Berlin Boil: Where to Buy Crayfish in Berlin

Local Restaurants and Markets

1. Fisch Frank Restaurant

   • Location: Spandau
   • Offering: Louisiana crawfish caught from Berlin's waterways
   • Served as an appetizer with bread, salad, and dipping sauce
   • Owner: Olaf Pelz

2. Markthalle IX

   • Location: Kreuzberg
   • Offering: Louisiana-style crayfish boils (occasional events)
   • 25 Teiche fish stand sells crayfish by the kilo (€29/kg)

3. Frische Paradies

   • Location: Moritzplatz, Kreuzberg
   • Offering: Fresh and frozen crayfish (availability may vary)
   • High-end food market catering to both consumers and gastronomy

4. Rogacki

   • Location: Wilmersdorfer Straße, Charlottenburg
   • Offering: Fresh seafood, including seasonal crayfish
   • Historic deli and fish market known for its quality products

Wholesalers

3. Pescaderia en Berlin

   • Type: Fish wholesaler
   • Supplies restaurants and hotels
   • Wide range of fish and seafood products

4. Seafood Transfer

   • Type: Fish and seafood wholesaler
   • Caters to restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets
   • May source crayfish for larger orders

5. Deutsche See

   • Type: Seafood wholesaler and retailer
   • Multiple locations in Berlin
   • Offers a wide range of seafood products, including crayfish when in season

Direct from the Source

5. Klaus Hidde

   • Licensed fisherman catching invasive Louisiana crayfish
   • Primarily supplies wholesalers and restaurants
   • Seasonal fish stand at Zitadelle Spandau during summer concerts

6. Berliner Anglerverband e.V.

   • Organization of local anglers in Berlin
   • May offer information on crayfish fishing spots or connect with local fishermen
   • Promotes responsible fishing practices

7. Berlin Food Policy Council

   • Advocates for sustainable urban food systems
   • May provide information on local crayfish initiatives or connect with fishermen

Online Platforms

8. Fisch vom Kutter

   • Online platform connecting consumers with local fishermen
   • While primarily focused on coastal areas, it may occasionally list Berlin-based fishermen with crayfish catches

9. eBay Kleinanzeigen

   • Local classified ads platform
   • Occasional listings from individuals selling freshly caught crayfish

Note on Availability

The availability of crayfish, especially the local "Berlin lobster" variety, can be inconsistent due to the nature of catching an invasive species. It's recommended to call ahead and check availability before visiting these locations.

Sustainable Harvesting

It's important to note that while crayfish are invasive and their removal is encouraged, harvesting should be done responsibly and in accordance with local regulations. Always ensure that you're purchasing from licensed sources or fishing with proper permits.

Seasonal Considerations

Crayfish are typically most abundant in Berlin's waters during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. This is when you're most likely to find fresh, locally caught crayfish at markets and restaurants.

Berlin-Style Crayfish Boil Recipe (Serves 50)

Ingredients:

• 50-60 kg live crayfish (approximately 1-1.2 kg per person)
• 10 kg small red potatoes, halved
• 20 ears of corn, cut into thirds
• 5 kg smoked sausage (e.g. kielbasa), cut into 5 cm pieces
• 5 kg onions, quartered
• 10 heads of garlic, halved crosswise
• 10 lemons, halved
• 500 g butter, melted (for serving)

For the boil:

• 4-5 large pots (60-80 liter capacity each)
• 4-5 propane burners
• 500 g salt
• 250 g Old Bay seasoning
• 100 g cayenne pepper
• 10 bay leaves
• 5 bottles (330 ml each) German dark beer

Instructions:

1. Fill each pot 2/3 full with water. Add proportional amounts of salt, Old Bay, cayenne, bay leaves, and beer to each pot. Bring to a boil.

2. Add potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.

3. Add corn, sausage, onions, garlic, and lemons. Cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Add crayfish and cook for 3-5 minutes until bright red.

5. Remove from heat and let soak for 15-20 minutes to absorb flavors.

6. Drain and serve on newspaper-covered tables with melted butter for dipping.

Notes:

• Adjust spices to taste. Berlin palates may prefer less heat than traditional Southern recipes.
• Serve with cold German beer and plenty of napkins.
• Consider including local touches like pretzels or sauerkraut as sides.

Remember to source crayfish responsibly, following local regulations for harvesting invasive species. Enjoy your Berlin-style crayfish boil!