.
• Meetups & events:
• Tech Meetups (monthly, hosted at Betahaus).
• Berlin Design Week (annual,showcasing UI/UX and product design).
• Münchner Freiheit language‑exchange evenings for practicing German in a professional context.

Language Learning & cultural integration

• German courses:
• Volkshochschule (VHS) – affordable evening classes, average €200 per semester.
• DeutschAkademie – intensive 4‑week programs with a focus on business German.
• Cultural immersion:
• Museum Island (UNESCO World Heritage site) – free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
• Kulturforum concerts and exhibitions; many events offer English subtitles or guided tours.
• Open‑air cinema at Freiluftkino Kreuzberg – a popular summer activity for locals and expats alike.

Lifestyle: Food, Entertainment, and Leisure

Dining scene

• Currywurst at Konnopke’s (historical street food stall).
• Vegan brunch at Bonanza (Prenzlauer Berg) – a hallmark of Berlin’s plant‑based movement.
• International markets: Markthalle Neun (Weekend Street Food Festival).

Nightlife & social hubs

• Berghain/Panorama Bar – iconic techno venue; tickets are not sold, entry is based on door policy.
• Clubs & bars in Rixdorf (neighbourhood of Neukölln) for a more relaxed atmosphere.

recreation

• Tempelhofer Feld – former airport turned public park; perfect for kite‑surfing, roller‑skating, and picnics.
• Spree River bike tours – guided rides that blend historical commentary with scenic views.

Practical Tips for New Expats

• Register (Anmeldung) within two weeks of moving; required for opening a bank account,obtaining a tax ID,and accessing health insurance.
• Health insurance: choose between statutory (e.g., AOK, TK) or private providers; statutory is mandatory for most employees.
• Banking: N26 (digital bank) and Deutsche Bank offer english‑language support for initial setup.
• Tax considerations: file the annual “Einkommensteuererklärung” by July 31; many expats benefit from the “Pendlerpauschale” (commuter deduction).

Benefits of Living in Berlin

• affordability: average monthly rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in central districts remains below €1,200, lower than London or Paris.
• Cultural diversity: over 180 nationalities call Berlin home, fostering a globally inclusive surroundings.
• Work‑life balance: legal limits on weekly working hours (48 h) and generous vacation policies (minimum 20 days) support personal well‑being.
• Green spaces: nearly 30 % of the city area is parkland, contributing to high air quality and a healthy lifestyle.

First‑Year Milestones (Chronological Overview)

1. Month 1–2 – Secured housing in Friedrichshain; completed Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt.
2. Month 3 – Joined a German language class at VHS; started a part‑time remote role with a Berlin‑based tech firm.
3. Month 4–6 – Attended weekly meetups at Betahaus, landed a full‑time position as a UX designer.
4. Month 7 – Explored Berlin’s museum scene during the “Long Night of Museums.”
5. Month 9 – Completed the first German proficiency exam (A2); received a permanent residence permit.
6. Month 12 – Celebrated a year in berlin with friends at a rooftop bar in Kreuzberg, reflecting on personal growth and professional achievements.