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Vegan delights in Hamburg
The Hanseatic city without labskaus and eel – but with vegan highlights
After our „Vegan in the City“ journeys through Berlin and Munich, we now head up north, stopping over in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. The metropolis on the River Elbe is known for its maritime charm, its proud seafaring history and, of course, for classic North German dishes such as labskaus, eel soup and matjes rolls. But what about the vegan delights to be found in the Speicherstadt, on the Alster lakes and in the Schanzenviertel? Is it wonderful to live here without fish and meat? Spoiler alert: Absolutely!
Hamburg has a vibrant and diverse vegan scene just waiting to be discovered. From a stroll along the Landungsbrücken to the hip Karo district, we’ll show you how to get your vegan fix in the Hanseatic city.
Hello, vegan world of Hamburg!
Hamburg is considered by many to be the gateway to the world – and this is reflected in its gastronomy. Whether internationally inspired or traditional North German, the city’s culinary diversity has a lot to offer vegans. From trendy bistros and fine dining to the many food trucks at festivals and markets, the city proves that you can have a fulfilling culinary life without fish buns and currywurst. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or a relaxed café, Hamburg has something for everyone.
But what would Hamburg be without its quirky corners? The maritime atmosphere around the harbour, the trendy cafés of the Schanzenviertel and the international flair of St. Georg are all part of the city’s charm. Being vegan here also means enjoying culinary influences from all over the world – whether in the cosy alleys of Altona or along the harbour with a view of the passing ships. Our tips will guide you through all these neighbourhoods to discover the best vegan spots. So, ship ahoy for Hamburg’s vegan insider tips!
Top 10 vegan restaurants in Hamburg
Let’s start with the purely vegan restaurants – here you can order everything on the menu without hesitation and feast your way through the entire range of plant-based delicacies:
1. Froindlichst in Ottensen and Winterhude: A Hamburg institution for those who like it hearty. Here you can find vegan burgers, pizzas and burritos – in every imaginable variation. The sweet potato fries and homemade cheese dip are also a must! The sunny terraces are a great place to sit in the summer.
2. Vincent Vegan in the Europa Passage and at various locations in the city: This food truck pioneer has now made a name for itself in the city. Vegan burgers, pork alternatives and fries represent street food at its best. If you’re in a hurry, Vincent
Vegan’s many locations are ideal for a quick but tasty bite.
3. Happenpappen in the Schanzenviertel: A cosy bistro with a vegan menu that changes each day and encompasses everything from bowls to burgers and homemade cakes. Particularly popular are the hearty plant-based ‚Käsespätzle‘, which are on the menu in different variations each week. And if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat after a long day, you can’t go wrong with the vegan brownies.
4. Brammibal’s Donuts in the Schanzenviertel: If you like sweet treats, Brammibal’s is a must. Here you’ll find probably the best vegan donuts in the city – and good coffee to go with them. From classic donuts to extravagant creations with matcha or caramel, it’s the perfect stop for those with a sweet tooth!
5. The Vegan Eagle in Alsterdorf: This charming restaurant serves homemade specialities such as vegan meatball alternatives, schnitzel and creative daily specials. The savoury burgers are a particular highlight! For those who crave hearty northern German classics in vegan form, this restaurant is a must.
6. Mamalicious in the Schanzenviertel: For fans of the American diner experience, this is the place to go for vegan pancakes, tacos and mac and cheese. Ideal for a cosy Sunday breakfast or a quick lunch. The generous portions and casual atmosphere make it a popular spot for brunch fans.
7. Hanseatic in St. Pauli: A vegan restaurant with a Nordic flair. Here you can enjoy traditional dishes like vegan ‚labskaus‘ or hearty stir-fries – all without animal products, of course. Especially good: The use of regional ingredients that give the food an authentic Hamburg flavour.
8. Nord Coast Coffee Roastery in the Speicherstadt: Here it’s all about high-quality coffee and vegan snacks such as bowls and sandwiches – perfect for a quick break after a stroll through the city. Enjoy the view of the Speicherstadt from the lovingly decorated rooms and taste one of the city’s best coffee specialities.
9. Kombüse in the Gängeviertel: Creative cuisine in an alternative setting. Here you will find vegan versions of classic dishes, often inspired by the different cultures of the port city. Kömbuse is popular with young people in particular, who appreciate the colourful and alternative atmosphere of the place.
10. Salt & Silver Zentrale in the Hafencity: Overlooking the River Elbe, this is the place to go for Mexican-inspired street food – tacos, bowls and lots of vegan options – in a
stylish setting that makes the most of its proximity to the water. Great for a night out with friends or a quick lunch.
Vegan delights at the Isemarkt and the Rindermarkthalle
Hamburg’s weekly markets are a special experience for gourmets. At the Isemarkt, one of the longest open-air markets in Europe, you can find not only fresh fruit and vegetables, but also vegan delicacies such as handmade spreads, plant-based sausage alternatives and vegan pastries. You can also buy many regional organic products direct from the producer – ideal for a sustainable shopping experience.
The Rindermarkthalle St. Pauli also offers a variety of vegan options – from street food to delicatessens and a vegan supermarket. A highlight is the Bohlsener Mühle stand, which sells fresh bread and pastries. The food stalls also offer all kinds of vegan delicacies, from falafel to Asian dishes – a veritable paradise for those looking for a quick and healthy meal. The weekly market at Spielbudenplatz is also just as good in this respect.
Hamburg’s best vegan-friendly restaurants
Not all restaurants in Hamburg are vegan-only, but many offer great plant-based options. Here are some of the best vegan-friendly places in the city:
1. Die Insel in Eppendorf: Here you can find fine international cuisine with vegan options. The vegan starters and desserts are particularly good – a great place for a dinner date or special occasion.
2. Apples Restaurant at the Park Hyatt: Vegan fine dining in the city centre – innovative creations with seasonal ingredients make a visit here an unforgettable experience. The
attentive staff and atmospheric atmosphere will make you feel right at home.
3. Vleischerei in the Schanzenviertel: Traditional German cuisine with a vegan twist. The menu includes hearty dishes such as seitan roast and vegan currywurst. The rustic atmosphere invites you to linger – perfect for a cosy dinner.
4. Kleine Pause in the Sternschanze: A burger joint that also caters for vegans. The vegan burgers are creatively topped and served with homemade sauces. Whether classic or experimental, everyone will find the perfect burger here.
5. Henssler at Home: Sushi with a difference – here you will find a large selection of vegan sushi rolls and bowls, perfect for a special evening out. Innovative and delicious!
Vegan in Hamburg’s parks and at the harbour birthday party
In Hamburg, you can often soak up the sun on the banks of the Elbe or in one of the city’s many green spaces. An insider tip is the Park Café in the „Planten un Blomen“ botanical garden. Bring your own vegan snacks and enjoy the ambience of the city’s most beautiful park. For something a little more hearty, try the Altes Mädchen beer garden in the Sternschanze district, which serves vegan options such as tarte flambée and vegan sausages.
The Hafengeburtstag, Hamburg’s largest harbour festival, is also becoming more vegan every year. More and more stalls are offering plant-based alternatives, so there is plenty to feast on and celebrate. The vegan community in the Hanseatic city is sure to know one or two more vegan festivals.
Cast off and head for Hamburg’s vegan hotspots!
Hamburg proves that even a city known for its maritime, fish-rich cuisine can be a true vegan paradise. With an impressive array of purely vegan restaurants, vegan-friendly eateries and countless culinary hotspots, the Hanseatic city shows how tradition and innovation complement each other perfectly in gastronomy. Whether it’s a relaxing stroll through the Schanze, a break in the Botanical Gardens, a meal on the water or a festive dinner, vegans are sure to find something to suit them in Hamburg.
So if you’re visiting the metropolis on the Elbe, you don’t have to worry about vegan options – rather, you can expect a colourful mix of internationally inspired dishes, creative snacks and vegan versions of Northern German specialities. For the North German „sea dogs“, vegan is no longer a foreign word, but an integral part of the culinary landscape. With this in mind, cast off and head for the Elbe!
3 hanseatic recipes
If you fancy nordic cuisine, why not try these recipes?
