Published on 23 Aug 2016
Berlin – a cosmopolitan city synonymous with cool, understated style and street art, and a great place to find vegan food, as Rachida Brocklehurst discovers when she goes exploring in the city…
It will come as no surprise that there are plenty of great places to eat in Berlin – with 10% of the German population being vegetarian or vegan, the demand for good-quality and easily available products is high – and you won’t be disappointed!
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Where to eat
A selection of fantastic vegan and vegetarian places to cater for all budgets and appetites!
Katjes Cafe Grün-Ohr is a bright and colourful vegetarian/vegan cafe. There are plenty of vegan cakes and gelatine-free sweeties that you can take away and nibble on for substance as you explore the city. I recommend the apple strudel (it would be rude not to). Rosenthaler Str. 32
Veganz Buffet Brunch is held at the 100% vegan supermarket, Veganz, and their Sunday brunch is not to be missed. Make sure you book a table to avoid disappointment – [email protected] Schivelbeiner Str. 34
Daluma is an amazing raw vegan eatery that offers organic food, which will leave you brimming with health and vitality. Weinbergsweg 3
Kopps is a 100% vegan restaurant, but if on a tight budget, then this might not be the place for you, as it isn’t cheap! But you do get what you pay for here – excellent service in a stylish setting with delicious, fresh, gourmet vegan food, beautifully presented. I tried the cocktail of the day, which was mango mixed with champagne, two of my favourite things in one glass. Linienstr. 94
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For a quick bite
There are so many bio and organic shops, supermarkets and healthfood stores (I even saw one in Alexanderplatz train station), it seems that the Germans are more committed to living a less-processed diet than we see in the UK, and of course there is a greater focus on meat and dairy-free options for people who require it.
Bio Company is a vegan-friendly and organic health food supermarket, and there’s also a bakery and coffee shop inside – so you can take a seat and people-watch as you enjoy your soya cappuccino. In the main shop be sure to pick up a packet of veganwurst to snack on or anything from the brand Wheaty. Rheinstraße 45-46
Vöner is a very reasonably priced fast-food joint that offers vegan döners, kebabs, burgers and chips. It’s very laidback and not the place for fine dining, however, it’s ideal for a post-beer snack on the way back to your hotel, especially if you enjoy large portions. Boxhagener Str. 56
Ohlala is a vegan French pastry shop offering all sorts of delights, from crepes, to waffles, to weekend brunches. There’s nothing more to say, except ‘go’! Go now! Mainzer Str. 18
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What to order at a non-vegan place
Many restaurants and cafes in Berlin advertise vegan options, and these are not speciality places – just standard eateries. Therefore, the chances you will find yourself in a place that won’t accommodate you are slim. However, if you do end up totally stuck, look out for potato salad, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, rye bread and vegetarian soup (lentil, tomato) – all of which are easily ‘veganisable’. All you have to do is ask.
Happy Cow app
Berlin is a very big city, so be sure to download the Happy Cow app (or check out the website) to see the nearest vegan places to where you’re staying. It’s easy to get around on public transport, so if you want to see another part of the city, it won’t be an issue for you. I was lucky enough to be staying in the cool Alexanderplatz area, and there were plenty of places to grab vegan food on the go. Oh, and don’t worry about your caffeine fix, everywhere offers a soya option – perfect if you’re not a fan of black coffee!
Handy phrases
- I am vegan – Ich bin vegan
- Without cheese – Ohne käse
- Without meat, poultry or fish – Ohne fleisch, fisch oder geflügel
- Do you have soya milk? – Haben Sie sojamilch?
- Please use olive oil and not butter – Bitte verwenden Sie olivenöl nicht butter
- Without eggs – Ohne eier
- Without milk or cream – Ohne milch oder sahne
Top 5 sites to visit
Berlin is a fascinating city, full of culture and history, so there is plenty to see and do – here are our recommended places to go, especially if time is short!
1. The Berlin Wall Memorial
Visit the old structures and learn about the history of the wall.
2. The TV Tower
For the best views of Berlin, head up to the very top where you can enjoy something fizzy as you admire the panoramic views of the city.
3. The Brandenburg Gate
The symbol of Berlin, majestic, striking and a must-visit attraction.
4. Reichstag Building
Reserve online before the date of your visit to reduce queuing.
5. The Holocaust Memorial
A moving tribute to the lives lost in WWII. A place to reflect – the information centre is also worth a visit.
Getting to Berlin
Skyscanner.net is your best option for a reasonably priced flight. As with many European cities, there are two airports: Berlin Schönefeld (which typically deals with budget airlines) and the main Berlin Tegel Airport. From Berlin Schönefeld, take the Airport Express Train, which will take 30 minutes to get to the city’s central train station – Hauptbahnhof, with several district stops on the way. From Berlin Tegel it is only 5 miles into the centre of the city, so you can either take a taxi or one of the four bus options, depending on where you are staying. Take the TXL bus if you are heading to Alexanderplatz (eastern Berlin), the 109 if you are going to the west of the city, the X9 takes almost the same route as the 109 but is more direct, the 128 will take you to the northern part of the city.
Where to stay
The Almodóvar is said to be one of the best hotels to visit if you are vegan or gluten free. It’s a vegetarian establishment specialising in 100% organic food, and will happily cater for vegans. And, each room is equipped with a yoga mat and free Wi-Fi, plus there is a gorgeous wellness spa! Boxhagener Str. 83.
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