If you’re out and about in Kreuzberg or Neukölln, you’ll know that in addition to Turkish and Arabic snack bars, Sudanese snack bars in particular are on the rise. Although Sudanese cuisine has similarities to Levantine cuisine (Syria, Lebanon, Israel), it has its own distinctive characteristics. Falafel is called tamiya, the national dish is ful, a porridge made from fava beans, and peanut or mango sauces are also often added to dishes.
So here are our five favorite Sudanese snack bars in Berlin. The order says little, because the quality of the food on offer is consistently very high. Vote blindly, go and be convinced.
1. Sahara (Reuterstrasse)
Not to be confused with the Sahara snack chain, this small store in the Reuterkiez has been around for 10 years. The quality proves him right. Both the sandwiches and the plates are very well balanced in the ratio of sauce to dish, our longtime favorite is falafel/tofu. Far from being a tasteless something, this tofu has its seasoning and texture. The magali and halloumi are also convincing. A classic, so be prepared for longer waiting times in summer.
2. Nile
According to the website, the Nil-Imbiss has been operating in Friedrichshain since 2001, with a second branch in Oppelner Straße in Kreuzberg added in 2006. In addition to the usual specialties such as Tamiya, chicken or halloumi, the Ful/Fohlsandwich with mashed field beans is highly recommended. Sudanese drinks made from tamarind or mango and Sudanese coffee complete the menu, which sets the store apart from the others.
3. Khartoum
Another evergreen is the Khartoum on Wiener Strasse. The menu offers many vegetarian and vegan options, as well as chicken and kafta. The selection of sauces is very well balanced and the peanut sauce is without doubt the best we have tried in any of the stores mentioned. The eggplant paste and the mango sauce are very good. The bread withstands everything and does not soak through. Even better: No sandwich costs more than €4.50. Definitely worth a visit!
4. Basmah
The Basmah in Reichenbergerstraße is in no way inferior to Nil, Sahara & Co. Our favorite combination of falafel and tofu is excellent, the thick halloumi sticks are very noteworthy. You’re lucky to live in Reichenberger, as there are two Sudanese restaurants within walking distance: Basmah and Darfur.
5. Omdur
This new snack bar on Schlesische Strasse is barely a week old. The menu is a little confusing at first, but offers every possible combination of falafel, magali, halloumi, chicken and kafta. Our Chicken Kafta Falafel test sandwich was convincing in terms of taste, texture and seasoning. The only unfortunate thing was that the bread gave way relatively quickly. The remarkably friendly service is a good change from the Berlin snark: We would love to come back.