Gaan Kitkoson’s favourite places to eat and drink

Inspired by his grandmother’s cooking, Gaan Kitkoson invites guests to experience rich regional dishes and traditional Thai dining at his restaurant, Khao Taan. Here’s where he likes to dine…

“Being from Bangkok, the original Thai Park [on Württembergische Str.] will always remind me of home. If you visit, try going past the Thai food you can get from most restaurants and order dishes you’ve never tasted before; I think you’ll end up being pleasantly surprised. Make friends with the vendors and see if you can purchase fresh Thai herbs and chillies directly from them.

For comfort food, I have to recommend Ma-Makan in Kreuzberg. They serve tasty congee and Hainanese chicken rice — two dishes I could eat practically every day. As for a more underrated eatery, I like Maide Manti in Wedding. Their homemade manti and sarma are so flavourful. I like to buy their manti in bulk to savour as a late-night snack with spicy chilli oil.

I’m always impressed with Alaska Bar’s vegan offerings. I’m more of a carnivore, but I never miss meat when I’m there. If I’m going out for the evening, Mr. Susan in Mitte is a terrific spot for funky cocktails. The atmosphere is fun, the drinks are innovative and the service is friendly.

Speaking of drinks, Sarah at Sui Sui in Wedding made me realise that I am, in fact, a sake fan. They’re a shop and bar, plus they host cool events and tastings. For unforgettable croquetas, make your way to the Spanish tapas bar Gotxa in Kreuzberg. They’re crunchy, soft and juicy – truly hard to beat.

I quite like Friedrichshain’s Got Dessert? for baked goods. Their sweet treats never fail to put a smile on my face. They don’t have an independent café, but you can find their desserts around town in shops and cafés like Süßkramdealer in Schöneberg. Crafted by an American baker, they make delectable cakes, brownies, marshmallows and cookies.

Oddly enough, I’ve had trouble finding proper home-cooked German food in Berlin. However, I’ve deeply enjoyed the food I’ve eaten at Trio in P’Berg. This eatery offers exceptional homestyle meals, the kind that you would find in a typical German household.

Outside of Berlin, Urstrom Kaese is an incredible artisanal cheese maker. Their award-winning Mulberry Weichkäse is to die for. Luckily, it’s sold in Markthalle Neun, so you don’t have to venture to Brandenburg to try it for yourself.”