The best Thai food in the city is available in a park.

Just as Chinese food in America has been greatly homogenized, so has Thai food in Germany. Despite a sizeable Asian population in Berlin, few restaurants accurately represent their cuisines. Consequently, people seeking authentic dishes often express dissatisfaction due to overly sweet sauces.

However, Berlin is not just the home of döner kebab and currywurst—as delicious as they are—it also boasts a vibrant international street food scene with events such as Street Food Thursdays and Bite Club. Among these, the market now known as Thai Park delivers some of the most authentic, affordable, and delectable options in the entire city.

History of Thai Park

This local gem is not a new attraction; the Thai community has been gathering in Preußenpark for about 20 years. Locals refer to it as die Thaiwiese (Thai Meadow), and its popularity has surged in recent years. Initially an informal gathering to share food, language, and culture, it has evolved into a thriving food market that welcomes other expats.

Every fair-weather weekend, Thais, Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Chinese individuals set up vibrant umbrellas over blankets, opening coolers and heating saucepans. With basic cooking tools, they create incredible small plates that deserve a spot on Berlin’s best restaurant list.

Ordering at Thai Park

If you’re new to Thai cuisine, you might wonder if that will challenge your ordering experience. However, at Thai Park, ordering is straightforward. Most stands offer just a dish or two, allowing you to observe what others are selecting. Some vendors even display an example plate, making choices easier. If communication in German is a hurdle, rest assured that the “point and say Bitte” technique works perfectly fine.

Moreover, prices are strikingly reasonable, with meals typically costing around 5 euros, and none breaching the 10 euro mark.

Foods Available at Thai Park

The range of dishes available at Thai Park can be quite impressive. Here are some options you might find:

• Som Tam – Papaya Salad
• Spring & Summer Rolls
• Deep-fried Banana
• Chicken Skewers
• Sticky Buns
• Various Curries
• Shaved Ice with Tapioca, Rose Syrup, Condensed Milk
• Fried Whole Fish
• Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut Sauce

To complement these delectable dishes, you will find a selection of refreshing drinks. Offerings such as fresh fruit juice, Thai iced tea, and smoothies help cool spicy flavors, while cocktails and both local and Thai beers add to the festive atmosphere.

After sampling some small bites, I decided on an unnamed soup rich with noodles, green onions, a fried element, and meat resembling Chinese BBQ Pork. It was absolutely delightful, and weeks later, my husband and I still share a fond smile at its mention. This is truly food that transcends language and cultural barriers.

Tips for Visiting Thai Park

While the public embraces Thai Park, local authorities have been more reserved. A sign at the park entrance states that cooking food is not permitted. However, during my visit, vendors operated without concern, and efforts were made to keep the park tidy with trash bins and plate collectors available.

Additionally, it’s essential to note that there are no permanent seats, so be prepared to sit on the grass or bring your own blanket or chair. Some stands may provide crates for customers to use. On rainy days, vendors tend to stay away, so check the weather before you go.

If you visit on a weekend and want to enhance your day, consider exploring the nearby Flohmarkt (flea market) located at Fehrbelliner Platz.

Address: Preußen Park, Brandenburgische Str. 10707 Berlin

Directions: S-Bahn Charlottenburg / U7 Konstanzer Str.

Opening Times: Best on Saturdays and Sundays during summer, although the market can continue into fall and spring—weather permitting. While there are no formal opening hours, most stalls tend to open from noon until 18:00.