Hanne

Fush and Chups

In most large European cities the desire for fish and chips to sate one’s homesickness is hopeless. Spaghetti, pizza, Döner and Bratwurst abound, but greasy seafood is off the menu. Not so in Berlin, as I discovered after stumbling across ‘Lindsay’s’, a kiwi themed restaurant formally known as ‘AoTeaRoa’.

Located on the outskirts of Berlin in the suburb of Friedrichshain, it is quite a walk to the restaurant and its associated hostel. The pastel floral print 1970s couches would be quite at home in a student flat, while the wooden Maori carvings and guitar that adorn the walls are distinctly kiwi. Perhaps the reggae music and fake ferns are taking things a little too far in the ‘tacky’ direction, but once you see the juicy Kiwiburger full of beetroot and salads, all the walking and thoughts of roto-vegas are forgotten.

The good old Kiwiburger: cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, beetroot and a juicy patty, just like my grandad used to make at summer barbecues. While this was the first time I have ever been served watermelon with my burger, it was an interesting touch and didn’t go amiss after all the home made deep fried potato chunks. No kumara on this side of the world, as my companion from Paihiatua was quick to point out, but the restaurant makes do well. Kiwi classics such as burgers and fish and chips share the menu with German favourites like Spargel (white asparagus), Schnitzel and Potato salad and local beers jostle for attention with NZ Sauvignon Blanc.

The couple dining beside us made the most of the asian influence options o the menu, devouring green chicken curry, a dish most kiwis are more familiar with as a takeaway from the local Thai outlet. Then for afters, who could resist the holy grail of the beach front fish and chip shop: pineapple and banana fritters. No other culture is insane enough to immerse such wholesome fruits and their associated vitamins in fat until they are crisp and saturated with bad cholesterol. No culture except the good old kiwi fish and chips Friday one, and it was the desert menu that convinced us of the restauant’s authenticity.

Indeed, the proprietor’s beanie and black singlet gave the game away before he even opened his mouth. G’day, where are you guys from?’ We could hear the unmistakeable open ‘e’ that marked him out as harking from the antipodes. Sure enough, Glenn was from the Wairarapa and relished the chance to entertain some fellow kiwis in his locale. Reminiscences about pineapple lumps, toffee pops and milo ensued,, and any homesickness was well and truly banished, replaced with rosy-eyed reminiscences and a cosy glow in our full bellies.

‘Lindsay’s’ (Weichselstraße 26, Friedrichshain10247) is well worth a visit for any hungry kiwis passing through Berlin, be they on two wheels or on foot.