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Where to bulk buy groceries in Berlin?
I am looking to buy 10-20kg of Rice, 10kg of lentils, oats, chickpeas, nuts and maybe a few other staples. Maybe even some bulk spices. I have heard that in Germany it is not that much… Moin zusammen,
I am looking to buy 10-20kg of Rice, 10kg of lentils, oats, chickpeas, nuts and maybe a few other staples. Maybe even some bulk spices. I have heard that in Germany it is not that much cheaper to buy in bulk than it is to buy 10x1kg from Netto for example. My usual go to when I was living in Bremen was the asia laden by the HBF or in Bremen Walle and I would be able to get a decent discount if I bought 10-20kg of rice (compared to grocery chains). However, in my exploration of three asia ladens in Berlin the prices were often the same if not more expensive compared to buying 10x1kg bags from any grocery store chain (including rewe at times).
So I thought perhaps instead of aimlessly walking into every store I could ask here and get some store locations and names that are good. Perhaps there are stores that sell these products loose and I can bring my own containers?
My Reasons to try and buy bulk:
- Saving some money (budget is tight)
- Not creating so much waste (1 bag vs 10 bags)
For the rice and lentils specifically, head to the Dong Xuan Center in Lichtenberg. It's a wholesale market for Vietnamese and East Asian goods, and they sell 25kg sacks of jasmine rice for around 30-35 euros, which is easily 20% less than the per-kilo price at an Asian shop in Neukölln. The stalls there aren't set up for browsing, they expect you to buy a whole sack, so bring cash and maybe a friend to help carry it.
For oats and chickpeas, try the "Unverpackt" stores around town. There's one on Weserstraße in Neukölln and another in Prenzlauer Berg near Helmholtzplatz. You bring your own containers and pay by weight, and while the per-kilo price on oats isn't much different from a discounter, the chickpeas and lentils are usually a bit cheaper and you skip all the packaging. The bulk spices there are decent for basics like cumin or turmeric, but for specialty stuff you're still better off at the Turkish shops along Kotbusser Damm.
honestly I'd skip the asian shops for lentils and chickpeas, they're not really their thing. instead go to the big turkish supermarkets like Eurogida or Bizim Markt, the ones out in Wedding or along the Seelower Weg in Neukölln. they sell 5kg sacks of red lentils for like 6-7 euros, and chickpeas are similarly cheap. for oats that's trickier in bulk here, the Unverpackt stores are ok but tbh you might just be better off getting the 1kg packs at Lidl when they're on sale for 0.89 cents and accepting the waste on that one.
for spices the place nobody mentions is the little shop inside the Arminiusmarkt in Moabit, there's a spice stand that sells loose stuff by weight way cheaper than the touristy markets. cumin, paprika, turmeric all around 1-2 euros per 100g. bring your own jars or bags, they weigh em first. also worth checking out the bulk section at Alnatura on Schloßstraße if you're near Charlottenburg, their oats and nuts are cheaper than the Unverpackt stores ime.
Check out the weekly markets, not the touristy ones. At places like the one at Maybachufer on Tuesdays and Fridays, some of the Turkish grocery stalls sell rice and lentils from big sacks and will give you a price break if you buy 5kg or more. For spices, go to the small shops along Kotbusser Damm, especially near Hermannplatz, where the big 500g bags of cumin or paprika are often cheaper per kilo than anything at DM or Rewe. You won't find everything in one spot, but the savings add up if you're willing to walk between a few places.
Berlin Hidden Gems (2026)
Begin your off-the-beaten-path exploration in the neighborhood of Neukölln. Take the U7 to Rathaus Neukölln and wander the streets around Weserstraße for a true local vibe. This… 🗺️ Where to Start
Begin your off-the-beaten-path exploration in the neighborhood of Neukölln. Take the U7 to Rathaus Neukölln and wander the streets around Weserstraße for a true local vibe. This area is packed with indie shops, street art, and a lively but unpretentious atmosphere.
🏘️ Hidden Neighborhoods
Beyond Neukölln, explore the quiet charm of Rixdorf, a historic village within Neukölln with cobblestone streets and a medieval church. Another gem is the Gartenstadt Falkenberg in Treptow-Köpenick, a UNESCO World Heritage housing estate with colorful gardens. Both offer a peaceful escape from tourist crowds.
🍽️ Off-Map Eateries
For a true local meal, head to Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg, especially on Street Food Thursday. Try the handmade pasta at La Casetta on Weserstraße or the vegan döner at Vöner in Friedrichshain. These spots are beloved by Berliners and rarely crowded with tourists.
🌳 Quiet Viewpoints
Climb the Müggelturm in Köpenick for a panoramic view over the Müggelsee and surrounding forests, far from the city center. Alternatively, visit the Viktoriapark in Kreuzberg, where a small waterfall and a hilltop monument offer a serene city view. Both are free and open year-round.
🎨 Art Off the Beaten Path
Discover the Urban Nation Museum for contemporary street art in Schöneberg, which is often overlooked by tourists. For a more intimate experience, visit the Sammlung Boros, a private contemporary art collection housed in a WWII bunker. Book tickets in advance for the bunker.
🚲 Getting Around Like a Local
Rent a bike from a local shop like Bike Citizens or use the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) app for public transport. The Ringbahn (S41/S42) circles the city and connects many hidden neighborhoods. A day ticket costs around 9 euros and covers all zones.
🌙 Best Evening Spots
For a relaxed evening, head to the Klunkerkranich rooftop bar in Neukölln, which offers great views and a laid-back crowd. Alternatively, enjoy a craft beer at Hopfenreich in Friedrichshain, a cozy bar with a huge selection. Both are popular with locals but not overrun by tourists.
tbh the gartenstadt falkenberg tip is underrated, most tourists never make it out that far. i went last spring and the gardens were blooming like crazy, each house has a different color scheme and the whole place feels like a tiny fairy tale village. the s-bahn ride out there is pretty too, you go through all these foresty bits before reaching the station.
for a different evening spot try the schwarze riese bar in friedrichshain, it's a tiny place hidden behind a heavy black curtain with no sign outside. they do experimental cocktails and the lighting is super dim, feels like being in someone's weird living room. gets busy after 10pm though so go early if you want a seat.
also if you're near neukölln on a weekend check out the neuköllner oper, they do affordable opera and theater in german but the building itself is worth seeing, it's this old factory turned into a performance space. tickets are like 15 euros and it's never packed with tourists.
fwiw the viktoriapark tip is solid but the waterfall is seasonal, it's usually turned off in winter so don't plan around it. the view from the top is still worth it though, especially around golden hour when the light hits the monument.
if you're doing the boros bunker thing, book like a month ahead minimum, those tickets sell out fast. i'd also check out the KW Institute in mitte as a backup, they have rotating contemporary shows and usually no queue.
one thing missing from this guide is the flea market at mauerpark on sundays. yeah it's kinda touristy now but if u go early around 9am it's chill and you can find weird old berlin stuff. the karaoke in the amphitheater after noon is pure chaos, def a local experience.
honestly this is a solid list, i live in neukölln and you nailed the weserstraße vibe. one thing i'd add is that markthalle neun is great but thursdays get packed by 7pm, go earlier if u can. for a real hidden meal try the falafel at alibabas on sonnenallee, it's a tiny spot with no seating but some of the best in the city.
the klunkerkranich tip is good but be warned it's on top of a parking garage and the stairs can be a slog. if you want a quieter view with less climb hit the tempelhofer feld at sunset, it's an old airport turned park and you can just lie on the runway watching the sky. no beer up there but you can bring your own.