Frankfurt

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Vegan and Vegetarian Options

A growing selection of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants and menus catering to plant-based diets in Frankfurt.

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Comprehensive Guide to Vegan and Vegetarian Options in Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt, a cosmopolitan city in the heart of Germany, is increasingly embracing plant-based lifestyles. With a growing number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, grocery stores offering plant-based products, and a supportive community, Frankfurt is a welcoming destination for vegans and vegetarians. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the city’s vegan and vegetarian food scene.

1. Types of Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Frankfurt

Frankfurt offers a diverse range of dining options for vegans and vegetarians, from fully plant-based establishments to restaurants with dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus. Here are the main types:

a) Fully Vegan Restaurants

  • Vevay: A popular vegan restaurant offering healthy, creative dishes like Buddha bowls, vegan burgers, and plant-based desserts. The focus is on fresh, organic ingredients.
    • Price Range: €10–€20 per dish.
  • Kleiner Veganer: A cozy spot specializing in vegan comfort food, including wraps, burgers, and hearty soups.
    • Price Range: €8–€15 per dish.
  • Naturbar: Known for its vegan-friendly buffet and smoothies, this is a great option for a quick, healthy meal.
    • Price Range: €10–€18 per meal.

b) Vegetarian Restaurants

  • Sattgrün: A vegetarian buffet restaurant with a wide variety of hot and cold dishes, many of which are vegan. The buffet is pay-by-weight.
    • Price Range: €10–€20 depending on portion size.
  • Chimichurri: A vegetarian restaurant with a focus on Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including vegan tapas and mezze platters.
    • Price Range: €12–€25 per dish.

c) Omnivorous Restaurants with Vegan/Vegetarian Menus

  • Seven Swans: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a fully vegetarian tasting menu with vegan options. The dishes are seasonal and locally sourced.
    • Price Range: €100+ for a tasting menu.
  • MoschMosch: A Japanese-inspired chain with vegan ramen, rice bowls, and salads.
    • Price Range: €8–€15 per dish.

d) International Cuisine

Frankfurt’s multicultural population means you’ll find plenty of international restaurants with vegan and vegetarian options:

  • Indian Restaurants: Many Indian restaurants, such as Saravanaa Bhavan, offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan curries, dosas, and thalis.
  • Middle Eastern Cuisine: Restaurants like Aroma serve falafel, hummus, and other vegan-friendly dishes.
  • Asian Cuisine: Vietnamese and Thai restaurants often have tofu-based dishes and vegetable stir-fries.

2. Popular Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes in Frankfurt

Here are some dishes you’ll commonly find in Frankfurt’s vegan and vegetarian food scene:

  • Vegan Schnitzel: A plant-based take on the classic German schnitzel, often made with seitan or soy.
  • Frankfurter Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A traditional herb sauce served with boiled potatoes or tofu. Ensure it’s made without dairy for a vegan version.
  • Vegan Currywurst: A plant-based version of the iconic German street food, made with vegan sausage and curry ketchup.
  • Buddha Bowls: A staple in many vegan restaurants, featuring grains, vegetables, and plant-based proteins.
  • Vegan Cheesecakes and Pastries: Many cafes offer vegan versions of traditional German desserts.

3. Price Ranges for Vegan and Vegetarian Dining

  • Budget-Friendly: €5–€10 (e.g., falafel wraps, vegan street food, or small café meals).
  • Mid-Range: €10–€20 (e.g., casual dining at vegan/vegetarian restaurants).
  • High-End: €50+ (e.g., fine dining or tasting menus at upscale restaurants like Seven Swans).

4. Grocery Stores with Vegan and Vegetarian Products

Frankfurt has a variety of grocery stores and specialty shops catering to plant-based diets:

a) Supermarkets

  • Rewe and Edeka: Both offer a wide range of vegan and vegetarian products, including plant-based milks, meat substitutes, and ready-made meals.
  • Aldi and Lidl: Budget-friendly options with an expanding selection of vegan products.

b) Organic Stores

  • Alnatura: A chain of organic supermarkets with an extensive vegan section, including fresh produce, snacks, and pantry staples.
  • Denn’s Biomarkt: Another organic store with a focus on sustainable and plant-based products.

c) Specialty Stores

  • Veganz: A fully vegan supermarket offering everything from plant-based cheeses to vegan chocolate and frozen meals.
  • Asian and Middle Eastern Stores: Great for finding tofu, tempeh, and vegan-friendly sauces and spices.

5. Cultural Attitudes Towards Plant-Based Diets

Germany has seen a significant rise in veganism and vegetarianism in recent years, and Frankfurt is no exception. While traditional German cuisine is meat-heavy, the city’s diverse population and progressive mindset have fostered a growing acceptance of plant-based diets. Many restaurants and cafes are familiar with vegan and vegetarian requirements, and it’s common to find plant-based options on menus.

Tips:

  • Use the phrase “Ich bin vegan/vegetarisch” (I am vegan/vegetarian) when ordering.
  • Ask for “ohne Fleisch” (without meat) or “ohne Milchprodukte” (without dairy products) to clarify your preferences.

6. Events, Markets, and Organizations

Frankfurt has a vibrant vegan and vegetarian community, with regular events and markets to explore:

a) Events

  • VeggieWorld Frankfurt: One of Europe’s largest vegan lifestyle fairs, featuring food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and talks.
  • Vegan Street Day: A festival celebrating vegan food and culture, with vendors offering a variety of plant-based dishes.

b) Markets

  • Kleinmarkthalle: A bustling indoor market with fresh produce, vegan-friendly baked goods, and specialty items.
  • Weekly Farmers’ Markets: Held in various neighborhoods, these markets often have organic and vegan-friendly products.

c) Organizations

  • ProVeg Frankfurt: A local branch of the international organization promoting plant-based living. They host events, workshops, and meetups.
  • Vegan Meetup Groups: Check platforms like Meetup.com for vegan and vegetarian social groups in Frankfurt.

7. Tips for Navigating the Local Food Scene

  • Learn Key Phrases: Familiarize yourself with German terms for vegan and vegetarian foods (e.g., “vegan,” “vegetarisch,” “pflanzlich”).
  • Use Apps: Apps like HappyCow and Vanilla Bean are excellent for finding vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Frankfurt.
  • Be Specific: When ordering, specify your dietary restrictions to avoid confusion, especially in traditional restaurants.
  • Explore Beyond Restaurants: Don’t miss out on vegan-friendly bakeries, juice bars, and food trucks.

Frankfurt’s vegan and vegetarian scene is thriving, offering a mix of traditional German flavors and international influences. Whether you’re dining out, shopping for groceries, or attending a community event, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your plant-based lifestyle.