Exploring Berlin Through Coffee: A Cultural Journey with Drift Magazine

My adventurous spirit often draws me to new experiences and places, igniting my curiosity and desire for exploration. The beauty of landing in an unfamiliar city is unparalleled, brimming with opportunities for rediscovery and reinvention. In these settings, I find joy in the simplicity of local life, steering clear of tourist-heavy locales in favour of quiet spots. Whether it’s witnessing the morning rush of commuters or hearing “thank you” exchanged in quaint shops and eateries, these moments connect me deeply to the authentic culture of my new, temporary surroundings.

Drift magazine caught my eye with its striking black and white cover featuring a bridge etched in my memory from my time in Berlin—a spot favoured by talented buskers and a backdrop to a local protest encampment when I visited in 2022. The monochrome photography beautifully captures the enigmatic allure of the city.

Drift , delves into the integral role of coffee in fostering a sense of place and community. During a chilly December in Berlin, some of my most cherished moments were when we paused to savour the warmth of local coffee shops. These cosy havens, each with its own character, welcomed us with open arms.

A standout piece in the magazine, “Coffee and Connection,” explores the transformative power of walking into a coffee shop. The familiar aroma of roasting beans, the comforting hiss of steaming milk, and the meticulous pour of the barista—it all comes together to brighten our day, much like a warm hug in mug form.

In the coffee and connection section, it introduced me to ‘Refugio Café‘ in the Neukölln neighbourhood—a volunteer-run establishment born out of the 2015 refugee crisis. Originally a place to teach hospitality and language skills, it has grown into a vibrant community hub for refugees, asylum seekers, international students, and locals alike.

The mission of this coffee shop held hope and inspiration for me, showcasing the pure possibilities that a simple warm beverage can offer. Whether it’s a monthly meetup with a friend who’s going through a tough time, or a takeout coffee you bring to your colleague to brighten their day, coffee truly is connection and this message is exactly what attracts me to the content of Drift magazine.

Another section I loved was on ‘Kaffe und Kuchen’—the German tradition of “coffee and cake.” Known for their beer, sausage, and sauerkraut, Berliners also cherish this delightful afternoon ritual, something I wasn’t aware of until I read this article. For them, it’s a time to slow down, gather with loved ones, and enjoy the simple pleasure of coffee paired with cake—a tradition that resonates with my own values of togetherness and contentment.

Exploring a new place is one thing, but exploring it through cuisine, coffee, and community is entirely different. This magazine offers me a unique lens to connect with new places, resonating deeply with my need to see things from a fresh perspective. Drift magazine not only enriches this approach to new places but also reconnects me with my own memories and the bonds formed over steaming cups in quaint cafes throughout Berlin and other cities I have been honoured to visit.

The oak table, arms parallel from the one you love, smiles, laughs, and even tears. People of all situations, all under one roof but in those moments, it is nothing but pure presence, the walls of a coffee shop secluding you from the problems left outside the four walls.

Explore Berlin through its coffee culture with Drift magazine.