Vistor Notes:
Subject: 'No problem for vegans'
Posted by Amy1274 on: Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 02:07 AM PST
Despite having a reputation as being a country of meat-lovers, I have lived in two different parts of Germany as a vegan without any problems. As "Sonja and Dirk" have said in these notes, DM is the place to go for your staples such as blocks of tofu, spreads (I recommend the Aubergine Pate (Streichcreme) and Almond (Mandel) Butter), wholegrain crackers, sauces, dairy-free milks and even vegan tortellini. Apart from in Hamburg, I have found a DM in every German city and many smaller towns that I have visited. Fresh vegetables are very cheap in Germany and can be purchased from a "Bio-Markt" - look for the "Reformhaus" chain, or supermarkets - even Aldi produce tends to be fairly good quality.
When it comes to eating out in Germany, Italian, Indian and middle-Eastern restaurants are plentiful and usually have vegan options although it is still best to ask for clarification, whereas traditional German restaurants may not be such a good bet. However, there are a couple of specific vegetarian "German-style" venues if you don't mind going off the beaten track a little - check the listings on this site for recommendations.
Have a great time in Germany!
Subject: 'veggie pate'
Posted by Sonja and Dirk on: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 12:44 PM PST
For anyone who likes veggie pates as we do, you must stock up while in Germany since they are made there. Try both Tartex and Alnatura. They have so many more types available than what is imported into the US. Dirk was especially excited about the soja leberwurst (soy liverwurst) since he used to eat the real stuff growing up (yuck!). We picked up them up at "dm" stores (a drugstore chain) since they are all over, including city centers where we were staying, and carry both brands. They also have breads, etc, so you can pick up some good snack food without finding a health food store, like Alnatura and Basic Bio. "dm" (drogerie markt) stores are in neighboring countries too (Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, etc), so we stopped at each one we saw to get more for the next train ride! ;-)
Subject: 'Food Cooperatives in Berlin and Germany'
Posted by Chia on: Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 05:44 AM PST
Food cooperatives are the cheaper alternative to the the more expensive health food stores. People get together to order organic food at wholesalers or local farmers in larger quantities and distribute the tasks and costs of doing so among themselves. The larger so-called "foodcoops" usually have a small shop/stock where the goods are delivered, stored and bought. Since they are usually members-only, it is unfortunately an option only available to those who stay in Berlin for a prolonged time. Foodcoops are always organic and very veggie-friendly if not 100% vegetarian. A list of foodcoops and more information can be found in the fooodcoopedia, see
website: http://foodcoopedia.de.vu
Subject: 'vegetarian friendly country'
Posted by Guest on: Friday, December 09, 2005 at 11:34 AM PST
Germany is the most vegetarian-friendly country I have been to in Europe, (aside from Britain and Ireland where I also had good experiences). There are lots of options and the general mentality is very open.
