Vegan Doughnuts par excellence: Brammibal’s Donuts
If you have a sweet tooth like I do, you have to visit Brammibal’s Donuts. For years, this well-loved bakery has been a must-visit for anyone exploring the Berlin food scene. It’s frequented not only by people following a plant-based diet but by anyone who loves an indulgent treat. In addition to the classic flavours, such as Cinnamon Sugar and Boston Cream, there are also monthly specials so you can regularly experience new taste sensations. Be warned though – Brammibal’s is seriously addictive!
Trying out their new flavour every month is one of the main reasons I love visiting Brammibal’s, but my favourite doughnut of all time is one of their classics: Bienenstich. Inspired by the classic German cake, it is filled with homemade vanilla custard and finished with vanilla glaze, and roasted slivered almonds. Pro tip: save money by getting a box of four doughnuts! If you visit during the summer months and need something sweet to help you cool down, Brammibal’s has got you covered. They also offer Oatly’s soft serve ice cream with various toppings, with or without a doughnut (all year long!). There are several branches of Brammibals’ around Berlin, so make sure to stop by!
Authentic Chinese cuisine: CAI Kitchen
Are you desperate to travel to China but just haven’t had the chance yet? Well, if you want to try authentic Szechuan cuisine, make sure to visit CAI Kitchen. All dishes are prepared in the classic Szechuan style, so things can get pretty spicy. Trust me when I say that three or more chilli symbols next to a menu item means that it’s really packing some heat. If you’re feeling particularly brave, some dishes even have five!
From noodles in Yuxiang sauce to silken tofu and potato dumplings, make sure to try more than just one dish. My absolute favourite is the vegan Tantan Noodles with marinated soy mince and crunchy vegetables, followed by the Udon Noodles in Sweet and Spicy TianShui Style Sauce. I haven’t had the courage yet to try the Very Spicy Peanuts Udon Noodles with the five chilli icons, but I’m determined to do so one day. The restaurant is quite small, so you might have to wait a short while to be served, but the wait is totally worth it!
Berlin classic: Vöner
You absolutely cannot visit Berlin without trying the German/Turkish classic, the kebab. Thankfully, there are plant-based options available, so you can get the full experience minus the meat. One vegan kebab pioneer is Vöner, which opened in 2006 and has been serving plant-based versions of the famous street food ever since.
Vöner’s seitan kebab meat alternative is prepared daily on-site and is served on classic pita bread with veggies and a choice of three different sauces. There are a few tables to sit down at, or you can tuck in on the move – the way kebabs are supposed to be eaten! In addition to their classic kebabs, you can also get a vegan version of Currywurst (another Berlin classic, featuring chunky fries with sliced sausage and curry ketchup) as well as an assortment of burgers.
Combining food and politics: Radikalecker
The collective Radikalecker is a political vegan café in the Berlin neighbourhood of Neukölln. The café is a self-organised workspace that welcomes people interested in veganism, animal liberation, solidarity economy, politics, and – most importantly – cake.
It’s the perfect place to get breakfast or a light lunch or to sit down for coffee and cake with like-minded individuals and immerse yourself in stimulating conversation. As well as various freshly baked cakes, they also serve a selection of bagels, scrambled tofu, and porridge. One of my favourite cakes at Radikalecker is their New York Cheesecake with a berry layer on top, paired with a delicious matcha latte.
Organic Veggie Dumplings: Momos Berlin
Dumpling lovers, this one’s for you! Founded in 2013 and located in the heart of Berlin, Momos is dedicated to dumplings. While not exclusively vegan, it is completely meat-free and has plenty of choices for plant-based guests.
At Momos, the eating experience is also a visual one, as all the dumplings are fun colours, from vibrant yellows to soft pinks. I’d recommend choosing the all-in option and trying one of everything. Just make sure to tell the employees you want the vegan version! This way, you can get the full Momos experience in a single visit!
Sustainable bakery & plant-based pâtisserie: Sakura
Sakura combines artisanal baking and regional ingredients with a Japanese influence. The cafe takes a holistic approach to sustainability and looks at the impact of all aspects of their business, from the choice of ingredients to their distribution routes.
Alongside their decadent cakes and pastries, Sakura also offers a variety of breakfast options, including sandwiches and French toast, with everything freshly baked in-house. When visiting Sakura, make sure to take a peek inside the bakery, which is viewable from the café through a glass screen so you can watch the delicious treats being prepared. Pair your cake with coffee or – to complete the experience – Japanese matcha. Just make sure to arrive hungry!
Tapas, but make it Thai: Li.ke Thai
Located in Boxhagener Platz in the heart of the Friedrichshain neighbourhood, this tapas-style Thai restaurant is completely plant-based. Vegan visitors to the area will be spoilt for choice, but make sure to stop by Li.ke Thai for a unique experience.
With 20 different Thai tapas dishes on the menu, Li.ke Thai is known for its sharing plates, so bring along some friends and order a selection! From a refreshing papaya salad to crispy tofu in peanut sauce, there’s something for every taste. Whether you come for lunch or dinner, the restaurant is usually quite busy, but don’t let that stop you as the wait is usually short and definitely worth it!
