Nothing exemplifies Germany’s youth culture and growing international importance more than Berlin. The city is the country’s center for innovative global food trends, and a range of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Berlin are no exception.
With its plethora of outdoor markets and restaurants in Berlin catered to the animal-friendly palette, the city is ideal for the health-enthusiast traveler. Take in the city’s sites and cultural landmarks, stopping in between at the following cafes and restaurants in Berlin for a bite to fuel your energy for all that Berlin has to offer.
1. La Mano Verde
A restaurant devoted to offering creative fresh and healthy food, La Mano Verde serves raw, vegan and vegetarian dishes outside the ordinary. Standouts include the Consommé Hattori Hanso, a Japanese soup with shiitake mushrooms, spring onions and silken tofu; the Quiche Mano Verde made with fennel, mushrooms, pine nut cream and a Kalamata olive and thyme crust; and the Cappelletti del Autunnno, a homemade ravioli filled with pumpkin and chestnuts and served with a sage and blue poppy seeds glaze and topped with homemade nut Parmesan. La Mano Verde also offers living food preparation classes headed by raw food chef Boris Lauser.
2. Vӧner
If you know notice anything about Germany, it’s that Dӧner –a Turkish kebab import – is a local fast-food staple. Located in Berlin-Friendrichshain, Vӧner is a vegetarian (almost entirely vegan) café that serves an incredibly tasty vegan Dӧner, or “Vӧner”. Also on the menu are organic sweet potato French fries, two vegan burgers named “Wagenburger” and “Bioburger”, respectively, as well as a variety of soups, vegan cupcakes and cookies.
3. ROOTZ Berlin
Located in Berlin’s trendy and young Kreuzberg district, ROOTZ Berlin is a fast-food joint sans the meat. Its menu changes daily and includes weekly specials, all of which are cooked to order. The menu includes an assortment of bagels, with your choice of vegetarian or vegan accompaniments, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and sweet potato fries. The venue has a café-like feel and is ideal for lunch or an informal dinner. Stop by for a ROOTZ breakfast from noon to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
4. Café V
For 18 years, Café V has been serving vegetarian and vegan dishes to the Berlin population. The yellow exterior, red interior café is located in the heart of Kreuzberg. Tempting vegan options include stuffed eggplant, seitan curry, arugula and vegan cheese pizza, penne with seitan mince and arugula, and fennel stuffed with spinach-vegetable ragout in curry sauce. Enjoy your meal in the outdoor seating space and take in the Berlin atmosphere whilst munching on a vegan meal!
5. Viasko
When owner Steffen Weigel opened Viasko, he set out with the philosophy to create quality vegan comfort food for patrons using fair-trade ingredients. The menu includes asparagus gnocchi, green pea risotto, seitan chickpea curry, grilled focaccia with homemade seitan piccata and garlic cashew cream, soy gyros, and flammkuchen (a type of French pizza). The restaurant has a cozy, dark-wood interior and is also decked with a biergarten outdoors to enjoy a beer or cocktail. For dessert, dig into the tiramisu.
6. Cookies Cream
In a hidden alley and through a nondescript door lies an oasis of innovative vegetarian food. Contrary to its exterior, Cookies Cream is a busy and vibrant space with bright pink seating and jewel, pink, and coral colored freesias adorning the center of each table. The menu changes weekly and includes the likes of grilled eggplant with teriyaki sauce, quail egg in brioche, asparagus with quinoa, and an orange sorbet with kumquats. The presentation is impressive and the tastes and textures a true treat, reminding Berliners just why the restaurant is the star of the city’s vegan/vegetarian scene.
7. Monsieur Vuong
For a taste of Vietnam, head to Monsieur Vuong located in Berlin-Mitte. The restaurant features fresh, simplistic flavors infused with the aromas of curry, lemongrass, and roasted sesame. The menu changes every two days, making each visit unique. Zest your taste buds with a fresh fruit cocktail or calm down with the aromas of jasmine blossoms, fresh ginger, lemongrass and other teas. Or, get a boost of energy with a Vietnamese style espresso.
PLUS Check out these fresh farmers and community markets in Berlin for healthy vegan and vegetarian options
When traveling, one of the best ways to experience local culture is by visiting a local market. There, you can see locals walking around, purchasing produce as well as experiencing the flavors and traditions of the local culture.
The Turkischer Markt is catered to the large Turkish community in Berlin, but it appeals all crowds. It sells Turkish flat bread, cheeses, olives, and dried fruits as well as some clothing. The market is open every Friday between 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. in Neukӧlln.
Since 1911, the Farmers’ Market at Wittenbergplatz has been selling local produce from farms in the Brandenberg region, as well as cheeses, bread, and fresh pasta. The market is open every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Winterfeldt Market occurs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Food is the highlight at this market, including wholegrain breads, cheeses, and vegetables.
A higher end market, the Markt am Kollwitzplatz, is an open-air organic market selling quality, albeit more expensive, produce. The market is open Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photo Credit: bryce edwards