Routeperfect’s guide to the best vegetarian holiday in Germany and Austria
When you think of German cuisine, you typically think of different kinds of stuffed or breaded meats. What many people don’t know is that Germany is also home to many vegetarian-friendly delicacies. It’s not all schnitzel and bratwurst! We’ve compiled a list of must-have veggie-friendly German food to turn your trip into an exciting vegetarian holiday.
Popular itinerary from Germany to Austria:
Explore the Vegan Restaurants in Berlin
Germany’s capital city has become a mecca for vegetarian and vegan food in recent years, with options ranging from fine-dining to the classic Berlin street food. Any vegetarian or vegan in Berlin will find their way around the city’s menus with ease. Some of the country’s best vegetarian restaurants are in Berlin. There are over 30 vegan places to eat at in Berlin, and veggie-friendly options at most restaurants. Upon visiting Berlin, it’s hard to ignore the large Turkish influence, which luckily has also trickled into the city’s food culture. Vegetarians will enjoy the variety of Turkish foods, such as Dolma (stuffed vine leaves), eggplant salad, and vegetarian Kofte (meatballs), just to name a few. Of course, no Berlin food tour is complete without sampling a warm pretzel, found in almost any bakery.
Go local in Cologne
The next stop on your vegetarian holiday, Cologne is a city in the Bavarian region. Though Cologne is famous for its heavy meat dishes, there are many tasty animal-friendly options in this region as well. Obatzter is a Bavarian staple. It is a dip made of mixed soft and hard cheeses, beer, and spices. It can be eaten with baked goods as a light dinner, or shared between friends at a bar. Knödel, or boiled dumplings, are another regional dish worth trying. These delightfully fluffy dumplings are versatile, and can be served with a sauce, as a side, or in soups. Before leaving, be sure to try some Kartoffelpuffer! Though it’s a mouthful (literally), they might be familiar to some as they are similar to latkes or potato pancakes. Served either sweet or savory, they are often topped with apple sauce, powdered sugar, or with yogurt sauce.
Savory Stuttgart
Stuttgart is a charming city with a lot to offer. After exploring the scenic center, wind down at a restaurant and sample the local cuisine. Kartoffelsalat, or potato salad, is a traditional dish in the Swabian region of Germany. Unlike potato salad at your family barbecue, Kartoffelsalat is made with vinegar and typically served warm or at room temperature. It’s tangy, sweet, and topped with chives, dill, or parsley. Similar to ravioli, Maultaschen is a hearty dish of stuffed pasta filled with spinach, onions, herbs, and spices. The typical dish is also stuffed with meat, but vegetarian versions can also be found. They can be pan-fried, served in soup, or topped with butter and caramelized onions. Adopted from the French, Flammkuchen is another delicious option to sample on your vegetarian holiday. Similar to pizza, this square-shaped flat bread is baked in a wood-fire oven and topped with cheeses and vegetables.
What to Munch in Munich
The largest city in the state of Bavaria, Munich holds its own in the vegetarian food scene. You can’t leave Germany without eating Spätzle, and Munich is the perfect spot to try it. Spätzle is a pasta dish made from egg noodles, and is best when ordered Käsespätzle (covered in cheese). Similar to the beloved macaroni and cheese, this dish is often served in markets and festivals, and is loved by Germans across the country. Brotzeit, which literally translates to “bread time,” is just that: a snack consisting of savory bread with a variety of accompaniments. These can be pretzels or bread with egg, vegetables, cheese spreads, and pickled condiments. Lastly, Schupfnudeln is another noodle dish made from potatoes, similar to gnocchi though rolled longer in size. They are best served in a simple sauce topped with herbs, or eaten with sauerkraut.
Veggie in Vienna
Your vegetarian holiday isn’t complete without every non-meat-eater’s favorite part of the meal: dessert. Eating vegetarian in Vienna is similar to what you’d find in Germany. Like in Berlin, there are many vegan restaurants in Vienna. However, the city’s main culinary attraction is its delectable pastries. Kaiserschmarrn is a local dessert made of shredded fluffy pancakes with sweet toppings, like jams, fruits, cinnamon, or powdered sugar. If that’s not enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, try Sachertorte, a decadent cake invented for a prince. Indeed royal in taste, this chocolate cake is topped with a layer of apricot jam, then coated in dark chocolate icing. Though there are variations, this is a classic Viennese delicacy and it’s best to stick to the original. Finally, what trip to Vienna is complete without Apfelstrudel? This apple pastry is best enjoyed warm and topped with a scoop of ice cream or vanilla sauce.
Hungry yet? We thought so! Pack your bags, keep this vegetarian and vegan guide handy, and get ready for your adventure through Germany and Austria!
Check out these blog posts to discover more vegetarian hot spots, or to plan your trip to Germany and Austria!
