Planet Berlin: Cross-cultural baking
A couple from Portugal and Greece are combining southern European baking traditions in their Prenzlauer Berg cafe and bakery.
From bar to bakery
Paula Gouveia, teacher, and George Andradis, a 3D director, came to Berlin in the 1990s. They met by chance on a city street: They were almost neighbors and even had the same friends. Together, they opened a bar in 2000, "Eka", then the "Bekarei" in 2006. Today, they have more than 40 employees across three bakeries and cafes.
Portuguese doughnut
Although the "Bolo de Berlim" was not invented by Bekarei's owners, the bakery has perfected the traditional Portuguese custard doughnut dusted in sugar — indeed Germany has its version that was birthed in the capital, the "Berliner Pfannkuchen." "It is part of the food culture in central and northern Portugal and is often sold on the beach," explains Paula Gouveia of the Portuguese variant.
Back in the GDR
Bekarei not only combines Portuguese and Greek baking traditions. It is also reminiscent of East Berlin before the Wall fell: The huge bakery counter, the prominent retro clock of the back wall, wood paneling and brown tile floor is a classic GDR interior that takes visitors back in time.
Global range
The sales staff and bakers come from all over the world: Israel, Jordan, Russia, Italy, Tunisia and Romania. This is also reflected in the range, which is no longer limited to Portuguese and Greek baked goods. Today, Bekarei also serves up New York cheesecakes, pretzels, cupcakes (pictured), focaccias or brownies.