Berlin has taken a special place in my heart, which in turn has made it one of my favourite cities in the world. While many go there for the history or the famous nightlife, I return for the amazing food scene. If you happen to visit Berlin, you will see that it is a foodie’s paradise. My partner is a very critical food connoisseur, and they were very impressed by how Berlin does vegan cuisine so well.
Travelling to a foreign city’s food scene is a challenge, which is why I put together this guide to the best culinary experiences. Also, I’ve included a few that are over hyped and, in fact, not worth the trip.
The Culinary Highs: At which restaurants to check out.
- Bamboo Leaf
If you are a fan of bold Asian flavours, this hot and happening place on Nürnberger Straße is a definite go-to. The excellent design and atmosphere set the stage for an amazing menu of Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese dishes. I really put the uramaki and the Futo veggie baked sushi roll on as must-order items to share — they are very pretty and very tasty. Also try their signature house cocktail, which is a special sweet mix of rice liquor, guava nectar, and almond syrup. Pro Tip: The fish sauce issue isn’t clearly stated on the menu, so I’d check with the staff for confirmation that everything is, in fact, plant-based. - Evin Pizza & Pasta
A couple of years back, I went to Rome, and I was won over by Cacio e Pepe. I thought for sure I’d never again have a pasta dish that would compare until I went to Evin. Their take on the classic dish is amazing. It is a great no-frills place that also has very friendly and warm service. Also, I went back and tried the penne arrabbiata, which they had put some mushrooms in, and it was fantastic, very comforting. Pass on the complimentary tiramisu at the end (it is a bit rich) and do let the main dishes steal the show.
- Meet Me Halfway
This family-owned Persian deli is my go-to for breakfast and lunch; I made 2 visits in a single trip! The prices are a bit higher than other local cafes, which I think is worth it for the quality they provide. Try the Adas Polo (which has fragrant lentils, raisins and dates) and ask for the herb yoghurt to be substituted for their creamy hummus, which makes it a full vegan option. For brunch, the Mezze platter is to die for; it comes with grilled veggies, smoky baba ganoush, tabbouleh and fresh bread. - Ho Lo Asia Restaurant & Brammibal’s Donuts
For a great dinner, go to Ho Lo Asia. While service may be a little hit or miss, the food is well worth it. They have a great veggie glass noodle salad that is a light and crispy starter. Also, the main event is their vegan duck, which is outstanding. Made with perfect seasonings that are a true representation of duck flavour, it is very, very flavorful.
And also, you must include a stop at Brammibal’s in Kreuzberg on your food tour. We have a fully vegan bakery there, which does handmade doughnuts daily. The tiramisu doughnut is a great choice for those who love coffee-flavoured desserts. Also very much to try is the rich white nougat pistachio and the banoffee.
The Overhyped Spots to Skip
To save you time and money, we have looked at two popular options that did not live up to expectations.
- Neni Berlin: Right next to the famous Monkey Bar, this spot often takes the top spot in travel reviews, but we found the food to be overpriced and lacking in flavour. The spicy roasted eggplant was more like rice in a plain tomato sauce, and the hummus was flooded with horseradish. Instead, we say to pass on the dinner here and head right to the bar above for drinks and that 90s music experience!
- Quy Nguyen Vegan Living: Although we had a great idea for the dishes, the service was very quick, which in turn left them flat. Also, they only accept cash, which is very frustrating.
Berlin’s food for plants is on the move, and we present to you those that have some of the best meals you’ll find anywhere. Bon appétit!
