My inner ant, my inner squirrel emerges as autumn's chill descends. The other day in Steglitz I stocked up on spices for the winter - cinnamon, various chili peppers, nutmegs, and, more luxuriantly, two Hawaiian salts, one to keep, one to share.

Afterwards the owner suggested I try Delicious for a fresh, light lunch. My bánh mì, made with homemade tofu, was good enough that I'm eager to return and try more.

Pot & Pepper, Kieler Str. 9, Berlin-Steglitz (map), independent spice shop also stocking slow meat and cooking supplies.

Delicious Berlin, Deitmerstr. 13, Berlin-Steglitz (map), small lunchtime cafe with a mostly Vietnamese menu.