The authentic, almost forgotten counterpart to Markthalle Neun in the north: opened 118 years ago – today a traditional weekly market and international street food under one roof.

When it comes to diverse food and cuisine in Berlin, you don’t have to worry – here you can try delicacies from almost every corner of the world. Whether in the largest Asian or Arabic supermarket or in “Little Moscow” in the middle of the city: everything from mochi to baklava to pelmeni is represented. Then there are Berlin’s market halls, where different nationalities are represented under one roof. One example is the Arminius Market Hall in Moabit, one of the oldest market halls in the city, which used to house around 425 stalls. If you combine street food stalls with a traditional market, weekly market stalls, and fresh food, you end up at the Tegel Market Hall in Berlin’s Tegel district (Reinickendorf borough). It is one of the few remaining classic market halls in the city.

Photo: @ralf_golis1966 (Instagram)

The market hall was opened in 1908, at a time when numerous covered market halls were being built in Berlin to secure supplies for the rapidly growing city. At that time, market halls were primarily intended to create hygienic conditions for food, regulate street trading, and offer regional products in a central location. The hall in Tegel survived both world wars and remained a market location. While many Berlin market halls disappeared or were converted into supermarkets during the 20th century, this hall remained largely true to its original function.

The hall is typical of early Berlin market buildings: a combination of steel and brick construction, large windows for plenty of daylight, and a central hall structure with market stalls. The architecture is reminiscent of the classic market hall aesthetic of the early 20th century —functional, but at the same time with industrial charm.

Photo: @ralf_golis1966 (Instagram)

Today, the market hall is a mixture of food market and street food venue. There are numerous market stalls selling fruit and vegetables, meat and sausage products, cheese, delicatessen items, and fish. The international cuisine includes Turkish specialties, Italian products, Oriental delicacies, and Eastern European foods. The street food offerings include freshly baked bread, grilled dishes, coffee and cake, and small snack stands.

The Tegel Market Hall is considered an authentic neighborhood market – significantly less touristy than other Berlin market halls. Precisely because many historic market halls in Berlin have disappeared, it is now perceived as a piece of living Berlin market culture.