If you love shopping and find yourself in Belin, Germany, the “attraction” you absolutely want to add to your itinerary is the grand department store Ka De We (Kaufhaus des Westens) located in the Kurfurstendamm.
The Kurfurstendamm or “Ku’Damm” for short, is an area that lies along the boulevard with the same name. The far eastern end of the boulevard was the center of the former West Berlin and this is where you will find the grand old department store Ka De We.
The Kurfurstendamm or “Ku’Damm” for short, is an area that lies along the boulevard with the same name. The far eastern end of the boulevard was the center of the former West Berlin and this is where you will find the grand old department store Ka De We.
above photo credit: Jochen Teufel via Wikimedia Commons
Ka De We is purported to be the largest department store in Europe and if is definitely impressive. It was built in 1907 designed by Emil Schaudt and has been extended several times. It has a reputation for being an exclusive store with high-end goods. The store brochure exclaims “… over eight floors, you will find luxury boulevards, three floors of fashion, a beauty world, culture and entertainment, home and living nad the legendary gourmet floor…”
I have to agree with the brochure, to me, the most impressive and fun part of the store is its food hall. I have been to the famous food hall in Harrods of London and this one easily rivals that legendary place.
A gourmet’s paradise, Ka De We is said to have the largest collection of foodstuffs in Europe.
Fresh meats and sea-food chilled on ice are ready to take home and cook. Rows of beautiful fruits and vegetables including exotic choices from around the world call out to you.
A gourmet’s paradise, Ka De We is said to have the largest collection of foodstuffs in Europe.
Fresh meats and sea-food chilled on ice are ready to take home and cook. Rows of beautiful fruits and vegetables including exotic choices from around the world call out to you.
Hundreds of varieties of tea and coffee line the shelves. There are over 2,400 wines (my particular favorite!) to choose from.
Counters filled to the brim with collections of lovely cookies, pastries, cakes and tarts draw you to them and the smell of the dozens of cheeses and meets at the deli counter absolutely makes you drool.
And don’t forget the confections! Chocolates and sweets of all kinds smell and taste divine.
Counters filled to the brim with collections of lovely cookies, pastries, cakes and tarts draw you to them and the smell of the dozens of cheeses and meets at the deli counter absolutely makes you drool.
And don’t forget the confections! Chocolates and sweets of all kinds smell and taste divine.
These are only a few of the many gastronomic items on sale and you can easily spend hours exploring the fabulous food hall. The thing that most delighted me were the several bars and food counters where you can eat fresh, delicious food. You can have a coffee or glass of wine, a simple bite of champagne and oysters or a full traditional German meal or even try something more exotic. There is also a restaurant in Ka De We called the Wintergarten enclosed by a large atrium.
above photo credit: "KaDeWe winter garden in Berlin" by Piro - Own work.
Licensed under Public Domain via Commons
Licensed under Public Domain via Commons
We decided to go traditional at a food counter, and had delicious bratwurst with mustard and sauerkraut. My mouth waters even to think of it now! Dining at Ka De We is unique experience and lots of fun so be sure to add it to your list. After you refuel you are ready for more shopping!
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