A Vegetarian in Germany

Kimberly·November 15, 2024·0 comments

Exploring Germany as a vegetarian was a delightful culinary journey. From creative plant-based dishes to hearty classics, each city offered unique flavors and experiences. Here’s a roundup of my favorite spots in Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich!

Hamburg

Hamburg’s vibrant culinary scene made it easy to find incredible vegetarian options. Whether cozying up with a drink or indulging in creative dishes, I loved every bite.

  • Sands Bar
    Just a short stroll from my hotel, Sands Bar became my go-to spot to unwind after a chilly evening walk. Their Aperol Spritz was the perfect pick-me-up, especially after soaking in the beauty of the nearby park’s grounds.
An Aperol Spritz wine glass on top of a bev napkin sitting on a wooden bar and in the background are liquor bottles.
  • Posh Potatoes
    Who knew potatoes could be so exciting? While escaping the cold in a shopping mall, I stumbled upon this quirky potato bar. I tried the Goat’s Dream, a salad featuring red cabbage, goat cheese, dried tomato, herb sauce, pine nuts, and honey fig mustard. It was absolutely divine—a hearty and flavorful escape from the winter chill.
A bowl with lettuce and cheese on top and utensils sticking out. IT is on a marble grey table and a bottle of water sits behind the bowl.
  • Gretchens Villa
    On a crisp morning, I braved the cold to enjoy breakfast at this charming café. The Gretchens Strammer Start—scrambled eggs on sourdough topped with cheddar, tomatoes, cream cheese, red pesto, and avocado—was perfection. Pairing it with a steaming Americano made for a blissful start to the day.
A wood table with a plate of Gretchens Strammer Start—scrambled eggs on sourdough with cheddar, tomatoes, cream cheese, red pesto, and avocado—paired perfectly with a hot Americano sitting behind it. On the street you can see a red car.
  • Hofbräu
    No trip to Germany is complete without embracing a bit of tradition. At Hofbräu, I went full tourist mode with beer, pretzels, and a comforting cheese soup. It may be cliché, but this Bavarian classic is a must-try for anyone visiting!
A brown table at Hofbräu. on top is a stein of beer, a wooden basket with a pretzel, and a bowl of cheese soup

Berlin

Berlin is a vegetarian foodie’s paradise, offering everything from trendy markets to cozy cafés.

  • Markthalle Neun
    This indoor market is a treasure trove of international food vendors and unique finds. I visited on a Thursday, their street food day, and indulged in the most incredible bao from Bao Gao Club. Seriously, the best bao I’ve ever had! I washed it down with a local porter from Heidenpeters, which perfectly complemented the meal.
A plate with a pile of bao (dough shaped into balls) next to them on the plate is a bowl with some noodles and cilantro on top, next to the bowl are two little ramekins of dipping sauce. Next to the plate of food is a dark beer in a pint glass. In the background you can see people sitting at other picnic tables.
Kimberly's hand holding up a dark beer. In the background is a booth that has wood paneling and white beams around it. There is a sign above it that reads Heidnepters and a wooden beer stein behind it. You can see some beers on the counter and a cooler in the background with beer.
  • Peter Pane
    A popular local chain with several locations throughout Berlin, Peter Pane is a dream for vegetarians. I opted for the Klassik Vacon, featuring a crispy “Veg von Chicken” cutlet, vegan “bacon,” and red onions, all served with fries and mayonnaise for dipping. It was indulgent and oh-so-satisfying!
A plate of food sits on a table. On the plate is a bowl of fries and next to it is a fried "chicken" burger. Behind the plate is the menu and in the background you can see more picnic tables.
  • #HASHTAG Coffee Shop
    After a visit to Checkpoint Charlie, I discovered this cozy café. Their Be Creative with Your Lunch bowl (a customizable meal for €12.00) was just what I needed to warm up on a chilly summer’s day. The relaxed atmosphere made it a great spot to plan the rest of my Berlin adventures.
A plate of food sits on a blue and brown table. The plate has chopped potatoes and tofu with a creamy dressing on top. There is also corn, lettuce, and tomatoes on the plate. In the background is a tray with a plant and condiments on it.

Munich

Munich’s blend of tradition and innovation made for some fantastic vegetarian finds.

  • Görreshof Wirtshaus
    This quaint Bavarian restaurant offers several vegetarian options. I tried the Homemade Spinach Dumplings, served in a spicy cherry tomato sauce with a cheesy topping and fresh arugula. Paired with an Augustiner Weissbier, it was a meal to remember!
  • Viktualienmarkt
    A foodie’s paradise, this daily market offers everything from fresh produce to local delicacies. Here are my top picks:
    • Honighäusel: I fell in love with their warm honey wine—perfect for a chilly day. I even bought a few bottles to bring a taste of Germany back home.
A small glass of warm honey wine sits on a colorful tablecloth adorned with floral and bee designs. Behind the glass, a yellow pot holds a small plant decorated with cheerful bee and daisy ornaments. The background shows people with umbrellas walking through a tree-lined outdoor market, creating a cozy, rainy-day atmosphere.
  • Frische Kräuter und Gewürze: Their Vegan Wunder Paste was a delightful mystery—no idea what’s in it, but it was delicious! You can sample their offerings before committing.
A near empty wooden bowl with a wooden spoon. You can see a little bit of Wunder Paste left. Behind it are wooden bowls with hummus.
  • Don’t miss the lively Biergarten for a classic pint in the market’s buzzing atmosphere.
A decorative fountain featuring a statue of a man wearing a hat and holding a walking stick. The statue is adorned with colorful flower garlands, and the water in the fountain basin is filled with floating flowers in vibrant pink, red, and yellow hues. A parent helps a child lean over to touch the water, adding a lively touch to the scene. The background shows trees, a white building with "Der" signage, and café seating under umbrellas, creating a charming and festive atmosphere.
The fountain at Viktualienmarkt because I forgot to take a picture of my beer!
  • Chinesischer Turm
    Situated in the picturesque English Garden, the Chinese Tower beer garden is an iconic Munich experience. While I wasn’t hungry when I visited, I savored a refreshing beer and spent the afternoon exploring the park’s beautiful surroundings.
A view of the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) in Munich's English Garden on a rainy day. The multi-tiered wooden pagoda-style structure stands tall against a cloudy sky. Surrounding the tower, rows of outdoor picnic tables with blue umbrellas create a beer garden setting. The wet ground reflects the overcast weather, and lush green trees frame the scene.

Germany exceeded all my expectations as a vegetarian traveler. From trendy food markets in Berlin to cozy Bavarian gems in Munich, I never felt like I missed out on the culinary culture. If you’re planning a trip, make sure to check out these spots—your taste buds will thank you!

Kimberly

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