A quick Google search of ‘typical German cuisine’ will lead you to endless images of Bratwurst, Schnitzel, Schweinshaxe. There’s no denying that Germany has long upheld its stereotype as a major meat-eating nation, and the prospect of visiting Germany and being able to find varied and exciting options for a vegan diet seems a daunting task. Yet this does not seem to ring true in Berlin, which has recently been rated the third most vegan-friendly city in the world in a ranking by Happy Cow, the leading vegan and vegetarian restaurant app.
Berlin, Germany. Photo: Ingo Joseph via Pexels
As January ends, many participants of Veganuary will be reflecting on their month’s efforts; many will continue with, or at least incorporate some elements of veganism into their daily routine. The lifestyle is dominating headlines more than ever before and is revolutionising the German capital, which boasts a plethora of vegan restaurants, cafes, and even Europe’s first 100% vegan supermarket, Veganz.
The Berlin vegan scene is expanding rapidly, with plant-based ventures popping up across the city. The ‘Vöner’, the vegan doner kebab, even exists, as does vegan Currywurst, among more nutritional choices such as buddha bowls, hummus platters and vibrant, veg-packed brunches.
Here are some top recommendations for animal-friendly eating in the capital:
1990 Vegan Living
As the name suggests, this restaurant opened in Berlin in 1990 and has been creating sophisticated, unique and 100% vegan Vietnamese food ever since. Small and cosy, 1990 Vegan Living has a relaxed feel. The menu boasts the highest-quality ingredients, and the ‘small plates’ style means that you don’t even need to decide on just one dish. With its location in Friedrichshain, the city’s vegan hub which is even home to the fully vegan ‘eco-hotel’ and spa Hotel Almodovar, 1990 Vegan Living is one not to be missed.
Ataya Caffe
Located in Prenzlauer Berg, this “100% Vegan African-Italian” café offers dynamic fusions of flavour. The menu consists entirely of fresh, nutritious plant-based ingredients, ranging from classic pasta dishes to exotic Senegalese bowls. Their environmental focus is also clear, with zero-waste and plastic-free kitchens. You can even bring your own Tupperware for takeaways. A helpful tip to keep in mind: the café is cash-only!
Brammibal’s
Providing to the hungry crowds of Kreuzberg on the hunt for a sweet treat since 2015, Brammibal’s serves fresh, homemade vegan doughnuts. They also have two further locations in Postdamer-Platz and Prenzlauer Berg. Alongside their standard range, they also offer limited-edition flavours every month to focus on seasonal ingredients. There's even a Pfannkuchen doughnut on 24th February for Rosenmontag, celebrating the highlight of the German Karneval season.
With over 800 other listings to discover on the Happy Cow app, it's well worth a trip to the
German capital to sample some vegan-friendly delights for yourself. Berlin truly deserves a
top spot on any vegan travel bucket list.