Currywurst and Döner, foods that are part of Berlin’s identity are getting a plant-based makeover. All over Berlin you can find vegan versions of traditionally meat based dishes. Vegan currywurst and plant-based döner are quickly becoming part of Berlin’s food identity.
Berlin is often called the vegan capital of Europe, and not without reason, with over 116 completely vegan restaurants, and thousands more offering vegan options, there are plenty of options to choose from. Unlike other cities, veganism in Berlin is often considered mainstream. Plant-based food is widely available and socially accepted. The city has seen a major rise in the number of vegan friendly food options, both in street food and in higher end restaurants. This trend reflects a cultural shift, as local foods are reimagined to align with modern values like animal welfare and sustainability.
Curry61 at Hackeschermarkt
In the centre of Berlin, near the Hackescher Markt you can find the popular currywurst restaurant ‘Curry61’. Alongside the traditional currywurst made from pork, there is a plant-based alternative made from soy and seitan. Served in the same tray, covered in spiced ketchup and curry powder it looks almost identical to the meat version.
The vegan variation has only been available for about 2 years. The owner Andreas explains that creating this version was a response to the growing demand. “I do not think it is a trend that will pass, it will only increase in the coming years”.
His customers are a mix of both tourists and locals. ‘Some days the people are only asking for the vegan currywurst’. It is clear that plant-based options are becoming a standard part of Berlin’s food culture.
The vegan version and the meat version look identical
Berlin has been known for its changing food culture through influences of immigration, subcultures and political shifts. The punk and queer scene embraced veganism early on, using it as a political statement. This created the perfect environment for the rise of veganism, which aligns with Berlin’s values like openness to new ideas and inclusivity.
This shift isn’t just visible on the streets, it is supported by numbers. According to a report by HappyCow from 2023, the number of vegan restaurants has risen by forty percent in the last three years. When there were around 80 vegan restaurants before, currently there are approximately 116 restaurants that exclusively offer plant-based options. Another study by AOK found that almost half of the children in Berlin rarely or never eat meat.
While restaurant owners respond to demand, it is everyday Berliners and tourists which are driving the change. For many Berliners being vegan is not just a diet, it is part of their lifestyle. Pauline, a student living in Berlin says the city makes it much easier to eat without animal products. “It doesn’t matter where you go, there is always a vegan option that isn’t just salad or fries”. She never feels like she is missing out, being vegan is not a restriction for her in Berlin.
She agrees that a vegan currywurst can still be authentic, for her it is mostly the spices that make it feel original. And even if it does not taste exactly like the meat version, for her the most important thing is that no animal has to suffer.
Another restaurant that reimagines a popular street food in Berlin is Zerö Kebab. This is a completely vegan döner restaurant. Here the plantbased döner is served in the traditional style with fresh vegetables and different sauces. The seitan “meat” is grilled and spiced just like regular döner. Instead of demand, this restaurant was started from an ideological motivation. To rethink the current fast food options to options that are plant based and future looking. “Food can be sustainable and still taste amazing’’. For him it is about proving that plant-based food isn’t a compromise.
Zerö Kebab, a fully vegan kebab restaurant
The customers here are a mix of vegans, vegetarians and also many non-vegans. For the owner Mert the popularity of the restaurant is a sign of a shifting food culture in Berlin. “You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy our food. Berlin is really open-minded when it comes to food, people come here to try something different”
Despite the popularity of these vegan fast foods, there remains a group of people that is sceptical of the developments. For some, the rise of vegan alternatives feels like a loss of Berlin’s culinary identity. One owner of a currywurst stand in Berlin Mitte explains: “Currywurst is a meat dish, a vegan version simply can’t replace it”. For him and many others food is tied to identity and memories. They fear that these meat based comfort foods and thus their memories will be spoiled by the vegan interpretations.
Curry61 at Alexanderplatz
Berlin’s food culture is in motion, and open to reinvention. The rise of vegan versions of iconic dishes like the currywurst does not only reflect a change in eating habits, but also a shift towards more sustainable and inclusive options. While some people remain attached to the traditional versions, many Berliners welcome these developments with open arms. In a place known for its openness and experimentation the classic recipes are not immune to change, but perhaps change is the most authentic tradition in Berlin.
Enlarge
