Hamburg in Germany is often celebrated for its majestic port, the historic Speicherstadt, and its legendary nightlife. However, in recent years, a new cultural revolution has taken hold of the Hanseatic city: a vibrant, diverse, and incredibly sophisticated vegan food scene! From high-end dining to cozy neighbourhood gems, Hamburg has evolved into what locals call an "absolute unit" for plant-based living.
If you are navigating the streets of this beautiful Elbe metropolis looking for the ultimate vegan experience, look no further! Whether you are a long-time vegan, a curious flexitarian, or an expat settling into your new Hamburg life, this guide highlights the three must-visit spots that define the city's green culinary heart.
At the very top of our list is Bao Bao, a restaurant that represents more than just a meal - it is the fulfilment of a long-held dream! Nestled in the stylish district of Eppendorf, Bao Bao has been delighting guests since May 2019 with a concept that blends traditional Vietnamese flavours with a modern commitment to sustainability.
What sets Bao Bao apart is its deep commitment to its roots: to create the perfect fusion of Vietnamese and vegan cuisine, the founders travelled back to their homeland to find inspiration for their recipes. This journey didn't stop at the kitchen; they also hand-selected and imported their furniture, plates, and bowls directly from Vietnam to ensure that every guest feels transported to another world. Amazing, isn't it?
1. Bao Bao: Authentic Vietnamese Traditions in the Heart of Eppendorf
At the very top of our list is Bao Bao, a restaurant that represents more than just a meal - it is the fulfilment of a long-held dream! Nestled in the stylish district of Eppendorf, Bao Bao has been delighting guests since May 2019 with a concept that blends traditional Vietnamese flavours with a modern commitment to sustainability.
The Essence of Authenticity
What sets Bao Bao apart is its deep commitment to its roots: to create the perfect fusion of Vietnamese and vegan cuisine, the founders travelled back to their homeland to find inspiration for their recipes. This journey didn't stop at the kitchen; they also hand-selected and imported their furniture, plates, and bowls directly from Vietnam to ensure that every guest feels transported to another world. Amazing, isn't it?
The atmosphere in the Schrammsweg location is cozy and inviting, featuring warm wooden tables and a romantic ambiance that makes it perfect for both a quiet date night or a lively dinner with friends!
The menu is an extensive celebration of fresh, market-grown ingredients. You won't find over-processed meat substitutes here; instead, the kitchen focuses on vitamins, fresh herbs, and traditional techniques!
Culinary Highlights at Bao Bao
The menu is an extensive celebration of fresh, market-grown ingredients. You won't find over-processed meat substitutes here; instead, the kitchen focuses on vitamins, fresh herbs, and traditional techniques!
- Pho Ha Noi: a traditional rice ribbon noodle soup served in a fragrant vegetable broth with mushrooms and fresh herbs (the ultimate comfort food for a rainy Hamburg afternoon);
- Summer rolls: these rice paper rolls are packed with fresh salad, mango, and herbs, served with a choice of avocado or crispy veggie duck and homemade dips, yummm!
- Tapas mixteller for two: if you can’t decide, this sharing platter is a feast for the senses, featuring summer rolls, dumplings, spring rolls, and shrimp skewers, too;
- Crunch delight: a spicy highlight featuring crispy broccoli and tofu in a rich Korean Gochujang sauce.
With a stellar reputation for being a "vegan heaven," Bao Bao is undeniably the premier destination for authentic plant-based Asian cuisine in Hamburg.
Location: Schrammsweg 10, 20249 Hamburg District: Eppendorf Website: www.baobao-hamburg.de
Moving from the refined streets of Eppendorf to the edgy, creative district of St. Pauli, you will find HappenPappen. This cozy vegan restaurant has become a local institution, known for its warm ambiance and friendly service.
HappenPappen focuses on a 100% plant-based philosophy that moves away from clichés - where possible, ingredients are sourced regionally and seasonally! The restaurant is particularly famous for its mountainous, veggie-filled sandwiches and its inventive quiches.
Location: Schrammsweg 10, 20249 Hamburg District: Eppendorf Website: www.baobao-hamburg.de
2. HappenPappen: The Soul of St. Pauli
Moving from the refined streets of Eppendorf to the edgy, creative district of St. Pauli, you will find HappenPappen. This cozy vegan restaurant has become a local institution, known for its warm ambiance and friendly service.
A Focus on Freshness and Community
HappenPappen focuses on a 100% plant-based philosophy that moves away from clichés - where possible, ingredients are sourced regionally and seasonally! The restaurant is particularly famous for its mountainous, veggie-filled sandwiches and its inventive quiches.
Some Must-Try Dishes Are:
- The Burgers: whether you choose a seitan or lentil patty, the burgers at HappenPappen are legendary (the Kimchi Burger with homemade kimchi and cheddar sauce is a flavour explosion);
- Wurzel pasta: orecchiette served with a parsnip-mustard sauce, lemon pointed cabbage, and beetroot: a perfect example of their creative plant-based cooking!
- Brunch specials: on weekends, their Blumenkohl Benedict (a plant-based twist on Eggs Benedict) is a must-try for any brunch enthusiast.
Location: Feldstraße 36, 20357 Hamburg
District: St. Pauli
For those willing to venture a bit further north near the Hamburg airport, The Vegan Eagle offers a unique dining experience. This restaurant is home to Hamburg’s first vegan beer garden and focuses on international cuisine that changes with the seasons.
Owned by Chef Konstantin Elser, who has cooked his way through some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, The Vegan Eagle brings global culinary expertise to the vegan table. The menu is a "wild ride" through different cultures, offering everything from oat-based burgers to Asian soups.
3. The Vegan Eagle: Global Flavours in a Natural Setting
For those willing to venture a bit further north near the Hamburg airport, The Vegan Eagle offers a unique dining experience. This restaurant is home to Hamburg’s first vegan beer garden and focuses on international cuisine that changes with the seasons.
Global Expertise
Owned by Chef Konstantin Elser, who has cooked his way through some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, The Vegan Eagle brings global culinary expertise to the vegan table. The menu is a "wild ride" through different cultures, offering everything from oat-based burgers to Asian soups.
Signature Experiences
- The Veagle Burger: a hearty satisfying burger that has gained a massive following;
- Massaman curry: a rich, Thai-inspired dish with crunchy vegetables and roasted peanuts;
- Vegan Labskaus: a creative plant-based take on the traditional Northern German sailor's dish!
Location: Wischhöfen 4, 22415 Hamburg
District: Langenhorn (North)
From the polished corners of Hamburg’s Eppendorf to the rebellious buzz of St. Pauli and the breezy calm up north in Langenhorn, this city proves that plant-based living is anything but boring. Forget the stereotypes: Hamburg’s vegan scene is bold, globe-trotting, comfort-food-loving, and seriously delicious! Whether you’re slurping pho at Bao Bao, diving into a stacked burger at HappenPappen, or soaking up beer garden vibes at The Vegan Eagle, one thing’s for sure: this port city isn’t just sailing toward the future - it’s seasoning it beautifully!
Final Thoughts
From the polished corners of Hamburg’s Eppendorf to the rebellious buzz of St. Pauli and the breezy calm up north in Langenhorn, this city proves that plant-based living is anything but boring. Forget the stereotypes: Hamburg’s vegan scene is bold, globe-trotting, comfort-food-loving, and seriously delicious! Whether you’re slurping pho at Bao Bao, diving into a stacked burger at HappenPappen, or soaking up beer garden vibes at The Vegan Eagle, one thing’s for sure: this port city isn’t just sailing toward the future - it’s seasoning it beautifully!
