Want to take your taste buds on a journey? In Berlin, that’s possible for just about every taste. Whether it’s Thai specialties at large street food markets or samples from around the world at Markthalle Neun —the selection is huge. However, if you’re craving the flavors of the Middle East, you should explore other parts of the capital. In addition to the viral kunafa sandwich, you’ll also find authentic Egyptian cuisine in Berlin—and at surprisingly affordable prices. The small snack bar Meya Meya in Prenzlauer Berg on Greifswalder Straße, not far from the Velodrom, has made a name for itself with one dish in particular.
Meya Meya brings one of Egypt’s most famous comfort foods to Berlin, and that’s exactly what makes this spot so exciting right now. The big highlight there is koshary, Egypt’s most famous national dish, which is still extremely rare to find in Berlin. At first glance, the dish sounds unusual, but that’s exactly what makes it so exciting: a mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas, topped with crispy fried onions, spicy tomato sauce, and often hot chili sauce or a garlic-vinegar dressing. It sounds chaotic, but the flavors work together surprisingly well.
What makes the place particularly interesting: Egyptian cuisine is still significantly less visible in Berlin compared to Levantine, Turkish, or Persian cuisine. This is exactly what makes Meya Meya feel almost like a little culinary insider tip. Instead of the typical Berlin food trends, you’ll find something there that many have never tried before.
In addition to koshary, this snack bar also serves many other classics of Egyptian cuisine. Particularly popular is tamiya, the Egyptian version of falafel, which is traditionally made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, giving it a particularly soft and aromatic flavor. You’ll also find ful medames there, a typical Egyptian dish made from slow-cooked and spiced fava beans, which is often eaten for breakfast in Egypt.
It’s served with hawawshi—crispy flatbread stuffed with spicy ground meat—as well as various Middle Eastern mezze and small appetizers. Sweet desserts and traditional spices from Egyptian cuisine are also on the menu, making this small eatery an exciting spot for anyone looking to discover new flavors.
