Chasing vegan food in Germany can be a tough task. German cuisine is famous for meat — often fried, always abundant — and the vegan options at traditional breweries and Gaststätten don’t always inspire much excitement. Unless, of course, you’re a fan of a tired-looking salad drowning in dressing.
Good news? Cologne is different. The city has quietly built one of the most vibrant vegan food scenes in Germany, with options spanning everything from Vietnamese street food to creative international cuisine. Whether you’re committed to a plant-based diet or simply looking for a great meal, here are the recommendations from our free walking tour guides for the best vegan restaurants in Cologne!
Cafés & Bistros
Hempies
A reliable go-to for a relaxed bite in a welcoming setting. Hempies serves up satisfying sandwiches, toasted paninis, and genuinely delicious desserts — all at reasonable prices. Simple, consistent, and worth knowing about whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in with a coffee.
Vevi
A cheerful little café with a lot going on: bowls, bagels, waffles, and more. Great for breakfast or a casual lunch with plenty of plant-based variety on the menu.
Rich’n’Greens
A firm favourite among locals and visitors alike, Rich’n’Greens has made a name for itself with nourishing, flavour-forward bowls built around fresh, quality ingredients. Expect vibrant salads, grain bowls, and daily specials that prove healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Multiple locations across Cologne make it an easy choice wherever you find yourself in the city.
International Cuisine
Chum Chay
Chum Chay is a Vietnamese vegan restaurant right in the city centre, tucked into a courtyard near Rudolfplatz — one of Cologne’s most popular neighbourhoods. With a menu built around fresh ingredients and bold, authentic flavours, this is one of our absolute favourite vegan recommendations in the city. They also offer vegetarian options for those not strictly plant-based. Small dishes start from around €5.90, with main courses coming in closer to €12.
To80 Vegan
You don’t need to be vegan to love To80 Vegan. This Vietnamese restaurant on the edge of the Belgian Quarter serves up genuinely crave-worthy food that earns its reputation on flavour alone. A great choice no matter your dietary preferences — and a must-visit if you’re specifically seeking out vegan restaurants in Cologne.
Udum
Billing itself as an “eco-chic Asian eatery,” Udum delivers a wide variety of creative dishes in a sleek setting. The vegan sushi is a standout — creative, beautifully presented, and well worth ordering.
Virtuous Pie
If you’re craving something indulgent rather than virtuous (the name notwithstanding), Virtuous Pie delivers plant-based pizza that satisfies on every level. Think creative toppings, proper crusts, and flavour combinations that make you forget you’re eating vegan. A welcome addition to Cologne’s plant-based scene.
Mashery Hummus Kitchen
Everything at Mashery Hummus Kitchen is made from scratch, and the hummus is prepared fresh every single day — what the founders call “true hummus love.” Most dishes on the menu are vegan, and the quality shows. A hummus dish starts from €8 and is absolutely worth it.
Sattgrün
Don’t let the buffet format fool you — Sattgrün is far from your average all-you-can-eat. With a rotating selection of plant-based dishes drawn from a range of cuisines, all served fresh throughout the week, it’s a fantastic option if you want variety and value in one place.
Back-ups worth knowing: Falafel König, Veganland Çigköfte Falafel Lahmacun, Adida Vegan Köln, Ngon Veggie, Yuícery Ehrenstraße
For more recommendations on what to eat, see, and do in Cologne, check out our full recommendations page — or better yet, join one of our free walking tours and ask your guide in person. A Free walking tour means exactly that: at the end of the tour, no upfront fee! You decide what it was worth to you.
Written by Pia Brehme
