VOOD FOOD
Vegan life in Cologne – with a touch of humour
Rhineland joie de vivre meets plant-based indulgence
After our culinary journey through Munich, Berlin and Hamburg, our next stop takes us along the Rhine to the cathedral city of Cologne. This metropolis steeped in history is known not only for its imposing cathedral, Carnival and Kölsch beer, but also for its hearty meat dishes such as Himmel un Ääd and Sauerbraten. But what if you follow a purely plant-based diet? Is Cologne a vegan’s paradise? The answer is a resounding yes! The city on the Rhine is fast becoming a hotspot for vegan cuisine that is diverse, modern and surprisingly creative.
Whether strolling through the Old Town, along the banks of the Rhine or in the trendy Belgian Quarter, Cologne offers plenty of culinary discoveries for people who want to do without animal products. The city boasts an impressive variety of modern cafés, alternative bistros and innovative restaurants, proving that plant-based cuisine is much more than just a trend. We’ll take you on a vegan voyage of discovery and show you how to enjoy a purely plant-based meal in Cologne.
Vegan from Ehrenfeld to Südstadt: the best purely vegan restaurants
The range of purely vegan restaurants in Cologne is something to be proud of. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a delicious plant-based meal:
– Bunte Burger (Ehrenfeld): A pioneer on the vegan scene. The restaurant serves innovative burger creations made from purely organic ingredients. Especially popular are the BBQ Burger with homemade sauce and the Beyond Meat Burger. Sustainability is a priority here.
– Sattgrün (city centre): A buffet restaurant in a class of its own. There’s a huge selection of hot and cold dishes, from curries and pasta through to hearty stews – all completely vegan. The best part is that the menu changes daily, so even regulars will always find something new to try.
– Trash Chic (Kalk): Uncomplicated, alternative and quirky, this vegan bistro is known for its hearty fast-food classics such as gyros, burgers and currywurst, but of course everything is purely plant-based. Perfect for a cosy evening in a relaxed atmosphere, where you can feast in a relaxed atmosphere.
– Well Being (Belgian Quarter): Vegan Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated here – authentic, aromatic and made with fresh organic ingredients. Try the summer rolls and curry dishes, which are prepared with great attention to detail.
– The Great Berry (Südstadt): Healthy, modern and creative, this health food café specialises in smoothie bowls, fresh salads and homemade juices. The perfect place for a healthy breakfast or light lunch. The colourful bowls in particular are a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Top 6 vegan Cologne specialities
What are the most popular specialities in Cologne?
Here are the top 5 and our tips on how to veganise them:
1. Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and earth)
The potato is extremely popular in traditional Cologne cooking. For example, in its „Ädäppelsupp“ (potato soup) – but also as Himmel un Ääd …
- Traditional: Mashed potatoes with apple sauce, served with fried blood sausage.
- Veganised: Replace the blood sausage with fried vegan sausages or smoked tofu.
2. Rievkooche (potato pancakes)
- Traditional: Potato pancakes served with turnip greens.
- Veganised: This recipe is almost vegan already. Just replace the egg with cornflour and some mineral water or a good egg substitute powder.
3. Halve Hahn
- Traditional: A rye roll with a thick slice of cheese, served with onions, mustard and gherkins.
- Veganised: Use vegan cheese alternatives.
4. Höhnerjemangs
- Traditional: This is actually chicken, namely chicken fricassee.
- Veganised: This works wonderfully with plant-based alternatives to chicken, e.g. soy strips. Add lots of vegetables such as peas, carrots, asparagus (white or green) and mushrooms. Butter, cream and eggs can also be easily replaced with their vegan siblings. Lemon and lots of fresh parsley round off the specialty.
5. Cologne-style Sauerbraten
- Traditional: Roast beef marinated in vinegar and spices, often served with raisin sauce.
- Veganised: Replace the meat with jackfruit, seitan, soy steaks or another meat alternative marinated in a spicy marinade and make the sauce with a vegetable stock.
6. Muuzemändelcher
- Traditional: Small raised pastries, similar to doughnuts, dusted with icing sugar.
- Veganised: Prepare the yeast dough without egg and milk, using only vegetable drink and margarine instead.
“Et kütt wie et kütt”
Well-fed, we continue our stroll through the city… The typical Rhineland mentality is what makes a visit to Cologne so pleasant. On the one hand, Cologne’s inhabitants are known for their cheerfulness, original humour and warm, open manner. On the other, they are also known for their relaxed attitude. „Et kütt wie et kütt“ (what will be will be) is therefore often said in all situations. Conviviality and enjoyment are the order of the day in the cathedral city. And not only during the so-called „Fifth Season“, i.e. Carnival. People like to meet in pubs, and there is a real Kölsch culture. „Kölsch“ is not only the typical beer of the region, but also the local language, which sometimes sounds like a foreign language to people from elsewhere. The people of Cologne are proud of their Kölsch beer, which is often enjoyed in one of the city’s rustic breweries or pubs. There are a number of vegan-friendly ones. Like the Moselstübchen in Neuehrenfeld – a cosy restaurant where traditional German cuisine meets vegan innovation, with everything from a vegan beef goulash to a mushroom cream schnitzel on offer. And if you’re in the mood for exotic cuisine, try the Vietnamese reinterpretations at Chum Chay in the city centre, or sushi, tacos and bowls at Udum. The city’s typical cosmopolitanism is also reflected in its gastronomic scene. In Cologne, this is no contradiction to their love of the cathedral, which is an ubiquitous landmark and symbol of the city’s long history. Almost as famous are the Rhine terraces, ideal for a stroll and an aperitif. The best thing to do when visiting the city is to see if one of the legendary music festivals is taking place somewhere. You can always find a reason to party in Cologne.
kölle alaaf !
Cologne’s Carnival is world famous and great fun for all jesters, seasoned or aspiring. JBefore you head out to create the coolest costume, allow us to fill you in on what the vegan offerings are like during Carnival. It’s good to know that Cologne is as progressive as regards its Carnival as it is with its sustainable initiatives, making it even more fun, we think.
- Go for vegan Carnival food: At the Carnival parades, you can now find vegan alternatives such as plant-based potato pancakes, French fries without animal additives, falafel and vegan sausages in the rich street-food offer. Many Cologne bakeries also sell Berliners, jelly-filled doughnuts, without animal products and vegan ‚Mutzenmandeln‘, almond-shaped Carnival pastries.
- The party never ends … thanks to vegan finger food in the pubs: Some pubs and clubs in Cologne offer vegan food or finger food, especially in the trendy districts like Ehrenfeld, Belgisches Viertel and Südstadt. It’s also worth looking out for vegan Stammtische or events during the Carnival season.
- Environmental awareness is part of the Carnival parades: Some sustainable Carnival initiatives are using vegan sweets and chocolates, which are thrown to the crowds. Look out for the vegan-friendly floats, therefore.
Vegan treasures at Cologne’s weekly markets
But there is also always something to discover in this lively city at other times of the year. Cologne’s weekly markets are a particular highlight for gourmets. Not only can you find fresh, regional produce there, but also vegan delicacies and handmade specialities from the region. You may, among other things, find cabbage for delicious stuffed cabbage rolls. Here are our 3 market recommendations in Cologne:
1. Organic market at Rudolfplatz: A paradise for lovers of fresh organic produce and vegan specialities – from homemade spreads to vegan cheese.
2. Severinskirchplatz market: Located in the heart of Südstadt, this market offers a wide range of vegan baked goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, and regional delicacies.
3. Weekly market in the Stadtwald: Surrounded by greenery, this market offers a relaxed atmosphere and an impressive range of vegan products. Particularly noteworthy are the fresh, seasonal offerings directly from regional producers.
Cologne-style vegan events and culinary highlights
Cologne is not only a melting pot of cultures, but also a stronghold of the vegan movement. Several times a year, exciting events and food festivals take place, celebrating the diversity of plant-based cuisine and offering new taste experiences:
- VeggieWorld Köln: One of the largest vegan food festivals in Germany. Here you can try out new products, take part in workshops and be inspired by cooking shows.
- Street Food Festival: Here, local and international food trucks serve creative vegan dishes ranging from tacos to doughnuts. A special highlight is the variety of international cuisines represented.
Kappes over cutlets: Cologne is a hit for vegans too!
‚Kappes‘ is the local word for white cabbage… and is also a term meaning nonsense. With a lot of wit and imagination, Cologne proves that plant-based cuisine is much more than just a trend on the Rhine. With an abundance of purely vegan restaurants, vegan-friendly eateries, markets and events, the city has become a real hotspot for conscious eaters. Whether it’s traditional Rhineland fare with a twist or modern health food trends, vegan dining is a top priority in Cologne. Visitors to the cathedral city can look forward to a culinary voyage of discovery where taste, variety and joie de vivre are never far away.
