When I first started to plan our most recent getaway with my girlfriend, Berlin was at the top of our list. A city which is known for its past, present through its art scene, and present day through its architecture, Berlin also has earned a rep as the plant-based capital of Europe. As a person who is always looking for that which is out of the ordinary in terms of food, I could not wait to see what the local food scene had in store.
Berlin did the impossible and exceeded all our expectations. From casual budget-friendly street food to cosy family-run delis, the city has it all. We present to you a selection of the best spots you do not want to miss. Also included are a few that may be overhyped, which you may want to skip.
Best of the Best for Vegans and Vegetarians.
Bamboo Leaf
If you have a taste for bold Southeast Asian flavours, this stylish restaurant is a great choice. The hip Asian inspired decor right away sets a great atmosphere, but it is the food that truly stands out. We had the veggie uramaki and the Futo veggie baked sushi roll to share, and both were a feast for the eyes and palate. Also, we tried their signature house cocktail, which is a unique mix of rice schnapps, guava nectar, and almond syrup, and most definitely a must-try. Do note that with some dishes there is fish sauce, which isn’t always noted on the menu, so do ask the staff.
Meet Me Halfway
For amazing breakfast and lunch, try this family-run Persian deli out. While the prices may be high, it’s easy to see why with the great quality they offer. I became a fan of their Adas Polo, which is a homey lentil rice dish that comes with salad and herb yoghurt (we did ask for hummus, which they happily gave us to make it vegan). On a second visit, we tried the Meet Me Vegan mezze platter. It was a large platter of very tasty dishes, which included smoky baba ganoush, fresh tabbouleh, tender grape leaves, and grilled veggies, basically breakfast paradise.
Evin Pizza & Pasta
You don’t always have to go to a completely vegan restaurant to have a great plant-based meal. This is a no-nonsense Italian place that also happens to do very affordable comfort food very well. They have excellent service, which is also very friendly. Their Cacio e Pepe is to die for, creamy and flawlessly seasoned; it is a match for anything you will find in Rome. Also, the penne arrabbiata we had, which we got loaded up with extra mushrooms, was outstanding. It is a great example of how a very basic but very well-done pasta dish can be spectacular.
Ho Lo Asia Restaurant
While at times the service may be a little slow, the food is what makes it all worth it. To start off, the vegan glass noodle salad is a very light and refreshing option, which we think would benefit from a dash of soy sauce to really bring out the flavours. But what truly stands out is their vegan duck main, which is made from what we can only describe as perfect seitan mock meat, very rich in flavour, very savoury, and a must-try for any fan of high-quality meat alternatives.
Phenomenal Fast Food and Sweet Treats
Vedang
In the heart of the Mall of Berlin, you will find Vedang, which is the go-to place for quick, healthy and economic vegan fast food. As for my recommendation, the plant-based döner kebab wrap is a must-try, along with a side of those hot, cheesy chips. It is true comfort food. Also, their menu has a large selection of burgers, which include what they describe as crispy chicken-style patties and even a very unique CBD-infused burger.
Brammibal’s Doughnuts
While we may not think of Brammibal’s as your typical sit-down restaurant, it is a must to drop in at this bakery during your visit to Berlin. They serve up artful doughnuts made daily at the hands of very talented bakers. Also, for those of us who are more health-conscious or just out of the sugar scene, don’t worry; the craft here will win you over. Their coffee-infused tiramisu doughnut is hard to beat; also, the Bienenstich (which is a vegan version of the classic German ‘bee sting’ cake filled with very rich vanilla custard) is amazing.
A Few Spots to Skip
In terms of perfecting your culinary adventure in town, which we were told was going to be a fine experience, we were let down by two popular spots. At NENI Berlin, although the setting is very pretty, the food did not live up to expectations. We had a very boring charred eggplant dish with poorly done rice and also a very over-the-top horseradish hummus. Also out for the food at Quy Nguyen Vegan Living, which has a great look to it but is all style and no substance. The food was very basic Vietnamese, which was a letdown, and they also only accept cash. Which places did you try that fell short of expectations?
Stick to what Berlin has to offer in terms of lively and flavorful foods, and your taste buds will not be disappointed, which is what we are after in your next foodie trip!
Leave a Reply