I love Berliner Supermarkt. It's a genuine Turkish bakkal - it's like a German Spati meets a mini…read moresupermarket, minus the booze. What this means: you can go in there for some of the best produce in Tegel, far better than at Rewe delivery or the sad salads at Edeka. Their meat counter is also amazing, and they also have fine Turkish meze appetizers. Spices and nuts are cheap and plentiful; olives are the real deal, same brands as you'd find in Istanbul. What you will not find is things like milk, western coffee, cereal, etc. - for that, you'd have to go to the Edeka to supplement. But this place is a gem and should form the basis of your shopping. The only thing I'd really avoid here are cashews (which are really hit or miss). The owners here are super-friendly, but the main guy is really shy, barely looking you in the eye and speaking softly, with an arabesque melancholy in his voice; his humility and awkwardness make him look sad or brusque, but he's actually super-friendly. (The first time I was there, I thought he was like the Grim Reaper, and I called getting produce there "reaping.") The other workers are super helpful, either recommending the best brands of tahini or sucuk, or helping you find the dried mint. Really: go.

Relatively new Edeka supermarket in the area. You'll pay a little bit more than in other…read moresupermarkets but you actually get good service, friendly workers, a good selection of fresh produce and meat, and a handful of other services too (bakery, haircutter, dry cleaner, ATM). There is a little seating area next to the bakery shop that even has free wifi. Free wifi! In Germany! This MUST be 5 stars.

2 stars because it really is Meh. I've experienced better…read more While the store itself offers a great variety of fruits and veggies, you're probably better off buying produce at Edeka. However, the deli meats and fresh bread here is good enough for a quick run if you're on the neighborhood. You come here for the cheap goods. And you know what they say? you get what you pay for.

Well let me start by saying if you are heading here it's probably because you want to save a few…read moreEuros. Hey, I am far from one to judge you. Saving money here means you have more to spend at places you actually want to go (see 4 to 5 star Yelp! reviews). The store itself is rather large and has a good mix of products. From questionable fruits and veggies, to less than sexy underwear, it is all there for the ultimate night out in Buch. The prices are on par with typical discount chains, I'd say. The revamped Lila bakery is a definite plus. With that said the quality of the food leaves much to be desired. The vegetables seem to be hit or miss in terms of freshness. On more than one occasion I've come home to realize I purchased moldy fruits and vegetables. The meat department while extensive, makes me seriously reconsider veganism for similar reasons. Right around the yogurt section is where you'll find the foulest of odors. You may want to have the Polizei on speed dial because your nostrils are about to be assaulted. I'm not sure exactly where it is emanating from but I will eat my hat if it's not a cleanliness issue. You've been warned. So yes, it is cheap. And yes, your expectations are likely tempered already. You and your digestive tract can still do better.