In some parts of Berlin, it’s easier to find international foods than it is to find German or local cuisine. (Believe it or not, there are foods Berlin is known for other than Kebab and Currywurst!) While settling in, it may help to take an exploratory perspective, to curiously find new favorite places to dine or grocery shop. Food can be comforting, and challenging yourself to “try new things” will help you grow into your new home.

Beyond restaurants offering local and international cuisine, explore the abundant international grocery stores to experience familiar and new tastes. Beyond the everyday supermarkets, which have small but growing selections of international food, Berlin has specialty grocery stores for Asian, South Asian, Latin American, African, and even other European ingredients. Polish, Georgian, Sudanese, you name it, and you can probably find ingredients in Berlin.

—Tip: Sharing food is also a great way to create connections and develop community, so consider inviting colleagues or neighbors together to a gathering to share your diverse tastes of home.

Whether protesting or celebrating, Berliners love a reason to get out into the streets and parks, and when people gather, they need nourishment. Events like Karneval der Kulturen (May/June), exhibitions, and food festivals celebrating international cuisine offer opportunities to return to your home palette and explore new tastes. Some neighborhood farmers markets feature stalls with foreign foods and drinks, too.

—Tip: Any place where you find foods that bring you comfort, ask what other venues or events they recommend. In the search for a taste of home, these vendors may know the hidden secrets of where to find more.