Culinary Delights as Cultural Entertainment: Why the KulturKaufhaus Is the Most Exciting Food Spot in Berlin-Mitte This Fall

There are places in Berlin where food is more than just food. It’s language, craftsmanship, memory, and curiosity. Places where a cookbook doesn’t just end up on a shelf, but sparks an idea. A place just like that will come to life in September and October at the KulturKaufhaus in Berlin-Mitte.

Because enjoyment isn’t a product. Enjoyment is a way of life. It happens between the pages of a book and in conversations, between an impromptu tasting and a recipe that suddenly makes you want to spend the evening differently. If you really want to understand food culture, you have to be able to experience it. And that’s exactly the principle that’s taking center stage at KulturKaufhaus these past few weeks.

A home that embraces pleasure as a way of life

The KulturKaufhaus on Friedrichstraße has long been more than just a bookstore. It’s a place where literature, design, music, paper, crafts, and cuisine intersect. And this fall, the focus is on precisely this connection: food meets literature. Crafts meet creativity. Tastings meet conversation.

This isn't about trends that you just check off your list. It's about how people cook, collect, experiment, and share. Here, cookbooks become journeys, food spots become stories, and recipes become invitations.

Anyone who visits the store during these weeks will not only find new cookbooks and culinary discoveries, but also the opportunity to sample, participate, and ask questions right on the spot.

The Highlights: From Tim Raue to Yotam Ottolenghi

Two names stand out in particular in this program.

On September 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., Tim Raue will be at the KulturKaufhaus. The two-star chef will present his new book, in which he shares his personal perspective on Berlin. Inspired by the view from the TV Tower, he takes readers on six culinary journeys through the city, from breakfast to midnight. The book features recipes, but also explores places, people, and what Berlin cuisine is really all about. Together with Katharina Raue, a food connoisseur and longtime editor-in-chief, this evening will offer a glimpse behind the scenes of the capital’s culinary identity. Free admission.

On September 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., a name that has transformed modern cuisine will take the stage. Yotam Ottolenghi will present his new book, which centers on an idea that is often lost in everyday life: simplicity. 135 recipes, many of which take less than 30 minutes to prepare, and many of which can be made in a single pot. It’s an invitation to rediscover the joy of cooking, rather than seeing it as a chore. Tickets cost 10 euros, or 8 euros with a discount.

Between Tasting, Trying, and Making It Yourself

In addition to the big names, this program thrives on the little moments. These are the in-house tastings where Berlin brands showcase what they do and why.

Three Berlin brands, three very different approaches to indulgence. ODE is all about aperitifs without compromise; Knalle is about popcorn that’s more like a pastry than a snack; and Sawade represents a Berlin tradition of pralines that has been passed down for generations.

And then there are the formats where you get involved yourself.

Tapas & Table Decorations on September 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the KulturKafé. A community evening where we’ll eat, drink, and do crafts together. Creative expert Elisabeth will show you how to make personalized table decorations with minimal effort. Materials, a vegan tapas platter, a welcome drink, and water are included. 50 euros

It's exactly this mix that makes it so appealing: You can learn, try things out, get involved, or just look around and be inspired.

Origins and Culture Café: The Pleasure Stays In-House

What makes KulturKaufhaus special is that the enjoyment doesn't end with books.

With its in-house restaurant, Ursprung, there’s a place that carries on the tradition of good, simple cuisine. If, after a reading or a browse through the cookbook section, you’re still in the mood to continue the conversation over a meal, you don’t have to leave the building.

And at the KulturKafé, there’s exactly the kind of atmosphere that many people associate with good food: sitting, talking, taking your time. Workshops and community events are also held here, which shows that it’s not just about consumption, but about connecting with others.

Why It's Worth a Visit

Berlin has countless food spots. But there are few places where the concept of indulgence is approached so comprehensively. Here, you’ll find books that inspire, brands you can sample, people who share their stories, and activities that let you get creative yourself.

That's the real point of this campaign: Enjoyment isn't something you buy. It's something you experience.

Whether you come for a cookbook, stay for a tasting, or end up in a workshop on a whim doesn’t matter in the end. The point is that food can be more than just sustenance. It can be culture.

At a Glance

Where: Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus, Friedrichstraße 90, 10117 Berlin

When: September and October 2026

What: Tastings, workshops, book signings, book presentations, cookbooks Extras: The Ursprung restaurant and KulturKafé on-site

You can find out more about the food and indulgence campaign on the KulturKaufhaus campaign page. And if you’d like to not only read about indulgence but also experience it for yourself, just stop by.