No other area of Leipzig has so many true culinary treasures like the eastern part of the city. These treasures are hidden in plain sight: you will recognize them when you let your eyes wander the colorful hustle and bustle of Eisenbahnstraße (Railroad Street). The reputation of this lively neighborhood is much better than what some of Leipzig’s residents will have you believe.

In 2013 a private TV station turned Eisenbahnstraße into “Germany’s most dangerous street”. This is far from the truth, albeit drug trafficking and money laundering play a bigger role in this area than other areas of Leipzig. The misconception of its reputation rather stems from a surreal fear of the “foreign”. But, on the other hand, those who appreciate cultural diversity, will find it in this corner of the city in multitude, especially on the plates and in the glasses of the local eateries.

Here, the Arab culture lives alongside the Korean, Turkish, and Vietnamese; with the local German baker and his mouthwatering baked goods right next door. Some even say that you can find the best kebab in the world here and the supermarket “Internationale Lebensmittel” (international foods) shows that the Syrian and Turkish food joints cook with so much more imagination and creativity than you might first expect. Our little detour into the quarter around Eisenbahnstraße will connect you to a lively Leipzig that stimulates all of your senses.