Some streets in Berlin are so jam-packed with cheapo establishments that they deserve their own blog post. Falckensteinstrasse, in the fast gentrifying Wrangelkiez, is one of them.

This Kreuzberg street, which intersects with the hoppin’ Schlesische Strasse, has a number of budget eateries worth checking out. Here are my favorites:

Basilikum / Eis Aldemir / Thymian
Falckensteinstraße 7

The holy trinity of budget eateries is owned by the same Turkish family. Basilikum and Thymian each serves two to four daily specials that range from Mediterranean (pasta) to German (Spätzle)–all for between €2 and €4.50. Eis Aldemir, which is flanked between the two, is a good ice cream parlor with average prices (€1 a scoop).

Les Enfants Gatés
Falckensteinstraße 33
Web site

Cute cafe that serves real French pastries. At €3, the pastries may not seem like such a bargain for Berlin, but considering the quality and atmosphere, it’s a good deal.

Café am Kamin
Falckensteinstr. 18

This tiny cafe has a fireplace. Luckily, they keep it off in summer.

Buddha’s Kitchen
Falckensteinstr. 42
Web site

The Vietnamese community in Berlin has perfected the art of budget-friendly, fresh Asian food. Buddha’s Kitchen serves standard Berlin Asian fares–Vietnamese noodle soup, salad or meat in curry. It’s nothing you’ll write home about, but the €5 lunch deals definitely do the job. Best of all, there are two more Vietnamese-run places nearby, and they’re all pretty much interchangeable.

The main thoroughfare of Schlesische Strasse has an endless choice of bars and clubs, as well as snack bars. Cheapo night owls can do very well here.

Also on EuroCheapo: If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, check out our no-nonsense reviews of budget hotels in Berlin. We’ve visited and inspected hotels throughout the city, and recommend the best central cheapies. Read more in our Berlin guide.

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These days, you can’t throw a stone without hitting a Currywurst stand in Berlin. Just follow the sweet smell of a deep fryer and you won’t be disappointed. But if you want an extra special experience, here are a few picks:

Krasselts
Steglitzer Damm 22
Web site

Leave the likes of Konnopke’s to the amateurs. Get off the tourist circuit and get yourself to Steglitz. If not for the Turmkunst, a stop at Krasselts is well worth the trek to the residential district. Instead of the common ketchup, the owner uses a tomato sauce made from a “secret” recipe.

For those of us who like to eat on the go, there’s also a far less messy option: pork on the stick. If there’s a line, it’s not because the place is conveniently located (it’s not). It’s because Krasselts’ Currywurst really is all that.

Bier’s Ku’Damm 195
Kurfürstendamm 195

When you’re done sweeping through the department stores and boutiques of Charlottenburg, head down to Bier’s. Better yet, go there late at night—and you might see society folks in tuxedos and evening gowns. Don’t act all surprised. It’s Kurfürstendamm—naturfürlich you can order champagne with your Currywurst or shish kebab. (This being Berlin, of course, everything’s still affordable.)

Curry 36
Mehringdamm 36
Web site

I know, I know, every guide book mentions this place—and for a good reason. Open into the wee hours, this snack bar, nay, “legendary institution” serves up fresh-off-the-grill sausages smeared with plenty of sauce. The brusque Berliner service is part of the charm.

A magnet for club-goers and bar-hoppers, this lively joint is the perfect place to eat, chat with strangers and watch the sun rise after a long night out. Don’t forget the sauteed onions and fries. You need some veggies and carbs for a balanced meal.

Currywurst Museum
Schützenstraße 70
Web site

Just steps away from Checkpoint Charlie, this compact museum is perfect for the diehard fans. While the admission fees are steep (€7-€11), they do include a complimentary serving of Currywurst. You can watch a documentary called “The Best of Wursts” (rim shot, please), listen to Herbert Groenemeyer’s 1982 rock tribute, browse a 3-D map of Currywurst stands in the city, or trace the history of snacking back to 4,000 BC (popcorn, if you must know). It’s Teutonically thorough fun.

Mobile Wurst

It’s technically not a Currywurst place, but this innovative business model deserves a mention. Men sporting a grill like a backpack hang out on the street, serving pipin’ hot brats for around €1.20. You’ll see them moving about across Mitte, but you can always count on running into one outside the Friedrichstrasse and Alexanderplatz stations.

The post Berlin: The best Currywurst in town appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Polskie Smaki
ul. Sw. Tomasza 5
Open daily from 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Polskie Smaki (“Polish Tastes” in English) serves up standard Polish fare near Krakow’s Main Square. In addition to Polish ravioli, stuffed pancakes and meat dishes, the restaurant offers a variety of breakfast plates.

If you opt for a morning meal, expect to spend no more than 15 PLN (about $6) per person. If you stop by for lunch or dinner, order a few sides to sample—the bill will still be well under $20.

Cyklop Pizzeria
ul. Mikolajska 16
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

If you need a break from pierogi and kielbasa, head to the very central Cyklop Pizzeria for a Polish take on Italian cooking. The menu ranges from oven-baked pizza (around $6 for a large pie) to pasta and salads. A selection of typical Italian desserts (including gelato and tiramisu, all for around $4) rounds out the deal.

Café Mlynek
Plac Wolnica 7
Open daily from 8 a.m. till last guests

This vegetarian restaurant in Kazimierz boasts an expansive menu of meat-free entrees, from breaded and roasted cheese and stuffed pancakes to spinach pasta and hummus with bread. Café Mlynek also has a large beverage menu, with both hot drinks and alcohol on offer. The place stands out for its artsy, earthy vibe: There’s often an art exhibit on the walls and the restaurant hosts concerts. Expect to pay around $6 for a main dish.

Bonus Tip: The kielbasa van

Every major city has its own street food darling, and in Krakow’s case it’s the kielbasa van. Located at ul. Grzegorzecka (a bit south of the city center), the van offers sausage for 7 PLN (about $3) from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Understandably, given the late hours, this operation caters to a bar-hopping local crowd.

The post Krakow: Three Cheapo-friendly restaurants appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Local hot-spot Panificio Firenze, a tasty joint serving as grocery store (alimentari), bakery (panificio) and deli (salumi), has been delighting locals with fresh breads, meats, and cheeses since 1929. At lunch time it’s as busy and chaotic as the trading floor at the stock exchange.

Made to order

Follow these simple steps for Panini perfection:

1) If the place is super busy, pull a ticket from the machine by the front door. Wait for your number to show up on the display overhead.

2) Choose your filling from a range of delicious fresh meats and cheeses on display. Watch as the goods get weighed.

3) Pay a reasonable price for your taste sensation. Enjoy!

Crusty rolls and fresh breads, too!

My personal favorite? The prosciutto and mozzarella on flatbread (focaccia), warmed in the oven for a minute or two… bellissimo! The roasted pork sandwiches served in crusty rolls occasionally make an appearance, and are devilishly tasty, too.

Another great bet is Panificio’s mini pizzas. Just out of the oven, they are divine. Locals like to eat them cut down the middle and folded. The cost for this delight will only set you back €1.50.

A cornucopia of different types of freshly baked bread is always on display. From crusty rolls to sublime focaccia, the panificio (baker) also offers up a good assortment of biscuits and pastries. In addition, Panificio is the perfect place to pop in for picnic provisions like finely sliced Mortadella or Bresola.

It’s easy to walk by…

Know before you go

It can be a little tricky to find, as there isn’t any sign hanging out front. Panificio Firenze is located just off Via Nazionale (Piazza Republica end) at 51-52 Via Firenze, Rome. The closest metro is Republica.

Panificio is open Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM, on Saturdays until 2 PM, and is closed on Sundays. (Tel: 06-488-5035)

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